Hoyt Arboretum is known for trees, not orchids. We don’t have fancy greenhouses to grow tropical epiphytic orchids. Nor do we have deep, complex older-growth forests that might have our native terrestrial orchids, such as calypso orchids (Calypso bulbosa), coralroots (Corallorhiza spp.), or twayblades (Neottia spp.). The grounds of Hoyt Arboretum, however, do have three … Read more
Wait, are there ferns at the Arboretum? Yes indeedy, there are lots of ferns at the Arboretum! Although the Hoyt Arboretum is focused on tree conservation, we have six species of ferns that are native to our area and are regionally abundant in much of the Pacific Northwest. A few of our ferns may have … Read more
In the winter of 2014, I took early retirement after spending a good chunk of my adult life pouring all of my energy into my career until finally deciding I was done. Shortly thereafter, I replaced a failing hip which had been chronically complaining for several years prior, and I felt a page turning in … Read more
Have you ever looked closely at a flower and wondered what you are looking at? You are probably familiar with colorful and showy petals, but what are those little doohickeys in the middle? I am going to go over parts of a typical flower so that once you are familiar with basic flower parts, you … Read more
Springtime has arrived in Portland, when a quick jaunt around your neighborhood will acquaint you with a variety of flora and fauna eager to soak up the intermittent sunshine. If you are like me, you have discovered a new found freedom in these little walks around the block. Whether they are a daily ritual or … Read more