Editor’s note: Diane and Baer Charlton are past co-editors of this newsletter and owners of Americana Frame, a newsletter advertiser. Diane continues to contribute to our newsletter with articles reflecting a love of neighborhood and compassion for pets.
Ahhh, springtime and early summer mean beautiful gardens to enjoy in our neighborhood. My husband, Baer, and I took out our front and backyard grass lawns 20+ years ago and planted gardens instead. We’ve never regretted that decision. It is a joy each spring to witness our yard and those of our neighbors in bloom with flowers, fruits, and vegetables. To find your very own landscaping inspiration, take a walk around our great neighborhood. Then check out these helpful local resources nearby.
Bloem (the Dutch spelling as a nod to the owner’s heritage) was launched in October 2016 by Vanessa Guzman in the 42nd Avenue business district (4205 NE Alberta Street, 503-765-6175, open Monday through Friday from noon to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Vanessa expanded on her successful wedding floral and landscaping businesses and previous Pop-Up stores to secure a delightful garden store with a wide selection of succulents, other plants, flowers, and pottery. Vanessa is a gardening enthusiast with knowledge to share.
Garden Fever, owned by Lori and Richard Vollmer, is a community-favorite nursery located on Fremont and 24th (3433 NE 24th Avenue, 503-287-3200, open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) You’ll find good plants, good tools, good dirt, and sustainable gardening advice. This store has everything you need or want—a jewel of a shop to visit and enjoy.
Or, if growing your own flowers isn’t your thing, zip on over to Beaumont Florist (4201 NE Fremont Street, 503-281-5501). Under the ownership of Amy Walling since September 2016, it continues to be our favorite place to go for floral arrangements. The shop’s rich history lives on with beautifully customized arrangements and excellent customer service.
Remember that your pets enjoy gardens, too. Take a walk with your dog(s), and let your cat(s) enjoy springtime from the comfort of their indoor window perch. Hopefully you already shop at Beaumont Village’s Green Dog Pet Supply (4327 NE Fremont Street, 503-528-1800), which has everything for your pets.
Enjoy the spring/summer beauty of our Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood, and while you’re out on a walk, please pick up and properly dispose of litter. Keep B-W nice.