TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on
668 reviews
The Garden, which opened in 1999, spans 80 acres and boasts 20 specialty gardens, as well as waterfalls, fountains, quiet ponds, a working tree farm, tram tours, a summer concert series and the Gordon House, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is open to the public.
TripAdvisor
This is a great place to spend a few hours walking around looking at the lovely flowers. There are several areas in the garden to view. You can take a tram tour (only three days a week) or walk. There is a forest area you can walk and possibly see wildlife. I saw a deer near garden eating apples that fell off a tree. Worth the time to see. There is a nice cafe there with decent sandwiches at good prices. For locals they have a plant retail shop and workshops.
We have spent many lovely hours in The Oregon Garden over the years. We took a trip on June 1-3, 2002 to Silverton, specifically to visit the garden but were extremely disappointed when we discovered that the tram that usually meandered through the garden, stopping to let people on and off, has been changed to a non-stop Garden Tour Tram. One of the pleasures of the garden has been traveling on the tram and getting off to check out the side trails, nooks, and crannies that can't be viewed from the main tram route. No more side excursions. No more delightful discoveries. Now you pay for your admission, pay extra for your tram tour, get on, and stay on until you reach the end. Those who don't have the physical ability to walk the entire garden are no longer welcome, as evidenced by this comment from the Director of Operations in reply to my email complaint: "We also know that adjusting to change can be difficult, and that some of our long-time guests have had to get used to changes in the way we operate." THAT STATEMENT IS CONDESCENDING BEYOND BELIEF! She claimed that it was either have the nonstop tram or have no tram at all. There was no explanation of why it couldn't stop along the way. They had an excellent, unique experience for guests, one that she pointed out was not offered by other gardens in Oregon, and they messed it up. We won't be back!
This was an 80 acre botanical garden showcasing the native and adapted plants of Oregon. It was beautifully laid out. Showcased a wide variety of gardens with a conifer garden, maple trees reflection pools, vegetable garden, etc. Easy walking on sidewalks with frequent benches available to enjoy the landscaping. We spent 4 very enjoyable hours here including having lunch at their cafe.
Disappointing. We were so excited to finally go. The gardens seem neglected - not manicured, very few plants in some areas. Conifer area had identification signs, other areas, not so much. We took the team ride, which is an interesting idea, but nothing to see. May try again in Summer, but not on top of my list.
Not a lot in bloom, but always an enjoyable place to spent a few hours. Many Lenten roses in bloom in lots of shades.