By Linda Whitmore
The Oregon Garden, which celebrated its seventh anniversary June 29, is blooming like an established landscape. Now solidly rooted, Silverton’s botanical garden is flourishing.
Not only have the individual garden spots been expanded and plants within them matured, the Garden is on sound financial footing, allowing for further growth and development.
There has been a bloom of activity in the past year and visitors who have toured in the past are finding new features around every corner.
Changes begin at the front gate, which soon will have a new look. An 85-foot-long log has arrived and will be made into an entry portal.
Up in the patio by the admissions building and gift shop there’s a new fountain bubbling and nearby, the plant sales area has expanded.
There are improvements everywhere.
“So much has changed in the children’s garden and market garden,” said April Purdy, general manager. “The Hobbit garden is finished and the tree fort was built this past winter.”
Children can let their imaginations loose in the new tree house – just a foot above ground, but under the umbrella of a curly-leafed willow tree. Nearby is a comical collection of household fixtures given new purpose as planters.
In addition to the developments of its flowers and facilities, The Garden is increasing the number of events taking place on site throughout the year. In January there was the first quilt show, and later a motorcycle show, both of which were successful.
“In the fall we plan to have a corn maze for the Fall Festival,” Purdy said. And, she announced, “The Christmas lights will be brought back this year!”
Other activities such as wreath-making workshops are also on the schedule.
Special projects for children on themes such as bugs or flowers are now taking place on Saturdays. And kids can go on a “treasure hunt” throughout the garden any day of the week.
The summer concert series, July 3 Silverton Day and fireworks, and the July and August Tuesday evening Sunsets in the Garden are additional opportunities to check out the changes.
Also continuing this summer is the 7 a.m. opening time for those who want to enjoy a stroll in the early morning on Wednesdays and Saturdays through September. In the works is a plan to convert an existing greenhouse into an environment for tropical and exotic plants.
Credit for many of the ideas for new features goes to garden staff members, Purdy said. “It’s fun to see horticulture staff and volunteers doing creative things,” she said.
The tram driver makes wooden birdhouses; another staff member is making creative things with gourds.
Much of the current buzz at the garden relates to ideas for developments in the conifer garden, Purdy said.
Perhaps most noticed is that there are more colorful flowers than ever.
“Everybody loves color,” said Purdy. “It’s the ‘Wow!’ factor. We are always adding more for people to return to see.”
