Located in Portland, Oregon, the Leach Botanical Garden is a 17-acre public botanical garden operated as part of the Portland Parks and Recreation Bureau. During the 19th century, 320 acres of the Johnson Creek area of outer southeast Portland belonged to Jacob Johnson, a local sawmill operator responsible for furnishing lumber for many of the city's earliest homes.

  • What is the history of Leach Botanical Garden?
    • In 1931, John and Lilla Leach purchased 4.5 acres of the Johnson property and renamed it Sleepy Hollow. Lilla, a renowned botanist, cultivated the land into an extensive natural reserve.
    • In 1971, the Leaches bequeathed the property to the city's Parks Bureau with the stipulation that it be developed into a botanical garden.
    • After efforts from the community to protect it from development, the Leach Botanical Garden officially opened in 1983.
  • How large is Leach Botanical Garden?
    • The garden encompasses over 17 acres of land, featuring diverse plant life, historical structures, and newly developed community spaces.
  • Who operates Leach Botanical Garden?
    • The garden is managed through a partnership between the Leach Garden Friends nonprofit (established in 1981) and Portland Parks and Recreation.
  • What plant species can be found at the garden?
    • The garden features over 2,000 plant species, including:
      • Indigenous and non-native plants
      • 125 species of ferns from 40 genera
      • Wildflowers, rock garden plants, and medicinal herbs
    • The landscape, divided by Johnson Creek, is also home to wildlife such as deer, rabbits, beavers, hawks, and hummingbirds.
  • What are the main attractions at Leach Botanical Garden?
    • The Manor House – The entrance to the garden, featuring alpine and heath plants.
    • The East Terrace – A brick patio with arbors and a stone centerpiece.
    • The Stone Cabin – A former summer retreat for the Leaches.
    • The Rock Garden – A slope emulating the alpine regions of the Pacific Northwest.
    • The Coniferous Woods – Home to Lilium, Polygonatum, and Smilacina species.
    • The Physic Garden – A tribute to John Leach's work as a pharmacist, featuring medicinal plants.
    • The Children's Discovery Garden – An educational space for young students.
  • What future developments are planned for the garden?
    • As part of the Upper Garden Development Plan, future additions include:
      • An aerial tree walk
      • A pollinator meadow
      • A gathering green
      • Enhanced plantings and navigation pathways
  • What educational programs and events are available?
    • The garden offers educational programming on botany, geology, and gardening, in partnership with local Portland organizations.
    • Additional programs include:
      • Art classes for children and adults.
      • Guided tours highlighting history and plant diversity.
      • Honeybee Hike – A sensory nature walk for children ages 2-5.
      • Art in Nature – A summer camp focused on artistic and scientific exploration.
      • Children’s Nature Fair – An annual event with music and family-friendly activities.
      • Annual holiday bazaar, an English tea series, and a spring plant sale.
  • Does Leach Botanical Garden offer internships?
    • Yes! A summer college internship program provides hands-on experience in landscape architecture and horticulture.
    • Interns work alongside horticultural staff, caring for plants and assisting with public programs.
  • Where is Leach Botanical Garden located?

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