As spring rears its temperamental head via finicky post-equinox, high-desert indecision, green thumbs are beginning to feel an irresistible itch. At first glance, newcomers to Bend might think cultivating in nutrient-poor volcanic soils, amid the shortest summer a Californian has ever seen, is all in vain. But to the trained gardener's discerning eye, there is many a lush oasis tucked behind gates and in corner downtown lots to prove otherwise.
Denise Rowcroft
Part of the The Environmental Center's Kansas Avenue Learning Garden.
Whether you want to gather inspiration in creating your own green space or you want to just pass by an inspirational postage-stamp community flower plot, these are a few low-key secret gardens to know about.