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.