Guide to Nurseries In and Around Lake Oswego

Posted on May 12, 2024 by lovelakeoswego
This floral display is my wife’s pride and joy every summer and greets visitors at our front door.

April gave you showers. It’s up to you to plant the flowers. Here’s a guide to local nurseries where you can get ideas and all the supplies for your summer display.

DENNIS’ 7 DEES LAKE OSWEGO GARDEN CENTER. When I first moved to Lake Oswego we were home to three nurseries, Lake Grove Garden Center on Boones Ferry Road, Kasch’s on A Avenue, and Dennis 7 Dee’s on McVey. While the first two have since closed, Dennis’ 7 Dees is still open offering year-round service and selection including landscape design and maintenance as well as seminars ranging from Repotting Indoor Plants to Creating Holiday Centerpieces. You’ll want to allow time to browse through their unique gift items including local jams, fragrant candles, and handmade terrariums as well as check out their supply of pots and home décor. And their website is filled with useful information for the ambitious gardener including tips on container gardening as well as how to pick the right hydrangea for your yard. Hours: 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, 1090 McVey Avenue, 503.636.4660.

DENNIS’ 7 DEES BRIDGEPORT VILLAGE. Looking to nurture your green thumb on a wet spring day? Head over to Dennis’ 7 Dees urban plant space in Bridgeport Village and check out the indoor plants, decorative containers, and garden-related gifts. Workshops are held here too so go online to check their schedule. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. 7325 SW Bridgeport Road in Tigard, 503.992.6575.

STAFFORD RIDGE NURSERY (FORMERLY KORDELL’S GARDEN CENTER).  This locally owned garden center at the corner of Rosemont Road and Stafford specializes in locally grown plants including annuals, perennials, herbs, veggie starts, shrubs, native fruit trees and ornamental trees all served up with free advice. Weekly deliveries promise fresh product. Located right across from Luscher Farms at the roundabout, it’s a convenient go-to stop for Lake Oswego gardeners. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. 10 Rosemont Road, 503.638.1014.

BOSKY DELL NATIVES. This West Linn spot has been called a “one-of-a-kind gardening experience.” With over 300 species of native plants for sale, you’ll find items here you may not find anywhere else. Plants are categorized by their purpose: hummingbird gardens, gardening for birds, butterfly gardens, erosion control and they come with a lot of advice from the very knowledgeable and passionate owner. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  23311 SW Bosky Dell Lane, (located at the end of Bosky Dell Lane) West Linn, 503.638.5945.

HUGHES WATER GARDENS. Take advantage of the thirty plus years’ experience these folks have in building water features and visit their site if you’re looking to build and/or stock a water garden of your own. They have all the supplies you need from pond liners, to pumps and filters as well as plants such as water lilies, fairy moss and grasses. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. 25289 SW Stafford Road, Tualatin, 503. 638.1709.

AL’S GARDEN AND HOME. Not one of the four locations of this third-generation family-owned business is located in Lake Oswego but they are worth a trip if for nothing else to lift your spirits and be inspired. Their 10.5-acre flagship garden center in Sherwood is my wife’s go-to spot starting early in the spring. She watches for sales on 4” annuals like petunias and bacopa for container gardening as well as for sales on their flats. Over Mother’s Day weekend, they are featuring a And sometimes she just goes for an infusion of color when she needs it. Take time to wander through their gift shop, indoor plants, pots, outdoor furniture, and bring your burning gardening questions in and head straight to the information booth where an expert can diagnose your issue and offer a suggestion. Hours: 9:00 a.m. go 6:00 p.m., daily. 16920 SW Roy Rogers Road, 503.726.1162. Check online for sales and other store locations. The Wilsonville location is closest to Lake Oswego at 27755 SW Parkway Avenue if you’re in a hurry. It’s not as large as Sherwood but there is still a good selection.

THE GARDEN CORNER. If hanging baskets are your thing, this is your place. Need a recommendation? Just check out the baskets lining the streets of Lake Oswego, Tualatin, the Pearl District, Beaverton, Gresham, Oregon City, Summer Lake, Roseburg and more. You can let them do all the work and pre-order one for sun, shade, indoor or holiday or gather the supplies to make one yourself. The nursery itself is a beautiful spot to wander and fans attest to the fact that the plants you buy here are well-loved. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. 21550 SW 108th, Tualatin, 971.512.2688.

LOEN NURSERY. This well stocked garden center has been around for a long time. Its website is like searching through an old Sears catalog, stocked with all kinds of information on plants, trees, shrubs and flowers to help you with your planning. You can also check availability. The retail center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 18710 SW Pacific Drive in Sherwood. The wholesale contractor’s yard is open to the public on Saturdays only from March 16 through November 15, 2024 at 19205 SW Cipole Road, Sherwood, 503.625.5454. Complete the sign-up form online.

PORTLAND NURSERY. Think everything garden and you get the idea what you’ll find at this gardener’s mecca: trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, grasses, herbs, houseplants, tools, garden art, amendments, furniture and pottery. And you’ll also find some things you didn’t expect like ideas for fall and winter containers with their “monthly container” feature on their website. You can keep your green thumb green all year long! Spring hours: Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at both locations: 5050 SE Stark, 503.231.5050 and 9000 SE Division, 503.788.9000.

BIG BOX STORES. Don’t forget to check out nearby Fred Meyer, Home Depot, Lowe’s and now Wilco.

