Purple penstemon at The Oregon Garden

Our mission is to welcome and inspire all visitors with an appreciation for the extraordinary ecology of the Pacific Northwest, and to provide a meaningful educational experience for gardeners of all skill levels and ages

Garden History

  • 1940′s – Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) explores the idea of developing a botanical garden.
  • 1980′s – City of Salem contacts OAN about building a botanical display garden.
  • 1990 – The Garden is listed as part of OAN’s first long-range plan.
  • 1994 – The newly formed Oregon Nurserymen’s Garden Foundation holds its first meeting.
  • 1995 – The site is selected in Silverton. The agreement is formed, which includes the development of a wetland system to cool the city’s treated waste water.
  • 1997 – Groundbreaking is held June 27.
  • 1999 – The J. Frank Schmidt Jr. Pavilion, Native Oak Grove and Wetlands are dedicated.
  • 2000 – The Conifer Garden, Rose Garden, Children’s Garden, Hughes Water Garden, Northwest Garden, Bosque and Chez Garden are created.
  • 2001 – Grand opening celebration is held June 29 to July 3, and Silverton Market Garden is created.
  • 2002 – The Gordon House, Rediscovery Forest and National Resource Education Center open.
  • 2003 – Pet-Friendly Garden is created.
  • 2004 – Visitor Center, Sensory Garden and Honor Garden are completed.
  • 2005 – Lewis and Clark Garden created.
  • 2006 – Moonstone Garden Management begins managing the Garden.
  • 2007 – Groundbreaking ceremony for the Oregon Garden Resort is May 1.
  • 2008 – Oregon Garden Resort opens in October.
  • 2011 – The Oregon Garden celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
  • 2012 – Fire Safety House is created.
  • 2014 – Discovery Pavilion grand opening on October 2.
  • 2016- The Oregon Garden celebrates it’s 15-year anniversary.
  • 2021 – The Oregon Garden Foundation resumes management of the Garden.

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