Creativity in a Hillsboro Park

About a month ago, I wrote a post regarding a local art show that we held in the John Day area.  Paintings, sculptures, photography, books were among the displays of talent.  Sometimes life presents opportunities where you discover artists and artistic work that know no boundaries.  One such case was a recent discovery made at the Orenco Woods Nature Park in Hillsboro, Oregon.  In a corner of the park was a small grove of trees and upon closer inspection, distinct forms appeared in a whimsical style of odd faces.  They were sculptures made from saplings of trees and molded in a facial form that could resemble an ET alien!  But that is only through personal perspective.  I'm sure that was not the artist's intent but rather a place for visitors to roam through the structures and check out the park through the sculpture formation.

This placard explains more about the artist and his work.........

Patrick Dougherty has created many forms of stick work across the United States.  To view some of his art and find out more about him, his website is.... www.stickwork.net

I took a few photos of his wooden creations to share them with you.  You just never know what you will find in a park....

Until we meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, July 2nd.  God bless all your comings and goings during the next few weeks.  

The Chain Tree

I noticed this beautiful tree in all its May glory in blossom, as I was driving through a local street.  I stopped to admire it and took several photos.   I have since found out that it is called a Chain Tree, probably because of its cascading yellow blossoms.

This small tree grows about 10 to 15 feet high and its blossoms range from 6 to 10 inches long in a cascade from its branches.  These beautiful blossoms are short lived and last only for several weeks usually in May.  A gorgeous tree and deserves an admiring view.....

I determined that this was a tree to plant in my yard.... UNTIL....  I discovered a lethal fact about this wondrous tree.  All parts of this plant are poisonous due to its main toxin called cytisine.  Although mortality is rare, symptoms may cause distress with intense sleepiness, vomiting, convulsive movements, coma, severe diarrhea.  Caution is advised in using these plants in places where children, dogs and livestock can be in contact with the seedpods or foilage, both in handling or ingestion.

As I surveyed my yard, I noticed that I had some yellow going on in the yard that had its own beauty and safety too...   Yes, my springtime flower that pops up everywhere - to some, its a disgusting nuisance for a lawn.  To others, it has a beauty all its own and allowed to grow alongside the blades of green in a yard.

Enjoy your summer days that brings God's abundance of color through so many creations that remain hidden during our winter season.  It is amazing how nature comes back to life and does not disappoint year after year.

Until we meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, June 18th...