Looking for the perfect yard in Lake Oswego to nurture your love of gardening? Give one of us a call, email us and/or check out our website. We’d love to help.

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801  kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Riley Costello 971.322.6205  riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

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Inaugural Lake Grove Oregon Wine Walk Set for May 11

Posted on May 5, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

The forecast calls for pouring wine in the Lake Grove business district on Saturday, May 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and here are five reasons why you should attend.

  1. The Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce has a winning formula when it comes to hosting Wine Walks. Launching the LO Wine Walk in 2015 in downtown Lake Oswego, that event has grown to a sold-out crowd in 2023 or 800 guests and 39 pouring locations.
  2. This is the inaugural Lake Grove Oregon Wine Walk inviting you to explore Oregon wines in the region as well as restaurants, shops and the Gallery Without Walls sculptures in the recently improved Lake Grove business district.
  3. Participants can sample a variety of wines. The lineup includes Monte Ferro, Stoller Family Estates, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Lonesome Rock, Domaine Serene, King’s Raven Winery and more. Find a complete list here. Each $50 ticket entitles participants to 12-one-ounce pours, with each of the at least 20 locations featuring two wines.
  4. Food goes well with wine and the two will be paired at the event. Each business owner will greet you not only with wine but small bites as well.
  5. Two shuttles will help guests make the most of their tasting experience as they make their way through the Lake Grove Village Center along Boones Ferry Road. A map with pouring locations, parking directions and shuttle stops will be emailed to ticketed participants at least a week before the event.

Check-in and registration on the day of the event begins at 12:00 noon at Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty, 15400 Boones Ferry Road. Participants will receive tasting glasses, carry tote, tasting tickets and an event program. Locations start pouring at 2:00 p.m. there’s plenty of time to have lunch at one of the restaurants in the neighborhood.

You can buy your tickets online. Don’t miss out on this fun opportunity and invitation to explore what the Lake Grove Village District and Oregon Wines have to offer!

Stay tuned to our blog so you don’t miss out on what’s happening in Lake Oswego. Click the “Sign me up” button to subscribe and receive weekly updates to your inbox. Interested in Lake Oswego real estate market information? Reach out to one of us and we’d be happy to answer all your questions.

Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com 971.322.6205

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Things We Love About Lake Oswego in May

Posted on April 28, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

LAKE RUN. For 48 years, runners have been rewarded for tackling the hilly terrain of the Lake Oswego Lake Run with beautiful views of Oswego Lake, cheering supporters along the way and a celebratory festival at the end. This year’s proceeds benefit Northwest Housing Alternatives’ mission to create opportunity through housing and end homelessness in Clackamas County. Food will be collected for a food drive during the festival on the day of the run. Register for either the 10K ($60 starting at 8:00 a.m.), 5K ($55 starting at 8:15 a.m.) and/or the Kid’s Run ($20 2 blocks starting at 10:00 a.m.). Saturday, May 4, Millennium Plaza, 200 First Street.

LAKE OSWEGO FARMERS MARKET. Lake Oswego’s popular farmers’ market returns in Millennium Plaza Park featuring the finest agricultural and food products from the region including produce, meat, seafood, nuts, cheeses, artisan baked goods, jams, jellies, salsas, hummus, nursery items, hot foods, artisan crafts and more. Enjoy live music from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Farm Fresh Kids Program for market youth and SNAP matching up to $20 each week. Saturdays, May 11 through October 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 200 First Street.

PINTS FROM THE PAST. Enjoy a bit of history with some food and drink from the Lake Theater & Café in this offering from the 2023/2024 season. Admission is free; however, food and drink purchases are encouraged to offset the cost to the Lake Theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. 106 North State Street.

TEEN LOUNGE OPEN HOUSE. Fifth through eleventh graders and their parents are invited to stop by the LO Teen Lounge to find out more about the perks of being a member. Enjoy a tour, free smoothies and a raffle. Friday, May 17 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.

ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER CELEBRATION. Several local groups have banded together to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage month with traditional musical performances, dance, martial arts, calligraphy demonstration, speakers and more. Guests can check out local nonprofit vendors, artisans, food vendors and a henna artist too. Sunday, May 10 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street.

MEMORIAL DAY WITH LAKE OSWEGO VETERANS MEMORIAL. Honor the fallen who have sacrificed their lives for our nation at this event featuring a keynote address from Army Security Agency Vietnam Veteran First Lieutenant Mike Holm The program also features a flyover from West Coast Ravens, a Presentation of Colors and 21-gun salute from the Lake Oswego Honor Guard, patriotic entertainment and more. Monday, May 27 at 11:00 a.m., Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Road.

One of the things to love about Lake Oswego is the wide selection of activities to participate in every month. Don’t miss out! Subscribe to this blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates. Want to experience Lake Oswego for yourself? Give one of us a call and we’d love to show you around and help you figure out how you too can call Lake Oswego home.

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801 kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Riley Costello 971.322.6205 riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

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What Barbara Corcoran and I Agree On

Posted on April 21, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

You heard it here first, but since Shark Tank real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran just said it, I thought it bore repeating.

In a recent interview with Neil Cavuto on Fox Business, Corcoran said, “If rates go down just another percentage point which is what I’m hoping for by year-end, prices are going to go through the roof. And the reason for that is because everyone will come out and buy.”

