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Gardening events and sales

It may still be winter, but gardeners know that it’s not too early to begin to plan and learn new skills. Plant sales in March and April offer the chance to add natives to your landscape, to reduce the use of chemicals, support essential pollinators, and create habitat for birds and other native insects and animals.

West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District has an informative section about gardening with natives, including a section about “meadowscaping”—replacing a monoculture, chemical-intensive lawn with native bunch grasses and wildflowers that attract native wildlife.

Here are some classes and events to help you get your green on!

Cornell Farms classes

All classes are held at Cornell Farm, 8212 Southwest Barnes Rd., and are free. Visit the Events page to register online.

Mason Bee Workshop with Mandy Shaw

Sunday, February 9, 3-4 pm

Did you know that Mason bees are our primary fruit tree pollinators in the Pacfic Northwest?  This springtime pollinator out-pollinates even the most diligent honey bees. Learn how to care for and cultivate these gentle pollinators with beekeeper Mandy Shaw. In this workshop you will have the opportunity to get hands on as Mandy shares one of the important tasks in Mason beekeeping - the cocoon harvest!

Portland Rose Society Event

Saturday, February 15, 1:30-3:30 pm

Come learn about how to take care of roses with members of the Portland Rose Society. Rose pruning demos, pruner sharpening, and soil tests! Bring one pair of garden pruners to get them sharpened,  and a sample of your garden's soil to get it tested. Soil test results will be sent via email.

Houseplant Swap

Sunday, February 16, 3-4 pm

See website for details.

Dennis 7 Dees Classes

Dennis’ 7 Dees offers a variety of free classes for gardeners of all ages and abilities. Pre-registration is required, use the links or register in the Cedar Hills Garden Center store, located at 10455 SW Butner Rd.

Hellebores and Early Bloomers

Purple hellebores

Saturday, February 1, 10 am

If you are feeling the winter blues, you probably don’t have enough flowers! Come get inspired by learning about Hellebores and other winter bloomers that can be planted now in containers or in the ground. Our garden centers are beginning to fill back up for the season and we can’t wait to see you again! Free class; pre-registration required.

Terrarium Workshop

Saturday, February 8, 10 am

Join us for this fun, hands-on workshop and make a terrarium to take home! Learn the necessary ingredients and proper techniques while being inspired by various styles and creative options. Discover which plants work best for different types of containers and/or light exposures. $35 class fee covers materials used during workshop; pre-registration required.

Perennial Edibles

Saturday, February 15, 10 am

From asparagus to rhubarb, this class will teach you about perennial edible crops that don’t need to be replanted each year. We will discuss some of the pros and cons of perennial edibles and where and when to plant them. If you are looking to stretch your edible planting calendar and extend the harvest season, don’t miss this class. Free class; pre-registration required.

Roses Made Easy

Saturday, February 22, 10 am

Have a sunny patch of ground where you desire stunning summer color, year after year? Plant roses and reap years of rewarding bouquets and blooms! We will share our tips for successful rose growing, talk about the different types and their uses, and highlight some of our favorite varieties to grow. Free class; pre-registration required.

Rose Pruning Clinic, Free Hand Tool Sharpening, and Soil pH Testing

Saturday, February 22, 12-3 pm

Get ready for spring with Portland Rose Society! Rose experts will be answering questions and demonstrating proper rose pruning techniques. Bring your hand pruners to be sharpened while you shop and a 1-cup bag of soil for free pH testing!

Plant sales

Small Woodlands Association Native Plant and Tree Sale

Saturday, March 14, Cloverleaf Building at the County Fair Complex

Come check out all the beautiful plants at our annual Native Plant Sale! Located indoors at the Cloverleaf Building at the Hillsboro Fair Complex, it’s a perfect place to get some advice about native plants and buy plants that are sometimes difficult to find at regular nurseries.

Most plants are potted, as noted in the Plant List 2020. We provide native plant experts to help with selection, boxes for handling and transporting the plants, and general volunteers to help collect and carry the plants to your vehicle. Credit cards, cash, and checks are welcome payment. Come early for the best selection. All profits fund high school natural resources education.

Tualatin Hills Nature Center Plant Sale coming in April

Saturday, April 25, 10 am-2 pm, at the Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way

Native plant experts will be on hand to help you choose annual and perennial plants for your landscape. More information will be available in our April issue.

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