10 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER May 2022
SpringRidge at Charbonneau
By KERRY PHILLIPS
Mother-daughter bond blooms over love of fl owers
It ’ s springtime and Catherine Savage is busy planning the perfect combination of flowers for her patio garden at SpringRidge at Charbonneau , an active retirement community . She has already purchased begonias and geraniums and is contemplating adding ferns . Though she ’ s been gardening for over 50 years , she knows just the person to bounce her floral design ideas off of : her daughter . The two share a love of flowers and credit their hobby with strengthening their motherdaughter bond .
“ Gardening started as a necessity to maintain the grounds of our home that was situated on an acre of land ,” Catherine explained . “ Soon , it became a hobby and then developed into an activity that gave me a lot of pleasure .”
Catherine started with a flower bed , planting perennials and annuals . She drew inspiration from the home of a professional gardener who lived close by and became more intentional about planting flowers . Her hard work paid off . Her gardens caught the attention of the local gardening club , and she was asked if her home could be added to the club ’ s annual home and garden tour . “ I felt pretty proud ,” Catherine said .
Introduction to Pickleball !!
Welcoming all Charbonneau residents and tennis club members at no charge .
Catherine Savage and her daughter , Patricia Berens , share a passion for flowers .
Includes an introduction to the game , rules , a bit of practice and some game play . Practice paddles and balls available .
Monday May 16 - Session # 1 10 - 11:15 am , Session # 2 11:45 - 1 pm OUTDOOR TENNIS COURTS
RSVP to reserve a spot to debbiestonebrakerCTC @ gmail . com with your preferred session
COURTESY PHOTO
“ It was especially meaningful since I didn ’ t have any formal training .”
Catherine ’ s daughter , Patricia Berens , recalls the stunning gardens her mother would create at their Beach Park , Illinois home .
“ Mom took such great pride in her gardens ,” she said . “ It was priceless seeing the absolute joy she got from working with flowers .”
Patricia now knows firsthand the pleasure that comes with gardening . She owns 18 acres of land and grows tulips , daffodils , dahlias and other seasonal varieties . She credits her mom with her passion for fresh flowers , which led to her new business venture . She founded Garden Party in 2021 , a community supported agriculture ( CSA ) program — similar to a subscription service — where customers receive floral bouquets from each season ’ s blooms .
“ It always stuck with me that when I ’ d visit Mom in Illinois , she ’ d have a fresh bouquet waiting for me in my room . I truly looked forward to it ,” Patricia said . “ I ’ d do the same when she ’ d come to visit me , and I now do it for my daughter . It ’ s become a family tradition .”
She says her mom has such a great eye for color and helps with her experiments by telling her what works and what doesn ’ t .
Catherine is thrilled Patricia has a love of flower gardening and is quite enthusiastic about her daughter ’ s new company .
“ When she started growing , she ’ d bring in buckets of flowers and ask me to arrange them . Little by little , I shared tips I ’ d learned over the years ,” Catherine added . “ It makes me feel so good that we share this bond .”
In fact , Catherine is so proud of that shared bond that she recently invited Patricia to SpringRidge to show off her lovely spring floral arrangements during a special presentation for her neighbors .
In addition to gardening , the pair enjoys visiting local nurseries , with many vendors knowing them by name ! Their advice for other mothers and daughters : Pick an activity to try together . Whether you both stick to it or not , treasure the time you have together .
Nestled on an impeccable , 10-acre parcel of natural beauty and serenity , SpringRidge at Charbonneau is located in one of Oregon ’ s most desirable master-planned residential communities . One- and two-bedroom residences , set amidst lush outdoor courtyards and verandas , feature fully equipped kitchens , a washer and dryer and a 24-hour emergency call system .
For more information or to schedule a personal tour of SpringRidge at Charbonneau , please call 503-446-6250 or visit www . SpringRidgeatCharbonneau . com .
Portland Spirit Lunch Cruise • Saturday , June 11th
Come aboard and enjoy a two-hour lunch cruise
Tickets go on sale Friday , May 13th at 9:00am at the Charbonneau Country Club Office $ 75 ( includes transportation , cruise & lunch )
Depart : CCC at 10:15 am • Cruise : 11:30 am-1:30 pm Return to Charbonneau at 2:30 pm