Back in December, I admitted that buyers have a strategic decision to make—when to enter the market. “Because once that tipping point, in terms of interest rates happens, buyers will be coming out of the gate in droves and we may see bidding wars again like we did in the pandemic.”

Corcoran thinks there could be 10 buyers on the sidelines for every one active in the market, just waiting for the interest rate to drop. So, when they all come racing in, what happens?

“If you wait for interest rates to come down by another point, I don’t think you’ll gain,” Corcoran explains. “I think you’ll wind up paying more. I wouldn’t be surprised if real estate went up by another 8 or 9 percent if interest rates come down another point.”

What Corcoran and I are saying is that there is an opportunity cost to waiting. Take the median sales price in Lake Oswego in March at $975,000. If Corcoran’s prediction comes true and real estate goes up by another 8 percent, the median-priced home will increase $78,000 to $1,053,000. Even at a more moderate and typical increase in Lake Oswego of 4 percent, that median-priced home will cost a buyer $39,000 more due to waiting.

Playing into just the normal appreciation of real estate will be the increased demand that lower interest rates will generate. A drop in rates will be just the trigger that sends sideline buyers into the market, making competition even greater in what has been a market influenced by a housing shortage.

Even in March of this year, 31% of the homes sold in Lake Oswego were over the original asking price and the median sales price for March was 13% higher than last year. And that’s without the bidding wars of the pandemic!  The value has been and always will be here in Lake Oswego so if you are ready to move, I’d encourage you to act now if you find a home within your budget. You can trust that values in Lake Oswego are going to hold, and when interest rates go down, you can look to refinance. Missed opportunities now most likely will cost you more later.

Let us help you decide your strategy for when it’s best to buy or sell your home. A father-daughter team, we have lived and worked in Lake Oswego and the Portland Metro area for over 30 years and would love to put our experience, connections and perspective to work for you! Please get in touch.

Kevin Costello  kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com 971.322.6205

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The Focus Is On Local Teen Talent This Month

Posted on April 14, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

Whether on the stage or on the canvas, area teens are showcasing their talents this month.

OUTSIDE THE ART ROOM – TEEN ART SHOWCASE AND AUCTION. The Youth Action Council is hosting this year’s teen art exhibit open to ages 12-18 and giving youth an opportunity to sell or display their artwork to the Lake Oswego Community in addition to raising funds for the Children’s Healing Project. The event is free and features live music, amazing art, a kids art clinic and more.  Friday, April 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road.

LAKERIDGE HIGH SCHOOL’S COMPANY VARIETY SHOW. Wrapping up its 53rd year, Lakeridge High School’s Company show choir will be singing and dancing their way into Lake Oswegans’ hearts in this year’s annual variety show. With the theme, “Love, Company,” expect to hear lyrics that speak of romance, friendship, heartbreak and loss. The 24 students in the roster all auditioned for their spots and participate in a year-long class as well as performing at other venues. But the variety show is the high point of the year for both members and audiences. My daughter, Casey, was a Company member both her junior and senior year at Lakeridge and she remembers it to this day as one of the highlights of her high school experience. Catch performances Thursday, April 18 through Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, the. 20th. Tickets can be purchased online. Lakeridge High School Auditorium, 1235 Overlook Drive.

JEFFERSON DANCERS. The Jefferson Dancers are the elite dancers of the nationally recognized dance department at Jefferson High School. Versed in all dance styles from Ballet and Jazz to African and Tap, dancers are expected to attend at least 1 ½ hours of technique class and 3 hours of rehearsal five days a week in addition to attending lecture-demonstrations and community performances. Their spring concert is sure to WOW you.  Thursday, April 18 through Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. with a 2:00 matinee performance on Saturday, April 20 as well. Tickets can be purchased online.

Don’t miss out on what’s happening in and around Lake Oswego. Subscribe to this blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column.

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Things We Love About Lake Oswego in April

Posted on April 7, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

While April may be the National Month of Hope, National Volunteer Month and
National Poetry Month, in Lake Oswego it’s Lake Oswego Reads and Arbor Month so much of
what’s special about Lake Oswego in April relates to all the programming
centered around both those occasions. 

However, that’s not all that’s happening in Lake Oswego in April—be sure to
read last week’s post on all the Arbor Month activities around town and the week’s before on LO Reads activities. Your calendar could get really booked up with all that’s on tap.

STORYWALK “SUGAR IN MILK” AT WEST WALUGA. The city’s newest
StoryWalk® installation was written by the Lake Oswego Reads featured author,
Thrity Umrigar and illustrated by Khoa Le. “Sugar in Milk” is a contemporary
and timely story of a young girl who joins her aunt and uncle in a new land.
This story within the story reveals an age-old folktale about the power of
diversity, acceptance, and tolerance from a gifted storyteller. Bring your
children to West Waluga Park and take a walk to read this month’s selection.
April 1 – 30 at West Waluga Park during park hours. 15775 Waluga Drive.

CALL FOR POEMS. In celebration of National Poetry Month,
the Lake Oswego Public Library is calling all poets ages 18 and older to submit
their original poems to be included in a compilation featured on the library’s
website. All submissions are due April 30 and will be featured on the LOPL
website in May. Check the
website for more information and a web link to submit your poems electronically.
And if you’re looking for some inspiration, check
out previous submissions.

