Oregon Garden
The Oregon Garden is managed by The Oregon Garden Foundation, a nonprofit organization powered by volunteers who are dedicated to showcasing the diverse plants native to the Pacific Northwest. Each year the magnificent, 80-acre garden attracts over 100,000 visitors, imparting them with a deep appreciation for Oregon’s botanical wonders.
After serving as an important part of Silverton’s tourism community for over 20 years, the garden needed infrastructure improvements, including a new tram. The tram is a crucial part of Oregon Garden’s operation as it provides visitors a comprehensive glimpse of the expansive grounds. Thanks to Oregon Lottery dollars, the Oregon Garden was able to undergo a series of necessary repairs and purchase a new tram, ensuring continued enjoyment for visitors to this enchanting botanical paradise.
HOW YOUR LOTTERY PLAY HELPS
The Oregon Lottery was voted into existence in 1985 to support job creation and growth. Today most of the Lottery dollars supporting economic development are distributed through Business Oregon. But did you know that 2.5% of Video Lottery revenue is allocated to a fund that is distributed directly to every county across the state? It’s true! This revenue enables each county to directly impact economic growth projects in their own communities.
After serving as an important part of Silverton’s tourism community for over 20 years, the Oregon Garden needed infrastructure improvements, including a new tram. The tram is a crucial part of Oregon Garden’s operation as it provides visitors a comprehensive glimpse of the expansive grounds. Thanks to a special economic development fund derived from Video Lottery sales, Marion County was able to finance a new tram, in addition to helping the garden restructure its bond debt. The Lottery funds helped the garden to continue operations through the challenges of the Covid pandemic and created a path for its continued success in the future.
20 Specialty Gardens
With more than 20 specialty gardens that explore different gardening techniques, environments, and themes, the Oregon Garden has it all. At the heart of the garden lies the Bosque, a spacious central plaza featuring serene reflecting ponds and 40 planter boxes, each planted with a single Pacific Sunset Maple.
The specialty gardens offer something for everyone. Not only is the entire garden welcome to our four-legged friends, there’s also a dedicated Pet-Friendly Garden that educates pet owners on which plants are friendly to pets and which are poisonous. Families with kids will delight in exploring the Children’s Garden and the adjacent Train Garden. Additionally, the garden boasts an impressive 4-mile stretch of ADA accessible paths, ensuring access for everyone.
Always In Season
Showcasing Oregon’s Native Plants
The Oregon Garden showcases the diverse, native plants that are indigenous to the Willamette Valley and the Pacific Northwest. No matter the season, visitors will be wowed with blooming plants, bursting berries, and a wealth of spectacular foliage.
Only in Oregon
The Oregon Garden boasts a 25-acre grove of Oregon white oaks, but the highlight by far is the majestic Signature Oak, the oldest and largest specimen among this impressive collection. Approximately 400 years old, this towering giant is over 100 feet tall and measures over 21 feet in circumference at its base.
The ecological and cultural significance of the Oregon white oak to the Willamette Valley cannot be understated. For centuries the Indigenous people living in the Pacific Northwest, such as the Kalapuya, Molalla, and Clackamas tribes, depended on oak groves for as a crucial part of their ecosystem. The oak provides acorns for food, while the groves help support the growth of other crops, and attract wildlife, such as deer and elk, to the area.
Make It a Day Trip
When you plan your visit, be sure to check out the free public events happening at the Oregon Garden. In keeping with its mission, the garden offers educational lectures and workshops for gardeners of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, the garden hosts the annual Art in the Garden summer exhibition as well as the Music on the Lawn series throughout the year.
To cap off your trip, consider a visit to the Gordon House. Adjacent to the Oregon Garden, the Gordon House is designed by world-renown architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It is the only Wright building in Oregon and the only publicly accessible Wright residence in the Pacific Northwest. Add a guided tour and learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy of living in harmony with the land.
More about the Gordon House
Silverton Christmas Market
There’s always something to see at the Oregon Garden, no matter the season. Even in December, visitors will see winterberries and the Japanese persimmon producing fruit. The sasanqua camellia will be in full bloom and the Japanese umbrella pine and red pine will be standing proudly.
If you visit the Oregon Garden in December, stop by the Silverton Christmas Market and stunning light displays at the adjacent Oregon Garden Resort. Indulge in some holiday shopping, visit Santa, and enjoy live music and a refreshing brew in the Biergarten. A visit to the Oregon Garden in December promises to create unforgettable holiday memories for everyone.
More Botanical Wonderland
If you are looking for more enchanting gardens in Marion County, don’t miss Lord and Schryver’s gardens. In 1929, Elizabeth Lord and Edith Schryver founded one of the most influential landscape architecture firms in the Pacific Northwest. Visit their charming home and garden, Gaiety Hollow, which is also supported in part by your Lottery play.
Lord & Schryver ConservancyFeatured Projects
LOTTERY DOLLARS DOING GOOD THINGS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Economic Growth
State Parks
Outdoor School
Natural Habitats
Public Schools
