Take a break from the yard work to enjoy concerts under blue skies

Two full yard debris cans, a palm blister, myriad scratches and a slight farmer’s tan were the most immediate evidence of three days of intense yard work over my long weekend. But despite aching muscles and the occasional thorn, having my front and back yard virtually weed-free, even if just for a moment, was well worth the effort.

As a gardener, I am well aware of the transitory nature of a weed-free yard. Within seconds, I’m pretty sure, those things started growing back, no matter how diligently I uprooted them. Give it a few days, and I’ll start seeing little sprouts waving their evil green tendrils at me, mocking my efforts. But the first big weeding after a long and wet winter is always the toughest, and I have to say my foxgloves and delphiniums seem to appreciate the breathing space. A little diligence and maintenance on my part, and I can have things looking good through the summer.

The key to tackling a daunting, long-term yard project is to arm yourself with the best tools possible. In my case, that includes a pink garden kneeling pad, a big weed bucket, a wheelbarrow, and a hand weeder, which looks like a long fork with only two tines. Most important is music.

My iPod included a lot of songs from friends; songs I hadn’t yet found time to sample. So while immersed in the monotonous task of dandelion removal and blackberry wrestling, I enjoyed favorite songs and discovered new ones.

Just as with working out, having a soundtrack to accompany summer chores really makes time go faster. When you get into the rhythm of popping out root balls and tossing them into your bucket, the weeds disappear in no time.

Summer is the perfect time to combine outdoor activities and music. Luckily for mid-valley residents, plenty of outdoor music events are scheduled this season. Starting June 17, the annual Corvallis Community Band concerts will offer tunes in Central Park in downtown Corvallis at the gazebo. The band’s free performances in the park fill the summer evenings with music, lending old-fashioned charm to the middle of the week. Each concert begins at 8 p.m. each Wednesday, through Aug. 26.

The local farmer’s markets offer live outdoor music all summer. Several regular summer events include the Thursday evening River Rhythms concerts (7 p.m. July 3-Aug. 14) and “Mondays at Monteith” (7 p.m. July 7-Aug. 11) both in Albany’s Monteith Park. Corvallis offers the Red White & Blues Riverfront Festival over Fourth of July and da Vinci Days takes place July 18-20 this year.

Other one-time outdoor music events of note are The Local Folk Festival. It is scheduled for 2 p.m. until dusk Saturday, June 14, at the Thompson Shelter at Avery Park. Admission ranges from $1 to $5.

The Corvallis Camerata orchestra is planning a performance for 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, at the Corvallis Riverfront Park opposite Big River Restaurant. 

Get outside and enjoy these free (or nearly free) live concerts against the backdrop of an unequalled outdoor setting — our mid-valley in the summer.

I may join you. That is, if I’m not still out in my garden. If I can only get my basil to grow as fast as those dandelions, I’ll be in business.

Theresa Hogue can be reached at theresa.hogue@lee.net.