FAMILY MOVIE MATINEE FOR FAMILIES. Settle in for a
family-friendly movie and popcorn in the children’s library on Friday, April 12
from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 706 Fourth Street.

LIVING WELL DANCE. Dance to the sounds of the “Big Bands”
of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, as performed by the Millennium Dance Band on Friday,
April 12 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish, 1069 Chandler
Road. $7/per person at the door.

A DAY IN HOLLYWOOD/A NIGHT IN UKRAINE. Enjoy this Tony
award-winning musical comedy of two one-act plays from the Lakewood Theatre
Company’s Lost Treasures Collection of obscure and rarely performance musicals
in concert/cabaret style. Friday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 13
at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. $20/person.
Lakewood Theatre Company Side Door Stage, 368 S. State Street.

LAKE OSWEGO READS PARTY. Immerse yourself in the spirit of
this year’s chosen book with an Indian dance performance, henna tattoo artistry
and delicious Indian delicacies. Sunday, April 14 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

FERTILE GROUND FESTIVAL AT THE LAKEWOOD THEATRE COMPANY. As
part of Portland’s Fertile Ground Festival, the Lakewood Theatre Company is
premiering new works as staged readings. Single
tickets are $10-$15. See the complete schedule online. April 14 – April 21
at the Lakewood Center, 368 S. State Street.

SOIL TRANSFORMATION: THE ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE TO CREMATION.
Learn about this sustainable burial alternative, also referred to as “human
composting,” where the body becomes nutrient-rich soil in just 45 days.
Thursday, April 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Adult
Community Center, 505 G Avenue. Register
for class #27695. Fee: $5/Resident; $7/Non-Resident.

OUTSIDE THE ART ROOM – TEEN ART SHOWCASE + AUCTION. Support
our young talented artists and participate in a silent auction benefiting
Children’s Healing Art Project. Features live music, amazing art, kids’ art clinic
and more. Friday, April 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Christ Church Parish,
1060 Chandler Road.

SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCE FAIR. Celebrate Earth Day and
connect with organizations across our community who are advancing
sustainability. This year’s fair will include even more hands-on activities and
free resources to learn how you can help protect the environment, save money
and live well. From an EV ride-and-drive to food tastings from our schools’
healthy, sustainable meal program, there will be lots to learn about and
experience. Saturday, April 20, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lakeridge Middle
School, 4700 Jean Road.

SPECIAL SCREENING – THE BLACK STARS. Catch this special
screening of a documentary that chronicles the journey of eight young Black men
from Portland as they embark on a transformative two-week leadership expedition
to Ghana, guided by the non-profit organization, Word is Bond. Following the
screening, there will be an engaging discussion panel moderated by Word is Bond
and featuring students from Lake Oswego and Lakeridge High Schools Black
Student Unions. It promises to be an enlightening. Saturday, April 20 from
12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lake Theater and Café, 106 N. State Street.

NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT IN FREEPONS PARK. Explore the park
with the Friends of Hallinan Heights Woods for this interactive nature
scavenger hunt highlighting trees, plants, birds and bugs found in Freepons
Park. But be sure to make a wish at the famous Wishing Tree as you enter.
Sunday, April 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 1399 Bickner Street.

LAKEWOOD THEATER DRESS REHEARSAL PERFORMANCE. Take in a
dress rehearsal for only $5 a seat for the Lakewood Theater’s performance of 9
to 5 on Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. 368 S. State Street.

DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT. Turn in your prescription and
over-the-counter medications in addition to vape pens and e-cigarettes WITHOUT
batteries, and unknown medicines and veterinary medications at this one-day
only event. Put all pill/tablet medications into a sealed plastic bag or in
their original container with personal information crossed out. Saturday, April
25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505
G Avenue.

Don’t miss a thing that’s happening in Lake
Oswego! Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top
right-hand column. Questions about moving to Lake Oswego? Give one of us a call
or shoot us an email. We’d love to put our 30+ years’ of experience to work
helping you.

Kevin Costello: 503.939.9801  kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Riley Costello:  971.322.6205  riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

 

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TREEmendous Ways to Celebrate Arbor Month in Lake Oswego

Posted on March 31, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego has earned many titles from Best School District in Oregon to one of the 10 Best Towns for Families, but this month we celebrate Lake Oswego’s 35th year as an Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA designee for its strong commitment to managing and caring for trees. This year, the city also received the foundation’s Growth Award for the sixth time in recognition of innovative and preemptive actions taken including treating 28 ash trees in Foothills Park with systemic injections to defend against Emerald ash borer infestation, planting more trees than were removed on City-owned properties and hosting seven free Urban and Community Forestry educational workshops throughout 2023.

BEE CITY USA TOO! The City of Lake Oswego also achieved Bee City USA affiliation last year in recognition of its efforts to support a variety of wildlife such as bees, butterflies, birds, insects and other pollinators.

With all that to celebrate, the City has put together a lineup of activities.

SOIL YOUR UNDIES FOR SCIENCE. Life underground is just as biodiverse and complex as the plant communities that live above, and Oswego Lake Watershed Council wants to help residents measure and nurture that life. It is as easy as burying a pair of cotton undies for 60 days! Celebrate Arbor Month by participating in the 4th Annual Soil Your Undies challenge! Sign up to receive your challenge kit, which includes a brand-new pair of cotton undies for you to bury in April and unearth in July. Participants can follow along with biweekly soil health tips and experiments to try out while the soil microbes are feasting on all of the buried undies. Learn more about the challenge and register here: www.oswegowatershed.org/soil-your-undies-2024(link is external).

