In search of spring.

Byline: The Register-Guard

CORRECTION (ran 4/1/02: The 16th annual Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through April 20. A story in Sunday's Oregon Life section listed an incorrect date and time.

The season of blossoms is upon us, with fields of flowers erupting in spectacular pageantry. From commercial field crops of tulips, daffodils and iris to breathtaking public gardens, the coming weeks will bring heady waves of color - many free for the viewing. Here then, a floral field guide to don't-miss blooms, all within an easy drive.

1 Brookings Lily Fields/Azalea Festival, Brookings: This is the Easter lily capital of the world, and blossoms abound along Highway 101, especially in late June and July. Or catch the town's Azalea Festival, scheduled May 23-26. If fragrance is your passion, check the gardens of Flora Pacifica, 15447 Ocean View Drive, for 10 acres of herbs, lavender and yarrow. Information: [phone].

2 Cooley's Gardens, Silverton: Established in 1928, this company maintains more than 200 acres of iris beds. The Peak Bloom Festival runs May 18-June 3, when visitors are invited to stroll through display gardens and enjoy an indoor, cut-flower show. From Interstate 5, take the Kuebler Boulevard Exit. Stay on Kuebler Boulevard, which turns into Cordon Road, then turn right onto Silverton Road. Continue 10 to 15 miles, following signs. Information: [phone].

3 Florence Rhododenron Festival, Florence: You'll find rhododenrons all over town, but for the full impact, don't miss the wild rhodies as you drive south of town on Highway 101. Festivities run May 17-19. Information: [phone].

4 Greengable Farms, Corvallis: Twelve acres of daffodil, tulip and iris beds highlight a resplendent, springtime drive along Peoria Road just southeast of Corvallis. Blooms thrive April through May. Located north of Tangent Drive at 32855 S.E. Peoria Road. Information: [phone].

5 Heirloom Roses, St. Paul: Billed as one of the nation's largest selections of old-garden and English-style roses, with three display gardens featuring 2,000 varieties. Catch the bloom from May through September. From I-5, take Exit 278 and go west seven miles to Highway 219. Turn right and continue one mile to Champoeg Crossroads. Turn left and continue two miles. Information: [phone].

6 Hendricks Park, Eugene: It's the 50th anniversary of this spectacular 12-acre garden, renowned as one of the West Coast's best collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolia trees. Peak bloom runs mid-April through mid-May. In April, take a tour of the new native plant garden. For information or a rhodie and wildflower tour schedule, call 682-4800 or look for Hendricks Park at www.ci.eugene.or.us/pw/parks.

7 Hood River Valley Blossom Festival, Hood River: Thousands of acres float in clouds of pink- and-white blossoms from cherry, pear and apple orchards that blanket the Hood River Valley along Highway 35 from the Columbia River to Mount Hood. This year's festival runs April 20-21. Information: [phone].

8 The Sawmill Ballroom Lavender Farm, Crow: Located 11 miles due west of Creswell, this sprawling hillside lavender farm invites visitors to stroll fragrant fields Wednesday through Sunday during peak bloom, which runs June 1-Aug. 11. From I-5, take Creswell Exit 182 and stick to the road as it winds west. Information: [phone].

9 The Oregon Garden, Silverton: Blooms abound - roses, rhodies and azaleas in May and June, hebes in late summer, and waves of perennials all summer in this 60-acre botanical showcase. From I-5, take Highway 214 east for 12 miles to downtown Silverton, then follow signs to the garden. Information: [phone].

10 Sauvie Island Market, Portland: This 145-acre working family farm boasts 3.5 acres of U-cut fresh flowers, along with fruits and vegetables. Located minutes away from Portland. Catch the flower festival Aug. 17. Information: [phone].

11 Schreiner's Iris Gardens, Salem: This longstanding, family- owned business features 250 acres of iris fields, which stand ablaze in blooms the last two weeks of May and into June. Catch Memorial Day activities, which feature a chicken barbecue and jazz music. The Iris Festival in nearby Keizer is May 18. From I-5, take Exit 263; turn right and go one mile to a stoplight. Turn right onto Highway 99 East and go one mile, taking a right onto Quinaby Road Northeast. Information: [phone].

12 Shore Acres State Park, Coos Bay: Historic formal gardens bloom with waves of roses from mid-June through September and dahlias bloom from August through early October. Located 12 miles southwest of Coos Bay along the Cape Arago Highway. Open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Information: [phone].

13 Swan Island Dahlia Festival, Canby: Forty acres of farmland produce more than 300 varieties of dahlia tubers and inspire an indoor flower show and annual community celebration during the last weekend of August and the first weekend of September. Free events run Saturday, Sunday and Monday both weekends. From I-5, take the Aurora-Donald Exit. Turn right onto Ehlen Road. In Aurora, turn left onto Highway 99 and continue, turning left onto Ivy Street. Continue to Territorial Road. Take a left at Territorial Road and continue one block, turn right onto Holly Street and left at Northwest 22nd Avenue. Information: [phone].

14 Wooden Shoe Bulb Company, Woodburn: Twenty acres of tulips stretch as far as the eye can see on this family farm. The 16th annual Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival runs through April 20 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is $4 per vehicle on weekends, free weekdays. From I-5, take the Woodburn Exit 271 and head east through town on Highway 211 for six miles to Meridian Road. Turn right and continue for two miles. Information: [phone].