1.
Adelman Peony Gardens
The family owned and operated Adelman Peony Gardens opens its doors, and its fields, to visitors from May 1 through June 15. Stroll along grass walkways that weave through their 8-acres of flower fields, buy potted peony plants and transfer them to your garden, or purchase cut bouquets and hand them out for May Day.
2.
Cooleys Gardens
Cooley's 200-acre garden, which is owned and operated by fifth generation Oregonians, has been world-famous for its irises for more than 80 years. There are some 1,000 varieties with vibrant hues of blue, yellow, purple, pink, orange and the color list goes on. Acres of display gardens are open to the public free of charge mid-May through June, when you’ll see more than 500 tall bearded iris varieties in bloom.
3.
Dahlia Festival 2009
Roam through the fields then head inside to see hundreds of cut dahlia arrangements – some small and some huge – this summer at the Annual Dahlia Festival (August 29-31, and September 5-7). Located in Canby, Swan Island Dahlias is the largest dahlia grower in the United States.
Indoor Display Hours 10 am to 6 pm, Field Hours 8am to 8pm
4.
Hood River Lavender
Head to the foothills of Mt. Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak, to Hood River Lavender, a beautiful, certified organic lavender farm. Hood River Lavender consists of two farms – one is wholesale and the other is a Certified Organic U-Pick farm that is open to the public for drop-in tours. Plan now to attend their Lavender Daze Festival, which takes place July 11-12, 2009.
5.
Japanese Garden
Celebrate the beginning of spring at the Portland Japanese Garden, located in the hills just west of downtown. Often cited as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, this 5.5-acre oasis has all the makings for a tranquil afternoon: five distinct gardens, a formal tea house, meandering streams, intimate walkways and quiet corners with amazing views of Mt. Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak.
6.
Portland Classical Chinese Garden
Later this spring, the Portland Classical Chinese Garden will be in full bloom. The authentic Suzhou-style garden, which sits on one full city block in Portland’s Old Town / Chinatown neighborhood, is a walled oasis that includes an 8,000-square foot lake, hundreds of rare plants, including species of bamboo, jasmine and orchids, and nine pavilions connected by twisting, mosaic stone paths. Weave your way through the garden, or attend one of the gardens many events, from summer concerts to art exhibits to Mahjong classes.
7.
Schreiners Iris Gardens
Tall Bearded, Beardless, and Dwarf – these are types of iris bulbs offered at Schreiner’s Iris Garden, located just north of Keizer near the capital city of Salem. One of the nation’s largest retail growers of iris, Schreiner’s has 200 viewing acres that are open to the public—free of charge. And during peak blooming season in May, this family owned and operated nursery takes part in the annual Keizer Iris Festival Weekend, May 16-17, 2009. You’re invited to taste wine from area wineries, listen to live music and munch on barbecue fare.
8.
Shore Acres State Park
On top of a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean sits one of Oregon’s most beautiful public gardens. Shore Acres Park, established in the early 1900s near the south coast town of Charleston, is the former estate of a lumber and shipping tycoon named Louis J. Simpson. In 1942, the state of Oregon bought this beautiful property and turned it into a state park that features 80 acres of plantings, including formal, Oriental and rose gardens. While winter is mostly green, this spring watch for bright and colorful daffodils, tulips, azaleas, camellia and other types of blooms.
Take mom to Shore Acres State Park for a gorgeous display of rhododendron plants as well as cookies, punch and coffee in the Garden House on Rhododendron Sunday – Mother’s Day, May 10, 2008.
9.
The International Test Rose Garden
It’s no wonder that Portland is called the Rose City. Located in the sprawling Washington Park, just west of downtown Portland, The International Test Rose Garden is reason alone to visit Oregon this summer, when about 10,000 rose plants, including rare types, are in full bloom. The 4.5-acre garden, which was founded in 1917, boasts beautiful blooms from May all the way through summer and into fall.
Plan your visit in conjunction with the Portland Rose Festival, May 28 to June 14, 2009.
10.
The Oregon Garden
This month at the Oregon Garden, you’ll see early blooming rhododendron, crocus, iris, daffodil and other vibrant plants. The Garden, which opened in 1999, spans 80 acres and boasts 20 specialty gardens, as well as waterfalls, fountains, quiet ponds, a summer concert series and the Gordon House, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is open to the public. The Oregon Garden has a tram that runs regularly, taking visitors on a guided tour around the garden. Stay the night at the new Oregon Garden Resort, and don’t forget to bring the kids – there’s a specialty garden designed especially for them.
11.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm celebrates spring blooming season with its annual, month-long Tulip Fest (March 25 to April 26, 2009). Visitors are invited to enjoy 18-acres of flowers as well as pony rides, wooden shoemaking demonstrations, wine tasting, a children’s garden, gift shop and more.