BUZZWORTHY BEE NAME SURVEY. The Parks & Recreation Community Stewardship Program is buzzing with energy and they need YOUR help to name their adorable bee character! This new pollinator friend symbolizes a commitment to environmental care and sustainability and will join their Stewardship Gnomes, Blossom, Greenie, and Oak, flying around parks all summer long. Cast your vote online to name their buzz buddy. The survey closes on April 30, 2024 at 5 p.m. and the chosen name will be announced at the Farmers’ Market on May 18, 2024.

TRILLIUM FESTIVAL. Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S. Terwilliger Boulevard.  Join Friends of Tryon Creek for a festive day in the woods to celebrate the return of the Trillium, an early-season perennial native to our local forests. In addition to the Native Plant Sale, this family-friendly event includes a Gardening Resources Fair and interactive learning stations around the Nature Center and trails. More event details are available at www.tryonfriends.org/calendar.

HERITAGE TREE CELEBRATION. Tuesday, April 9 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 4th Street. Get up close with one of the City’s four new Heritage Trees, a 72-inch diameter giant sequoia directly across the street from the library entrance. Learn about the City’s Heritage Tree Program and fun facts about sequoias with a cookie to sweeten the deal. Bartlett Tree Experts will be giving away seedings too.

TREES FOR POLLINATORS WORKSHOP. Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Iron Mountain Park, 2401 Iron Mountain Road. Learn about Pacific Northwest tree species and the pollinators they attract, then plant some of them in the park. Capacity limited to 25 participants. Call 503. 534.5438 or email stewardship@lakeoswego.city for free registration.

BARNYARD TALES. Thursday, April 18 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Luscher Farm bunkhouse Classroom, 125 Rosemont Road. Children ages 5 and younger are invited to the Farm for an Arbor Month story featuring Alexander Appleseed. Participants will take home an apple with seeds to plant at home. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Pre-registration is required and capacity is limited. Enroll at loparks.org.

OAK WOODLAND RESTORATION. Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Park at 14903 Westlake Drive. Join Oswego Lake Watershed Council for a morning of land tending and restoration at Westlake HOA Oak Woodland. This oak woodland habitat is home to centuries old Oregon white oaks and a diversity of wildlife. Volunteers will learn about Oregon white oak ecology, land tending and the cultural value of oak ecosystems, while helping remove invasive species and plant natives. For additional information and free registration, visit online.

SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCE FAIR. Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lakeridge Middle School, 4700 Jean Road. Come learn what diverse organizations across our community are doing to advance sustainability. This year’s fair will include even more hands-on activities and free resources to learn how you can help protect the environment, save money, and live well, including an EV ride-and-drive and free electronic waste recycling with Green Century Recycling. More details online.

SPRINGBROOK PARK PRESCHOOL NATURE WALK. Wednesday, April 24, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Springbrook Park, Park at Uplands Elementary School or along the street, 2055 Wembley Park Road, meet at the park kiosk behind the playground.Preschoolers can join Friends of Springbrook Park for a fun and interactive nature walk through Springbrook Park. Exploration buckets will be provided for hands on discovering. This event is free and no pre-registration is required. Preschoolers need to be accompanied by an adult. Questions: Anne Lider 503-701-2291 or anne.lider@gmail.com(link sends e-mail).

BE A TREE HERO. Saturday, April 27, 9 to 11 a.m., International Leadership Academy, 14788 Boones Ferry Road. Parent and Child invasive ivy pull together! Join the Oswego Lake Watershed Council and help save the trees next to Springbrook Park. Please wear sturdy footwear and gloves for upland forest work.  Contact stephanie@oswegowatershed.org(link sends e-mail) with questions. Or, be a TREE HERO in your own yard. Pull ivy during the month of April and send before and after pictures to stephanie@oswegowatersned.org(link sends e-mail) to receive a special gift.

OREGON WHITE OAK PLANTING PARTY. Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Woodmont Park, 13492 Atwater Lane. Celebrate Lake Oswego Arbor Month with a community tree-planting event! Join Parks & Recreation staff to learn about Oregon white oaks and practice proper planting techniques by helping to install new trees in the park. All ages welcome. Dress for weather and wear close-toed shoes. No restrooms. Parking is limited, please carpool or ride your bike. This event is supported with grant funding from Oregon Community Trees. Call (503) 534-5438 or email stewardship@lakeoswego.city(link sends e-mail) for free registration. 

STEWARDSHIP WORK PARTIES. Take your pick of three different work parties in Woodmont Park (April 7), Freepons (April 21) or Southwood Park (May 18). Find details here.

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego and all the reasons you’d love living here. Subscribe to our blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column. And if you’re considering moving to Lake Oswego, give one of us a call. We live and work in Lake Oswego and can give you a true-to-life picture of what it’s like to live here, what the neighborhoods and schools are like, how much homes cost in Lake Oswego, how you can access the lake….and anything else that you might be wondering.

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801  kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Riley Costello  971.322.6205  riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

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Lake Oswego Reads Kicks Off Special Events Next Month

Posted on March 24, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

Lake Oswego Reads has done it again. With their selection of Honor by Thrity Umrigar, organizers have given us a timely book that uses fiction to get us to think about our current reality.

