J is for...
Juniper
The hills around the town where I was born have "polka dots"--dry brown grasses with juniper trees sprinkled on them. These trees cover much of the landscape in central and eastern Oregon.
Bed and Breakfast near Mt. VernonIn an area that receives very little rainfall, they do quite well. Their large crowns catch most of the moisture that falls and their powerful root systems soak up the rest, thereby inhibiting vegetation growth around them. The fires the Indians used to set killed younger vulnerable trees, leaving the larger ones intact, which created an open, park-like appearance. In recent years, however, the juniper trees have spread more and more, which is of concern to the area's cattle ranchers.
Personally, I more prefer the Ponderosa, the region's other quintessential tree, but a juniper-dotted landscape speaks of home to me.
The following 5 pictures, taken of some acreage for sale near John Day in eastern Oregon, are very typical of the area. How I wish I could buy this property and build a getaway there!
Two more juniper pictures, this time from central Oregon.
7 comments:
Love your photos of Oregon. I lived in Portland for 16 years and still miss it. It's different from eastern Oregon, but it's all beautiful! Thanks for a great post for "J" day!
Juniper is one of my favorites, I have a few in my garden some reallt old once and they are gorgeous. I live in a Village called Engarn with means 'the place by the narrow water with a lot of Junipers'
Love your beautiful pictures from Oregon it is so beautiful there. I have been there a few years ago, around Eugene.Loved it!
Take Care/ Tyra
What a beautiful landscape, thanks for sharing x
Your eastern Oregon terrain looks similar to the land in eastern Utah. We have lots of junipers here, too.
Oh, that would make a lovely getaway place...for sure. Great J post.
Looks a wonderful place to get away from it all, and even more inviting as it speaks to you of home. Lovely post.
It's been a long time since I've visited Central Oregon, I enjoyed your pictures of the area!!!
Post a Comment