We needed some exercise after three rainy days. If we walked up the hill in Astoria, we’d be guaranteed great views of the Columbia River and see some stately old homes as well.
That’s when we came upon the historical site of Fort George, an old fur-trading post started in 1811.
The fort long ago disappeared, but a plaque noted it was the first permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.
The historic area was a modest lawn at the corner of Exchange and 15th Streets. Next to the area commemorating the fort, a sign on an old-fashioned iron fence announced “Fort George Garden” – so we walked in. What a delightful surprise!
The garden was very small – maybe 20’ x 20’ – and filled with a variety of perfectly chosen plants, including this sunflower.
Summer’s end dried blooms still were beautiful.
Hugging the fence, little grapes hid from view.
It wasn’t just the flowers that interested us.
Even in September the garden was filled with blooming flowers…..
…and Fall-bearing strawberries.
One more photo taken as we got ready to leave: a lovely green pom-pom.
Just think about this: the beautiful garden so easily could have been a parking lot for the Fort George Brewery and Public House who own the land. Their operations border the garden and historic site. So, thanks to the owners of the Brewery and their amazing gardener for a delightful morning in Astoria.
September 2015
simpletravelourway 
stunning shot of the sawtooth leaves…
Thanks!