Here are some reasons why you should read Honor.

It was a Reese’s Book Club pick.

It has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon with 11,240 readers.

Goodreads gives it a 4.4 based on reviews from 54,690 readers and nominated it for Best Fiction of 2022.

And the author herself, perhaps poses the most compelling reason. Through the device of the story of two courageous women trying to navigate how to be true to their homelands and themselves at the same time, Umrigar explains that, “The novel poses the question of whether it is possible to love a country when you’re ashamed of its politics and practices. What form and shape does that love take? Millions of us all around the world are currently grappling with that question.”

Definitely food for thought which will be cooked up by the programming the LO Reads has scheduled throughout the month of April. Here are a few highlights:

LAKE OSWEGO READS ART SHOW. Hear artists explain the inspiration they gained after reading Honor to produce their works on display at the Lakewood Center for the Arts. Light refreshments will be served and all pieces available for purchase. Monday, April 1 with a reception at 6:00 p.m. and presentations beginning at 6:45 p.m. Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street.  

LEARN TO DRAW MANDALAS. Experience the meditative and creative benefits of learning to draw mandalas from scratch in this easy step-by-step art lesson for beginners. Saturday, April 56 at 2:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

ETHICS AND OBJECTIVISM IN JOURNALISM. Join Lake Oswego Review Editor, Patrick Malee, and Veteran Oregon newspaper publisher and president of Pamplin Media Group, J. Brian Monihan as they explore journalism ethics and the importance of remaining objective in reporting. Wednesday, April 10 at 5:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 807 Fourth Street.

THE PERSISTENCE OF POWER STRUCTURES.  Hear PSU professor Dr. Jack Miller discuss the role played by gender, caste and religious identities in supporting unequal and oppressive institutions and practices around the world. Thursday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

DISCUSSION WITH DELICACIES. Enjoy Indian cuisine created by The Springs and then engage in a discussion of Honor with the resident book club. The event is free to the public, but reservations for non-Springs residents are required. Friday, April 19 at 12:00 noon. The Springs at Lake Oswego, 3900 Kruse Way Place.

HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL VOCAL CONCERT. This is an independent event not associated with the Lake Oswego library, but ties in perfectly with the book. Experience a Hindustani classical vocal concert by Kaushiki Chakraborty, an Indian classical vocalist and composer, accompanied on violin by Ambi Subrahmaniam, hailed as the “new king of Indian classical violin” by The Times of India. Friday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park Avenue in Portland.

NATURAL BLOCK PRINT DESIGNS. Learn how to transfer design elements from the natural world around us onto paper or fabric in this creative workshop using vegetables and fruits and water-based paint. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Saturday, April 20 at 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Library, Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

CLASSICAL INDIAN DANCE. Experience the beauty of classical Indian Bharatha Natyam dance performed by Jayanthi Raman, a practitioner, teacher and choreographer for more than four decades. Sunday, April 21 at 2:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.

MODEL OF THE MICRO: SURPRISING SOLUTIONS FOR THE NATURAL WORLD IN CRISIS. Find out what India, now the most populated nation on earth, has to teach the world about developing for a sustainable future by listening to this presentation by award-winning environmental journalist Meera Subramanian. While in India investigating environmental challenges, she discovered stories that renew hope for the nation and possibly the planet for a sustainable future. Monday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m. Virtual presentation which you can register in advance for here.

LAKE OSWEGO READS AUTHOR PRESENTATION. Ms. Umrigar will be here in person to discuss her book and answer questions from the community. Free tickets to hear her in person were given away on March 9. If you don’t have a ticket you can watch the event later on the Library’s YouTube channel.   Thursday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. at Lakeridge High School Auditorium, 1235 Overlook Drive. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Don’t miss out on what’s happening in Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates.

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7 Reasons to Love Spring In and Around Lake Oswego

Posted on March 17, 2024 by lovelakeoswego

March 19 marks the arrival of Spring this year and here in Lake Oswego, that means we have lots to look forward to. The season is a worthy buildup to my favorite season here in Lake Oswego—summer—and here are a few reasons why.

CHERRY BLOSSOMS. Here in Lake Oswego you’ll find them in Sundeleaf Plaza, Millennium Plaza Park and lining many of our commercial and neighborhood streets. If you want to experience a natural high, head over to the Japanese American Historical Plaza at Tom McCall Waterfront Park where 0ne hundred perfectly aligned cherry blossom trees are sure to WOW you when in full bloom. They usually start putting on their show mid-March and last two to three weeks. Before heading up there from Lake Oswego, you can get a status report at Japanese American Museum of Oregon. You can also catch them at the Portland Japanese Garden and find updates on their website.

SPRING FLOWERS. The color of spring starts popping up everywhere thanks to the flowers planted by the city’s maintenance department in public spaces, not to mention by green-thumb neighbors who remember to plant and dig up bulbs all at the right times (unfortunately I can’t say I’m one of them). Watch for daffodils, tulips and hellebore. For the grandest display, head down to Woodburn for the annual Tulip Festival which opens March 22.  

