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.
Our History
- 1940s – The Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) explores the idea of developing a botanical garden.
- 1980s – The City of Salem contacts the 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 – A site is selected in Silverton and an agreement is formed, which includes the development of a wetland system to cool the City’s treated waste water.
- 1997 – The Oregon Garden’s groundbreaking takes place on June 27, 1997.
- 1999 – The J. Frank Schmidt Jr. Pavilion, Oak Grove and Wetlands are dedicated.
- 2000 – The Conifer Garden, Rose Garden, Children’s Garden, A-Mazing Water Garden, Northwest Garden, Bosque and Café Garden are completed.
- 2001 – Grand opening celebration is held June 29 to July 3. Silverton Market Garden is completed.
- 2002 – The Gordon House, Rediscovery Forest and Natural Resource Education Center open.
- 2003 – Pet-Friendly Garden is completed.
- 2004 – Visitor Center, Sensory Garden and Honor Garden are completed.
- 2005 – Lewis and Clark Garden completed.
- 2006 – Moonstone Garden Management begins managing The Oregon Garden.
- 2011 – The Oregon Garden celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
- 2012 – Fire Safe House is renovated.
- 2014 – Discovery Pavilion grand opening takes place on October 2.
- 2016 – The Oregon Garden celebrates its 15-year anniversary.
- 2020 – The Oregon Garden Foundation resumes management of the Garden.
- 2022 – Pirate Ship play structure is dedicated.
