Junction City, OR August 2008

Thistledown Farm in Junction City, Ore.

The Eugene area abounds with resources for people looking for locally grown, organic and fresh foods, including Thistledown Farm just north of Eugene in Junction City. It's worth a slow-down and look-around regardless of whether you are in need of stocking the refrigerator and pantry.

Ginormous plants at Thistledown Farm

Besides a bounty of edibles, this particular farm also has row upon row of greenhouses full of a variety of beautiful plants. I saw the most gigantic hanging plants I have ever laid eyes upon when I arrived at my hotel, and began to notice them throughout Eugene during my time there. Businesses and individuals alike apparently order them from a variety of producers, Thistledown apparently among them.

Sunset Celebration rose at Thistledown Farm

Besides hanging plants, Thistledown had a great assortment of roses. My mother has been on the hunt for the perfect peach-colored rose, and despite my best efforts to procure one for her here in Tennessee last Mother's Day, I think I found the flower of her heart's desire in Junction City. Unfortunately, I quickly assessed that it would not fit in my carry-on. It's a hybrid available through several rose producers, fortunately, so hope remains.