SUMMER TEASERS. With a weekend in the 70s and sunshine galore, Spring has a way of reminding us that the best is yet to come! That summer preview may be sandwiched between periods of rain, but that glimpse of outdoor barbecues and walking with your shades on is just what we need to get us through to the next season.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME. The bad news is we lost an hour of sleep on March 10 because we need to move our clocks forward one hour. The good news is that we start gaining an extra hour of sunlight to enjoy at the end of our workday, leading up to our glorious summer nights when sunset can be as late as 9:03 p.m. in late June and early July. We need to enjoy it while we can. The Oregon Senate is voting on whether to permanently move the state to standard time, ending twice-yearly time changes. If you’re a daylight savings fan like me, you can take hope in the fact that the current bill would take effect only if California and Washington approve similar measures.

WHALE WATCHING. According to Oregon Whale Watch “Researchers estimate that 18,000+ gray whales now live in the eastern north Pacific area. About 30 whales per hour migrate past the Oregon coast during the peak southbound migration, which in Oregon is between Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 31. Check their website for real-time sightings and suggestions for best places to watch.

SPRING HIKES. Tryon Creek borders Lake Oswego and the Middle Creek, Cedar and Old Main Trail is a two-mile loop known for wildflowers and accessibility. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a barred owl (mornings or evenings are best). If you want to head further out, you can shoot for the Catherin Creek Arch Loop Trail, (about 70 miles away) a family-friendly hike that boasts more than 90 species of wildflowers that bloom from March through May.

HOME BUYING SEASON. Historically spring is a busy season for home buying and early indications are that may prove to be the case this year as we are receiving calls from potential buyers and know of listings on the horizon. If you’re in the market, be sure to give me a call at 503.939.9801 or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and let’s talk. I’d be more than happy to sit down with you and discuss current market conditions and how to navigate them to achieve your real estate goals.

Don’t miss a reason to Love Lake Oswego! Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates.

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A Guide to Lake Oswego Easements

Posted on March 10, 2024 by lovelakeoswego
Springbrook Easement is one of 20 easements around Oswego Lake

Lake access is important to a lot of people looking to move to Lake Oswego and buying a home with deeded access to one of the 20 easements on the lake is one of the more affordable ways to enjoy the lake without living on it.

Not all easements are created equal which is why I’ve put together a list of all their amenities and fees here. When looking at homes in Lake Oswego, be sure to check which easements (if any) a particular home has rights to. Some have rights to as many as four, in which case you’d want to look at the different amenities and fees to determine which one might be the best choice.

I also recommend that buyers contact the easement they are considering and find out how long the waitlist is for amenities like a boat slip or a canoe rack. Sometimes those lists can be very long with a very slow turnover rate so you want to know that going in.

In addition to the fees you’ll find below, easement members must also pay Lake Corporation fees each year. For 2024 they are $213/Swim Only; $1462/Powerboat; $1233/Shared Powerboat. These fees go towards maintaining the water quality of the lake so we can all enjoy it.

All Lake Oswego residents can enjoy the Lake Oswego Swim Park located at 250 Ridgeway Road and open from July 1 through August 31. Residents within the original Lake Grove School District boundary have lake privileges at the Lake Grove Swim Park, 3800 Lakeview Blvd. which is usually open starting the first weekend after school’s out through the weekend before school starts.

You can find more information on the Lake Corporation website. And if you have any questions, just give me or my daughter, Riley a call. We’d love to make sure you find a home that enables you to enjoy the lake if that’s what is important to you.

Kevin: 503.939.9801

Riley: 971.322.6205

ALDER POINT. 16848 Alder Circle.

One-Time Initiation Fee: $2,750

Annual Membership $450

Annual Boat Slip $200

Annual Kayak/SUP Rack Fee $20

Annual Paddle Boat Rack Fee $20

Boat Slips 6

Canoe Racks” 12

Paddle Board Racks: 12

Restroom, Electricity, Water. Great lake view, including for 4th of July fireworks. Large lush lawn area with picnic table, lawn chairs and tables. Swim dock separate from the boaters’ dock. Kayak launch ramp on swim dock. Separate storage building for life jackets, paddles and supplies.

BLUE HERON. 3215 South Shore Blvd.

One-Time Initiation Fee: $1,000

Annual Membership $175

Annual Boat Slip $400

Annual Canoe/Kayak Rack Rental $100

Annual Paddleboard Rack Rental $75

Boat Slips: 24

Canoe Racks 6

Paddle Board Racks:

Restroom, Electricity

BRYANT PARK. 18108 Pioneer Court

One-Time Initiation Fee $650

Boat Slip No additional fee

Boat Slips 6

FOREST HILLS. 1310 North Shore Road

One-Time Initiation Fee: $3,500

Annual Membership $750

Boat Slip $2,500

Annual Kayak/Canoe Rack Fee $450

Annual SUP Rack Fee $450

Annual Lockers $300

Boat Slips 20

Canoe Racks 11

Paddle Board Racks: 9

Restroom, Electricity, 15 Lockers, WiFi

GOODIN. 3050 Lakeview Blvd.

One-Time Initiation Fee: $3,700

Annual Membership $325

Annual Boat Slip $500

Annual Boat Slip Wait List $25 (currently 44 members are on the list)

Annual Canoe Rack Fee $125 (currently 73 members are on the list)

Annual Multi-Use Rack Fee $75

Boat Slips 6

Canoe Racks” 12

Paddle Board Racks: 12

Restroom, Water. Sunny location with panoramic view of lake, large picnic area with deck and tables, grassy play area with play structure, propane/charcoal BBQ, storage building for life jackets and paddles. View of 4th of July fireworks.

