Late in April we took advantage of some sunshine and drove to Southeast Portland to spend several hours at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.

More than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas and companion plants grow in the Garden. We have found they provide a magnificent display of color early in the year.

Spring-fed Crystal Springs Lake surrounds much of the Garden attracting many species of waterfowl and animals too.

Canada geese, baby ducks and a few song birds kept us company as we wandered through the Garden.

It reminded me of a valuable secret: Beauty is all around us if we just take the time to look.