It's a Burl (Gallery, that is) and more!

It’s a Burl Gallery, Wood Yard, and Shop definitely represents an odd but interesting shopping opportunity. Located at 24025 Redwood Highway (aka Highway 199) in Kerby, most people simply drive by on their way to the coast. Along with fellow traveler Liz Caldwell, we decided to see what was on offer. The business has been in operation for decades, and specializes in both indoor and outdoor burl wood art, ranging from small pieces to extraordinarily large. They also sell unprocessed natural burls for would-be wood workers to take home. Their wares, many of which are unique, are pictured below. After loitering and gawking on the premises for an extended period, we felt compelled to make a few purchases (one is pictured below), but no pressure was exerted by the friendly store manager.

Another Roadside Attraction — From I-5 Northbound, take Exit 55 (S Grants Pass) onto Hwy 199, and go 42 miles to Kerby, where It’s a Burl is on the E side of the highway.

DSCN0379 — Not burls, but lots of big wooden critters

DSCN0356 — On the inside -- many burl-derived items, and some other things as well

DSCN0367 — On the outside: people have been building wooden things here for a long time.

Bob’s wall burl — Bob's shopping trophy -- a wall burl

Burl yard — The raw material supply yard, with a cunningly concealed antique.

We made a couple other worthwhile stops, including the Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Area, which is part of the Wild and Scenic Illinois River Corridor. According to the BLM website, “Eight Dollar Mountain is one of the most significant botanical sites in Oregon.” There are many serpentine endemics, including Darlingtonia fens, a type of carnivorous plant. For predator plant fans, this site is considerably closer, although less extensive, than our other reported Darlingtonia site (https://oddity.website/darlingtonia-state-natural-site/). There is an easy boardwalk trail that allows visitors to look at the plants from close up. The site is about three miles south of Selma, along Highway 199, with a nearby parking area. Above left is the guidance sign overlooking the killer vegetables (foreground) and the marsh/pond at the bottom of the slope.

Above, center and right, are displays of the local flowers. Somewhat distant from the walkway. The very keen-eyed flower enthusiast may be able to discern (center) some little flat yellow flowers and white flowers (mostly in the background) and some sort of lumpy little flowers in off-white shades in the foreground. At right, some more visible white flowers growing on bushes. — Bob

We also stopped by another Highway 199 attraction, the Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside, which is named after the adjoining creek. There is a flat trail with useful signage. The Forest Service website notes that it is “an excellent place to observe the strong effects that soil types on plants.” Although the serpentine soil looks somewhat rocky and barren, we were surprised by the many flowering plants. — Anne

It’s a Burl (Gallery, that is) and more!