LAKEVIEW RECREATION CLUB. 3951 South Shore Blvd.

One-Time Initiation Fee: $1,000

Annual Membership $100

Annual Boat Slip $250

Kayak/SUP Rack Fee $25

Annual Paddle Boat Rack Fee $15

Boat Slips 16

Canoe Racks 18

Paddle Board Racks 25

Restroom, Electricity

LAKEWOOD BAY COMMUNITY CLUB. 140 Cabana Pointe Rd.

One-Time Initiation Fee: $500

Annual Family Membership $405

Annual Empty Nester Membership $305

Annual Boat Slip $750

Kayak Rack Fee $125

Annual Paddle Boat Rack Fee $125

Boat Slips 14

Kayak Racks 17

Canoe Racks 8

Paddle Board Racks 23

Restroom, Electricity

LAKEWOOD YACHT CLUB. 300 Ridgeway Road

One-Time Initiation Fee: $200

Annual Powerboat Membership $325

Annual Swim-only Membership $325

Annual Canoe Rack Fee: $40

Boat Slips 12

Canoe Racks 18

Porta Potty, Electricity

MAPLE CIRCLE. 16901 Maple Circle.

One-Time Initiation Fee: $1,000

Annual Membership $250

Annual Canoe/Kayak Rack Fee: $20

Canoe/SUP Racks 18

Restrooms, Shower, Electricity, Storage, Picnic tables, benches and chairs, low-level launch site two inches above lake level.

NORTH LAKE CLUB EASEMENT. 635 North Shore Rd.

One-Time Initiation Fee: $1,500

Annual Membership $800

Annual Boat Slip $400

Annual Canoe/Kayak Rack Fee $50

Annual SUP Rack Fee $25

Boat Slips 6

Canoe Racks 4

Porta Potty, Electricity

OSWEGO LAKE VILLAS. 1335 Lakefront Drive. https://oswegolakevillas.blogspot.com/

One-Time Initiation Fee: $3,500

Annual Membership $325

Annual Boat Slip $600

Annual Canoe/Kayak Rack Fee $100

Annual SUP Rack Fee $50

Boat Slips 7

Canoe Racks 30

Restroom, Electricity

OSWEGO SHORE ESTATES. 15865 Oswego Shore Court

Fees are determined by members at their semiannual meetings.

Boat Slips 4

Canoe Rack 1

Electricity

PALISADES PARK COMMUNITY CLUB. 2041 Cedar Court. https://palisadespark.weebly.com/

One-Time Initiation Fee: $2,500

Annual Membership $225

Annual Boat Slip $500 for boat up to 22’

Annual Canoe Rack Fee $100

Annual SUP Rack Fee $50

Boat Slips 8

Canoe Racks 36

No restrooms or electricity

SOUTH SHORE GLEN. 1409 Terrace Drive

One-Time Initiation Fee: $500

Annual Membership $275

Annual Boat Slip $775

Boat Slips 7

Canoe Racks 6

No restrooms or electricity

SOUTHVIEW CLUB. 886 Lake Shore Road and 1113 Lake Shore Road

One-Time Initiation Fee: $3,000

Boat Slips 3

Canoe Racks 6

Restroom, Electricity

SPRINGBROOK RECREATION. 2720 Summit Drive  

One-Time Initiation Fee: $3,500

Annual Sole Powerboat Slip Membership $750

Annual Shared Powerboat Slip Membership $375

Annual Non-Powerboat Rack Membership $350

Annual Swim-Only Membership $250

Boat Slips 5

Canoe Racks multiple

Restroom, Electricity, Swimming dock, lawn, BBQ, picnic tables and gazebo.

SUMMIT COURT. 2380 Summit Drive.

One-Time Initiation Fee: $3,000

Annual Membership Dues $500

One-Time Boat Slip $2,500

Boat Slips 2

No Restroom or Electricity

UPLANDS. 1880 North Shore Road.

One-Time Initiation Fee: $1,500

Annual Membership $450

Annual Boat Slip $750

Annual Kayak/SUP Rack Fee $150

Boat Slips 10 (22 on waitlist)

Racks  74 (2 on waitlist_

Porta Potty, No Electricity

VILLAGE ON THE LAKE. 1565 Bay View Lane..

One-Time Initiation Fee: $1,500

Annual Non-Powerboat Membership $350

Annual Boat Slip $350

Initial Boat Slip Fee: $1,500

Annual Canoe/SUP Rack Fee $200

Boat Slips 25

Racks  42

Restroom, Electricity, Community canoe and kayak, slide, diving board and water trampoline in enclosed swim area, tables, chairs and 2 BBQs, freshwater shower, separate men’s and women’s restrooms with changing area.

WOODSIDE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION. 4260 Woodside Circle.

One-Time Initiation Fee: None

Annual Boat Slip None

Boat Slips: 21

Electricity, No Restroom

To read more about Lake Oswego easements, read one of my earlier blogs. And if you’d like to tour this 5 bedroom, 4 bath Monogram new construction home we have listed with deeded rights to four easements, give one of us a call.

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801

Riley Costello 971.322.6205

Subscribe to this blog to stay up-to-date on all there is to know about living in and loving Lake Oswego. Click on the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column.

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