Visiting gardens is a great way to see how other gardeners use plants in unique combinations, and also for socializing with other gardeners. But probably my favorite reason to go is to see and learn about plants that are new to me.

Fortunately, the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon (HPSO) offers members like me the opportunity to visit gardens through its “Open Gardens” program (www.hardyplantsociety.org/open-gardens). HPSO members provide access to their gardens so fellow members can stroll through and see new plants and unique plant combinations, view garden art and learn about new garden products, all while socializing with fellow gardeners. It is a delightful way to spend a day, as I did recently.

In mid-June, I visited the garden of Jeffrey Herbst and Marge Erwin. It was my first visit to see their garden, located along the Tualatin River in West Linn, Oregon. I was immediately impressed by the giant firs and cedars that formed the perimeter around the house and the garden. Jeff is a serious plant person with a passion for plants. He has created a true collector’s garden.

As we toured the garden, Jeff told me about the plants and their history. I asked him about a tree that was unfamiliar to me and he identified it as a Nothofagus antarctica. For many years this tree was thought to be the southernmost-growing tree on earth. A native of southern Chile and Argentina, it was introduced to the United States in 1830. However, in 2019 another species, N. betuloides, was found growing farther south on the Chilean island of Hornos, which then became the southernmost-growing tree on earth.

The N. antarctica growing in Jeff’s garden has an airy appearance. The glossy leaves are small, dark green with crinkly margins, and the trunk has small white ridges that look like small steps.

Since this is a relatively rare species of tree, I was surprised to see another N. antarctica during a different visit to the garden of Pat and Dave Eckerdt in Salem, Oregon. About 10 feet tall, the Eckerdts’ tree grows in an open area and has the same airy appearance as the one in Jeff’s garden, which stands about 20 feet tall. Both appear to be growing well here in the Pacific Northwest, far from their native land.

As usually occurs, a visit to an open garden resulted in learning about a new plant, and also a lesson on the value of time.

Farwest is one big open garden

As a fan of open gardens, I’m reminded of the biggest open garden of them all — the annual Farwest Show. For me, Farwest has always been a place to discover new plant introductions and new garden products. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to socialize with other green industry professionals. Plus, seminars keep me up to date on the latest industry information.

The Farwest Show turns 50 years old this year and it promises to be a grand celebration. So much has happened during these past 50 years in every aspect of the garden business, and that reflects in the actual structure of the event itself.

At last year’s Farwest Show, while walking down an aisle of cubicles, I thought back to the days of pay telephones. During past shows, these cubicles were used as telephone booths and they were all in use. Usually there was a line waiting to use the next available one. Today, those pay telephones are gone.

A few years ago, I was watching a movie with my 10-year-old grandson and there was a scene with a man in a phone booth. He asked me what it was, and what was that man doing? How times change! It’s hard to believe pay telephones were once the most direct line of communication method for making sales on the Farwest Show floor. Now, cell phones rule!

There are many reasons why I’ve attended the Farwest Show for many years. For me, it is the plants — seeing the new introductions and the tried-and-true favorites in person. There is really no better way to stay current than seeing plant varieties up close.

The Farwest Show connects the greater growing community. Gardeners are always looking for something new, and the Farwest Show is the place where garden centers can learn about the latest plants plant buyers will be asking for. Perhaps, a Nothofagus betuloides!

Of course, the garden centers of today do not look or operate like the garden centers of 50 years ago. Hopefully, the one constant from yesterday to today is customer service. Gardeners appreciate that social connection, now more than ever.

Whether small like HPSO or big like Farwest, open gardens offer the opportunity to make these vital connections.

Enjoy the Farwest Show and learn about a new plant!

What I’m Hearing from the August 2023 issue of Digger magazine | Download PDF