I promised flowers and flowers you get. Oregon had plenty most everywhere you looked.
Driving north from Neskowin on Highway 101 I saw a crop, yes, a crop of Dahlias. Remember, I have been trying to grow dahlias for the first time this year. Mom waters them, I carefully weed them, stake them and speak kind words to them. Well, in Oregon they grow dahlias without stakes, in row after row along with the weeds and have a beautiful display of flowers.
I asked the man that grows them if I could take some pictures. He said I could because I had asked, then was kind enough to give me some growing details. He adds to his retirement by selling them by the dozen and sells enough to make it worth his while. What a great idea! It is much better than most of the retirement schemes I have come up with.
Hydrangeas were as common in Oregon as petunias here in Utah
Zinnias in every color made for another showy display
When I go back to Oregon I don't know if it will be because of the flowers or the dramatic ocean views. Probably both.