While many public gardens are temporarily closed, enjoy these virtual tours from the Portland, Oregon, gardening community.
Bonsai Mirai
Led by world-renowned bonsai professional Ryan Neil, Bonsai Mirai offers online classes and bonsai supplies through their online store.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
With blooms peaking in late April to early May, many rhododendron lovers bemoan the lost viewing season. Luckily, this Portland garden offers a virtual tour as OPB cameraman, Nick Fisher, tours the grounds.
Floral Design Institute
Established in 1969, the Floral Design Institute continues to evolve with the times by offering an online certification program. Typically located in charming NW Portland, budding florists can still work toward their goals with 31 self-paced virtual learning segments.
The Grotto
The Grotto, an internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary with 62 acres of botanical gardens, offers the A Place of Sanctuary: Bringing the Grotto to You Daily web series. Each day, The Grotto shares images and stories from a different section of the outdoor grounds, as well as a daily spiritual reflection.
Hoyt Arboretum
While the trails stay open, the arboretum’s popular educational programs have moved to a virtual setting that is open to all. Via Zoom, The Virtual Tree Time introduces preschoolers to new plants, bugs and wildlife, and the weekly Virtual Nature Journaling session is led by a local artist.
Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden showcases 360-degree photos and virtual photo tours of the garden. Go for a virtual “stroll” through the garden spaces, even sneaking a much-needed peek at the Zen garden.
Lan Su Garden
The garden shared a 30 Seconds of Calm video that delivers exactly what it promises. Follow the Lan Su Garden Instagram account for more Zen-filled content, including video of robin chirps and koi splish-splashing.
Laurel Hedge
This garden near Estacada OR filmed a soothing garden walk, starting at its farmhouse and weaving through its two-acre, gravel-lined path.
Portland Nursery
A Portland institution, the Portland Nursery offers custom planting plans. Simply measure your yard and take photos of the space. The pro team will then create a custom plan for your garden. Live in the Portland Region? Portland Nursery delivers.
Portland Rose Parade
In lieu of the beloved Portland Rose Festival, the festival has shifted into “Parading in Place” with a Grand Petite Parade on June 6. The virtual parade will stream on Facebook Live with photos and videos of homemade shoebox floats.
Swan Island Dahlias
While one can still hold out hope for a summer visit to this stunning farm, the live webcam is a way to watch the growing season—just starting now. Below the live webcam, Swan Island Dahlias provides a delightful mix of dahlia care videos. Home gardeners can learn how to best buy, cut, divide and store dahlias.
Villa Catalana
This Oregon City winery, nursery and architectural wonder can be enjoyed through the Creating Villa Catalana interview that has been paired with images from the estate. The winery’s tasting room is a rare plant conservatory where many unusual tropical plants thrive.
Featured image – Crystal Springs / Justin Katigbak-Travel Portland
Source: Travel Portland
