Community projects
Committed to food security and sustainable gardening, Master Gardener volunteers manage and support several community gardens open to the public.
The Learning Garden - A Demonstration Garden
The Learning Garden is made up of ten unique areas demonstrating techniques and features that are suitable for our Central Gorge area. They include:
- Native plant garden
- Curbside garden
- Japanese heritage garden
- Ecolawn and pollinator garden
- Ornamental grasses
- Raised beds
- Bioswales
- Herb garden
- Small space garden
The Learning Garden is a space for Master Gardener volunteers and the Hood River community to learn and create together. It also provides a beautiful space for enjoying a contemplative visit. Brochures are available in each area for visitors to take a self-guided tour. Development and maintenance expenses for the Learning Garden have been funded by the Central Gorge Master Gardener Association along with grants and donations from organizations, businesses, and individuals. Work parties and educational events are scheduled throughout the season.
Location: OSU Extension office at the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research Extension Center, 2990 Experiment Station Drive, Hood River
Waterwise Garden at the Hood River County Library
The Waterwise Garden provides a welcoming pathway for visitors to the Hood River Library and to out-of-towners strolling through downtown Hood River.
Constructed in 2008, the garden comprises numerous plants that thrive in the Columbia Gorge climate with little to no water. The collection was chosen for its continuous display of color, blooms, and seasonal interest.
Work parties meets monthly at the garden to care for plants, make seasonal changes and provide information to visitors as they pass by. This garden is undergoing updates, including an interactive map of the garden with plant lists and links to educational information.
Location: Hood River County Library, 502 State St, Hood River
FISH Food Bank Garden
This vital garden addresses food insecurity by providing fresh, local produce for the FISH Food Bank. We focus on growing vegetables preferred by the clients, especially those that are more costly in the stores or not provided by other supporters of the food bank.The garden is a partnership between the Spirit of Grace Church who owns the property, Master Gardener volunteers who manage the garden, and numerous community volunteers who help to plant and care for the garden.
During the busy summer growing season, volunteers meet weekly for work parties. People who enjoy working in groups help with tasks like preparing garden beds, planting, transplanting, and weeding. Some volunteers take care of a specific vegetable, either on their own or with a partner, while others focus on harvesting the thousands of pounds of produce grown each year.
The garden now includes many kinds of vegetables, herbs, berries, and a native plant windbreak. Future goals include adding more educational projects for youth and improving paths and raised beds to make the garden more accessible. A new kiosk was also installed to share helpful information and resources with visitors.
If you stop by the FISH garden, be sure to check out the kiosk for updates, a current task list for volunteers, and the sign-in sheet.
Location: Spirit of Grace Church and FISH Food Bank, 1130 Tucker Road, Hood River
Parkdale Memorial Garden
The Mount Hood-Parkdale Bi-Centennial Memorial Garden started in 1976. Over time, this large garden became overgrown and untended. It was cleared to remove site obstructions for drivers along the Parkdale triangle. Through a continued partnership between Master Gardeners, Parkdale Garden Club, Grange, Lion’s Club, and community members, this garden has been restored to its former beauty.
Continued efforts add additional garden features, including a succulent garden, shade garden, memorial picnic table, and much more.
Work parties occur monthly throughout the growing season. Visitors can read informational signs to learn more about planting features and community history as they wander the labyrinth of pathways.
The Parkdale Bicentennial Memorial Garden has often been referred to as a "hidden gem right in the middle of Parkdale."
Location: Intersection of Baseline Drive and Dee Highway (Rt. 281)