Metro's
inside
in Fairview offers weekend programs geared to help youngsters explore the world of the soil and forge a personal connection with nature through activities such as creating garden-inspired art or playing a garden version of bingo.
The garden's themed sections include a rain garden; a bed full of plants to smell and another with plants to touch; a pizza garden with tomatoes, onions, garlic, oregano, basil and bell peppers; and a native plant section. Right outside the Natural Discovery Garden is a water spray park. Blue Lake Park also offers picnicking, boating and a play structure.
The Natural Discovery Garden is open every day for self-guided tours -- the new interpretive signs make that more inviting -- but park staff members offer guided activities Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. They're on a drop-in basis; no need to register.
Here's a
Blue Lake Regional Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. There's a fee of $5 per car or $7 per bus, or you can buy an annual pass for $40 ($30 for seniors). Those who arrive on foot or bike can enter free of charge.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
If you want to automatically receive a free daily homes and gardens tip, sign up at OregonLive.com's newsletters subscription site.