Up in the Portland hills near Lake Oswego, nestled in a fancy-schmancy neighborhood of large houses; there is the estate of Rae Selling Berry which is now the
Berry Botanic Garden. This location is very informal; a garden of natives with wild looking paths and little nooks and crannies. There is a sedum garden; being grown in cast cement trays, varieties I'd never seen before... and a soft clovery lawn decorated with the occasional mole hill.
It was here where the ORS members shook out their picnic sheets and put down their baskets. Parasols were popped open, and books, sketching papers and pencils were unpacked. Kay Demlow, ORS member and talented costumer, also brought the game of "Graces" for attendees to play; and the sticks and hoops were well put to use.
Tara and Christian brought "Pétanque"; a game similar to Bocci or Bowls, and they too kept various members entertained. A hand or two of whist were played, and there were paths to be explored, strawberries and treats to be enjoyed.
It was the perfect way to spend a sunday.