Category Archives: Leach Botanical Gardens

June Leach Garden Video Update

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June 2020 video update from Leach Botanical Gardens

David Porter, Executive Director of Leach Botanical Gardens, writes:

“The new construction video includes more views from the deck of the Tree walk.  The rails and the stainless steel cap on the railing are being installed and polished. Soon the electricians will come in and install lighting.  The structure is very aesthetically pleasing. 

In the landscape, the secondary paths are taking shape and the irrigation systems are nearing completion in the Gathering Green and Pollinator Garden areas.  The Arbor framework is assembled and next steps include pouring of the Terrace and setting the fire feature.  
I hope you enjoy the views. I am astonished that this has been the 11th construction video.  Time has flown by.

I hope you are safe and well, andI look forward to the day I can greet you in the Garden again.”

Leach Botanical Gardens April/May 2019 Events

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Leach Botanical Gardens April/May 2019 Events

The bridge at SE 122nd Ave is OPEN!

PLANT SALE, Saturday, April 13th, 9:00AM (LBG Friends), 9:30AM (general) to 2:00PM at Floyd Light Middle School.

SPRING BIRDS IN THE GARDEN with Laura Whittemore, April 21, 9:00AM- 12:00PM This workshop takes the mystery out of bird observation and identification by giving you the tools to see the whole bird—not just its color, but its shape, size, pattern, behavior, and more. Bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the weather. Meet at the Manor House. $30 General/ $25 LBG Friends

SHINRIN YOKU TOUR, Saturday, April 27, 2019, 11:00AM – 12:00PM Leach Garden is a powerful place of respite in bustling SE Portland. Join us for a soothing, expansive walk through the forest, meadow, and creek side.

BOTANICAL ECO-DYEING, April 28, 9:00AM – 4:00PM Textile artist Anna Zell will lead you step-by-step through the eco-printing process and you’ll take home your own eco-printed silk noil and either crepe de chine or charmeuse silk scarf. Cost: $125 general/$115 LBG Friend. Includes all silk fabric and dying supplies.

CREATING WILDLIFE HABITAT TREES, Saturday, May 4, 11:00AM-12:30PM More than a quarter of woodland wild-life species use dead and dying trees for food, shelter, and cover. Learn how snags can be coaxed into critical habitat with Board Certified Master Arborist and PCC instructor Anne LeSenne. Meet at the entrance to the Claybourne Parking Lot. $25.00 General/$20.00 LBG Friend

NATIVE BEE WORKSHOP Saturday, May 11, 1:00-4:00PM Join Jess Tyler for an overview of Oregon’s native bees, an examination of bees through dissecting scopes, followed by a chance to catch and release some as we take a guided tour through the Garden. $20 general/$15 LBG Friend

CHILDREN’S NATURE FAIR, Saturday, May 18, 10:00AM-2:00PM  Please let Annie Winn know if you’d like to volunteer!

LILLA LIT, Sunday, May 19th, 4:00-6:00PM. We’re thrilled to announce Lilla Lit, a new signature literary reading series held at Leach Botanical Garden. Please join us for the inaugural Lilla literary event on the East Terrace to hear from these six acclaimed Portland authors: Justin Hocking, Apricot Irving, Keetje Kuipers, Nastashia Minto, Liz Prato, and Liz Scott. $10 suggested donation at the door.

February and March Events at Leach Botanical Gardens

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YOGA CLASS: Tuesdays, 1:00-1:50PM, Manor House. Optimize your overall well-being with yoga. All levels welcome. Taught by Jill Russell or Kelly Carsley. $10 LBG Friends, $12 non-members.

WINTER INTEREST WALK: Saturday, Feb. 9, 11:00AM-12:00PM. Join Gardener/Curator Courtney Vengarick on a winter garden highlights walk. Free for LBG Friends/$5 non-members. Pre-registration requested

WHY THERE ARE WORDS PDX: Sunday, February 17, 4:00-6:00PM. Six acclaimed authors will read from their work on the theme of Peace & Justice. WTAW is an award-winning national reading series that we are fortunate to host at the Garden, thanks to Virginia Brandabur and Lisa Gluskin Stonestreet. The $10 requested donation benefits the garden.

BEDROCK THEATRE: Tuesday, Feb. 26, 7:00-8:00PM. An evening of live music and storytelling with Bedrock Band. This inaugural Bedrock Theatre event kicks off the Garden’s partnership with Bedrock in presenting seasonal events that connect audiences with the environment. Suggested $5-25 donation; no one turned away. Proceeds benefit the garden. Click here to learn more!

BENEFICIAL INSECTS WORKSHOP: Sunday, March 3, 1:00-3:30PM. EMSWCD is presenting this workshop at the Garden on how native insects keep gardens healthy and thriving. Click here to register!

SPRING GARDEN FAIR: Saturday, March 16, 10:00AM-2:00PM. Seed Exchange, Tool Sharpening, Kid’s Nature Walk at 11:00AM, Ethnobotany Tour at 1:00PM, Stone Cabin Open House, and mini-cupcakes while they last!

NATIVE PLANTS WORKSHOP: Saturday, April 6, 9:00-11:30AM. EMSWCD will provide information on the benefits of gardening with native plants, which ones do well together, and other tips on growing natives. Click here to register!

Leach Botanical Garden Tree Walk Crowdfunding Campaign

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For decades Leach Botanical Garden has been an enchanting refuge in East Portland – and now they are about to take bold steps toward becoming a garden for everyone, both in East Portland and around the region. The centerpiece will be a tree walk – 30 feet off the ground – giving visitors of all ages and abilities the chance to experience a truly unique urban garden and forest.

Find out more about this great project on their site!

Leach Botanical Gardens Takes a Giant Step Forward

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Portland Parks and Recreation and Leach Garden Friends are beginning a major improvement to the Leach Botanical Gardens in East Portland. This project will make Leach a local treasure and world-class destination, joining other famous Portland gardens like the Japanese Garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden, International Rose Test Garden, and Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.

Parks Director Mike Abbate read this statement on behalf of Nick:

“I am sorry I could not join you today. Thanks to everyone who has lifted me up as I fight my cancer.

“Leach Botanical Gardens is the crown jewel of East Portland. But even the brightest jewel needs a good polishing. When construction is finished, this will be a world-class botanical garden.

“Today we’re taking a giant step forward, building on John and Lilla Leach’s enduring legacy. I know that they would be very proud that Leach Botanical Gardens will continue to serve East Portland, as well as visitors from around the world, for generations to come.

“I would like to take a moment to acknowledge all of the champions who made this day possible. They include former Parks Commissioner Charles Jordan, whose famous last-minute change-of-heart preserved this space as a permanent Portland Park. Commissioner Amanda Fritz and Parks Director Mike Abbate have been steadfast and generous in their support. David Porter and the Leach board of directors are model stewards of this community treasure. And to all of the donors, supporters, visitors, and staff – thank you!”

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