Goings On

Garden centers, nurseries and garden tours are gearing up for peak season with lots of educational opportunities and garden tours in the coming months. We mentioned a few garden tours in our last newsletter but we have a few more items of interest to share with our fellow gardeners:

Wednesday, June 23, 4-6pm — An Afternoon with Adrian Bloom at Al's Garden Center. Al's Sherwood location is hosting longtime nurseryman, author, and president of Blooms of Bressingham Nursery in Norfolk, England. [Blooms of Bressingham introduced Geranium 'Rozanne', named 2008 Perennial Plant of the Year.] Adrian will talk about his "less can often be more" philosophy of planting and will focus on a short (12) list of ornamental grasses and perennials that can create year-round drama in the garden. The event is FREE, however, registration is required. Register online at www.als-gardencenter.com or call Al's in Sherwood at 503-726-1162.

Saturday, June 26 — BBQ Class at the Oregon Olive Mill (Red Ridge Farms). Caprial and John Pence of Caprial and John's Kitchen (and former hosts of a nationally syndicated public broadcasting cooking show) will demonstrate BBQ techniques, pairing the nursery's own olive oil and Durant Vineyard wines with the food. Limited seating. Fee. Call and reserve your space today at 503-864-2200. Includes a 10% discount on all products on day of class.

Saturday, June 26, 9am-5pm — Oregon Coast Gardening and Landscaping Expo. A benefit for Samaritan House Family Shelter, you'll find plants, seminars, garden art and more. Newport Middle School, 825 N.E. 7th Street, Newport, Ore. Visit www.oregoncoastgardeningexpo.com/index.html for more information. Admission $5.

Sunday, June 27, noon-6pm — 2010 Central Coast Secret Garden Tour & Garden Party. A self-guided tour of private gardens in Gleneden Beach and Salishan Spit. Food, wine, live music and art auction. Tickets are $20 and available at the Oregon Coast Gardening and Landscaping Expo information booth (see calendar entry above) or by calling 541-574-8898.

Saturday, July 10, 10am-4pm — Orenco Station Tour of Secret Gardens, a fundraiser for The Oregon Food Bank and Loaves and Fishes. Twelve gardens within walking distance of each other, and an easy stroll from Orenco Station Max station. Lots of free parking. Other exhibits include local artists, Metro, Garden Clubs, Master Gardeners and lemonade stands. Tickets ($10) are available on the day of the tour at N.E. Cornell and Orenco Station Parkway in Hillsboro.

Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11 — Oregon Lavender Festival. If you’ve never visited a fresh lavender field or sampled treats made with lavender you are in for a treat; dozens of different lavender destinations open their doors so that visitors can experience lavender firsthand. Many destinations have live music, classes and even massages - this is a great way to relax and have fun! www.oregonlavenderfestival.com/festival.htm

To share other garden-related events with our readers, email us at info@oan.org.