Nurseries and plant shops

  • Stafford Ridge Nursery

    10 Rosemont Road, West Linn, OR 97068 | 9am - 5pm

    2023 Season: Feb 3 - Nov 5, then for a few weeks after Thanksgiving

    Family-owned and operated with a great selection of annuals, perennials, and edibles; extensive shade house; standard and sometimes special trees and shrubs; small native plant section; fair pricing for quality plant material; very helpful and knowledgeable staff

    We get our Christmas tree here every year.

    More info (do NOT judge ‘em by the website)

  • Dennis' 7 Dees

    1090 McVey Ave, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 | Every day 9am - 6pm

    Quality plants, gorgeous merchandising, and a rewards program that actually pays off. Plus, it’s 10 minutes from my home and “on the way” most of the time. My gardens are filled with plant material from D7D (or Stafford Ridge), and I feel lucky such an inspiring nursery is nearby. It’s my third place, really, since it’s open year-round and sheltered.

    More info

  • Portland Nursery

    9000 SE Division, Portland, OR 97266 | 5050 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215

    Summer hours: Mon - Thurs 9am - 6pm; Fri - Sun 9am - 7pm

    The staff at Stark seems friendlier and more helpful (they’re both plant people AND people people) But the Division location is just plain bigger, and I’ll go here since both locations are pretty out of the way for me. But, their selection of tools, seeds, houseplants and shrubs are distinct and super — worth the trip when I’m looking for something particular or special.

    More Info

  • Cornell Farms

    8212 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225 | Every day 9am - 6pm

    This nursery is a haul for me, but I’ll often stop in on my way home from the Japanese Garden or if I’m out that way visiting a friend who lives 10 minutes up the road. Sometimes, if my family’s out of town or I’m looking for alone time, I’ll stop in the cafe for breakfast then wander about the plants (and well-curated curiosity and gift shop.) I wish more garden centers offered coffee and table service.

    More info

  • Fiala Farms

    21231 Johnson Rd, West Linn, OR 97068 | Weekends 10am - 5pm; Weekdays 11am - 6pm

    Seasonal: Usually mid-late July - October 31

    This is more a seasonal fruit and veg farm stand, and I love it especially for their U-cut flowers. The family grows dahlias, zinnias, glads, sunflowers, and other annuals. It’s also a happy little pumpkin patch with a corn maze once the frost cuts the flowers for good. (And do it. Buy the pear butter.)

    More info

  • Pistils Nursery (NW)

    2139 NW Raleigh St, Portland, OR 97210 | Every day 11am - 7pm

    I like the Slabtown location (the flagship is up on Mississipi). It’s right up next to New Seasons and Good Coffee, and it’s great for unusual houseplants and a nice, nice, nice selection of kokedama and mounted plants. Expect to drop some dollars. But the plant material is of exceptional quality and the plants themselves are very well cared for before they come home with you.

    More info

Gardens and natural areas

  • Portland Japanese Garden

    611 SW Kingston Ave., Portland OR 97205 | Wed - Mon 10am - 4pm; closed Tues

    Visit if you’re in the region. Join if you’re in the community. Every visit on every day in every season is inspiring. If you can enjoy tea amongst the trees in the Umami Cafe, splurge and make it so. My daughter and I find this a very happy place. (Fun fact: this is us in the WSJ with our friends in 2017.)

    More info

  • Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

    19255 SW Pacific Hwy, Sherwood, OR 97140 | Tues - Sun 10am - 4pm; closed Mon (and holidays)

    Wonderful wooded, flat, and accessible trails along the Tualatin River and out onto the valley. Expect to walk through a few different wildlife habitats, and if you’re lucky you’ll see both local and migratory birds (and maybe even a black swan). We went here a lot when my daughter was little (and pre-dog).

    More info

  • Leach Botanical Garden

    6704 SE 122nd Ave., Portland, OR 97236 | Tues - Fri 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun 10am - 4:00pm; closed Mon (and holidays)

    I’m excited to see this garden continue to develop its programs and land. While it’s a bit out of the way for regular visits, my daughter and I love to explore it in the quite winter hours when everything is extra green and lush. Make time fo sit and soak in the birdsong, the creeksong, and the beautiful, intimate experiences with the plants.

    More info

  • Stevens Meadows and Cooks Butte

    Off Atherton Dr. at the intersection of Stafford and Rosemont Roads, Lake Oswego, OR | Every day, dawn til dusk

    Access both these hikes from the same parking area. The ramble around the meadow is gentle and meditative. The hike up the butte is steep with switchbacks. Trails are slick even in dry season, sopoles or a walking stick aren’t a bad idea.

    More info on Cooks Butte (dogs welcome)

    More info on the Meadows (no dogs allowed; I’ve seen locals aggressively confront people walking the land with dogs — save everyone from the stress and do leave your pooch at home)

  • Bishop's Close Garden at Elk Rock

    11800 S Military Lane, Portland, OR 97298 | Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm (closed weekends, closed Dec. 24 – Jan 2)

    Lovely rock gardens, big ol’ trees, and views overlooking the Willamette River and Elk Rock Island (accessible by foot on the other side of the river when the water is low enough). Especially lovely in May, June, September, and October. Shout out to the Kerr family for keeping the space open to the public, even if weekend visits are not permitted.

    More info — and a bit more still (definitely no dogs)

  • Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

    5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202 | Thurs - Tues 10am - 4pm (last entry 3:30); Wed 1-3:30pm

    Again: Visit if you’re in the region. Join if you’re in the community. Accessible walks through rhodies, azaleas, maples, and along local creeks and waterways. Watch for wood ducks, swans, and nutria. Gorgeous year-round. Plan to park in the neighborhood to the south and walk over. Bathrooms seem to be open seasonally.

    More info

Books and resources