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.

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