Study Weekend

Join 450 gardening enthusiasts from all over the Pacific Northwest and beyond as we gather at the end of June to meet fellow gardeners, hear fabulous speakers (national and international), tour gardens, buy books and plants, attend workshops, and mingle with fellow enthusiastic gardeners.

This annual gardening conference rotates between the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon and our sister organizations in Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia, and Salem.

Information is dispensed from the sponsoring organization to the fellow horticultural groups. Because of the limited number who can enroll, prompt registration is necessary. Many are turned away each year.

The next Study Weekend will be June 28-30, 2019, here in Portland.  Information will be announced to members via the e-newsletter, our social media profiles, and here on this site.  Learn more below and in the Events Listing.
 

Unstoppable forces have entered the garden.  Climate change, habitat loss, resource scarcity -- even our won aging -- make clear that the pursuit of a beautiful garden no longer justifies all the means.  Is it time to abandon conventional wisdom and expected outcomes and seek new approaches?  Can we transform the garden and the gardener?  Join us to contemplate, discuss and explore gardening, reimagined.

The Study Weekend Line-Up

The Hardy Plant Society of Oregon's 2019 Study Weekend begins on Friday, June 28, with Optional Pre-event Workshops and Open Gardens in Northeast/North Portland.

We have a great line-up of speakers to inspire you at this Portland 2019 Study Weekend.  To kick it off, on Friday evening, Tom Fischer gives our keynote talk, "Dreaming Deeper: A Who's Who of Ground-Breaking Gardeners."

Saturday morning, look forward to Patrick Cullina's talking about the role of dynamic landscapes in transforming our communities, Leslie C. Bennett addressing the use of edibles in the garden, and Kelly Norris helping us to reimagine the perennial palette, before heading into Southwest Portland to view an array of gardens.

Sunday morning, Claire Takacs narrates her exquisite photos of gardens from around the world to give us a new way of seeing gardens.  Then, Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott explains how good plant science and native plants work together.  In the afternoon, head out again to see gardens, this time in Washington County and on nearby Sauvie Island.

Optional Study Weekend events include workshops at regional public gardens (details coming) and a Saturday evening soiree at Pomarius Nursery (limited to 200).

The entire Study Weekend is filled with these great talks, open gardens, a Plant Sale with hundreds of plants from select vendors, a Book Sale, featuring books from our speakers and others befitting the theme.  During breaks, make sure to check out the Botanical Display.  A multitude of Door Prizes, including books, plants, art and gift certificates, are given away to attendees with special attention to non-plant items for our Canadian guests.  You just need to be in your seat to win!!

Weekend attendees also have an opportunity to bid on fabulous Silent Auction items...from plant collections to garden art to trips and tours.  Money raised from the auction supports HPSO's grants and scholarships supporting regional gardening education projects and programs.

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Portland Study Weekend unfolds under a new roof in 2019, at the Crown Plaza Portland-Downtown Convention Center.  In addition to its convenient location, the venue offers excellent facilities for our conference, and guest staying at the hotel through Study Weekend special rates enjoy air-conditioned rooms with refrigerators and microwaves, wireless internet, indoor pool, a spa tub and 24-hour fitness center, concierge services, gift shops and newsstands, restaurant and bar, and transportation connections including complimentary area shuttle service to nearby attractions.

Registration opens February 1, 2019
$185 includes all talks and entry to open gardens, plant sales, and book sales.
$200 price after May 1 if any spots remain.  No refunds or cancellations after May 1.  Prior to that, a $25 cancellation fee applies.

Optional Events:
Friday morning workshops in three venues.  More info to come.
$75 Saturday Soiree at Pomarius Nursery

Study Weekend Open Gardens

The Open Gardens are highlights of the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon 2019 Study Weekend.  Reimagine gardening as you saunter through intimate and unique urban gardens, suburban oases and visionary rural landscapes.

On Friday, not far from the Study Weekend conference center, visit gardens tucked into Portland's eclectic Eastside neighborhoods.

On Saturday afternoon, journey to Portland's Southwest Hills and experience creative suburban gardens.

On Sunday afternoon, get out of the city to visit four lovely gardens to the West of Portland and two serene rural retreats, nestled along the Columbia River.

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Saturday Night Soiree

Experience the stunning grounds of Pomarius Nursery at the Saturday night Soiree.  Be inspired by the European-styled ambience, plants, and architectural objects while sharing a seasonally-influenced dinner prepared by Vibrant Table, Portland's award-winning caterers.  SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED.  SPACE IS LIMITED TO 200 PEOPLE.

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Optional Friday Workshops

Before the open gardens on Friday, three workshops are slated at regional public gardens: Portland Japanese Garden; Rogerson Clematis Garden, and Wildlife Botanical Gardens.  Each workshop is designed by the respective garden.  Details available soon.

Our thanks to artist Rogene Manas for the artwork used in the 2019 Study Weekend logo.   http://www.rogenemanas.com