Why our members love open gardens
Open Gardens inspire
Open Gardens brings people together through shared curiosity and a love of plants. Whether you’re a beginning gardener or a seasoned plant lover, you’ll find something here to spark your imagination.
- Enjoy real, lived-in gardens: See gardens in all stages of growth — thriving areas, experiments, surprises, and everything in between. It’s honest and encouraging for gardeners at any level.
- Learn directly from fellow gardeners: Ask questions, hear what worked (and what didn’t), and pick up ideas you won’t find in books or online.
- Find inspiration for your own space: From clever plant combinations to creative problem-solving, every garden offers takeaways you can bring home.
- Be part of a welcoming garden community: Connect with people who share your love of plants, swap stories, and make new friends. You might walk away with a (gifted!) plant or two, too.
PHOTO CREDIT: BARBARA BLOSSOM ASHMUN
EVERY GARDEN IS WORTH A VISIT
Open your garden, open a conversation
No garden is ever perfect. They’re all works in progress.
Choose a day that works for you and your garden’s rhythm.
Share a few images so visitors know what to expect.
Pick up a free sign before your open garden so guests can find you easily.
Welcome fellow plant lovers and enjoy the conversations that follow.
Putting local gardeners together is a big part of what HPSO does. The Open Gardens program invites HPSO members to open their gardens on a day and time of their choosing. On that day, these generous hosts welcome visitors from our community to see their private gardens, ask questions about their approaches to gardening, and learn what has worked or not worked in that particular garden. The gardens are as unique as the hosts themselves, as each space is their canvas for exploring the art of gardening.
2025 Open Gardens season by the numbers:
Gardens are posted on our interactive Google Map listed on our website (coming soon!). All you need to do is show up and sign in, be respectful of any signs or requests the host may have, and explore the work of your fellow HPSO member! The Open Gardens committee also organizes what we call a “mini-tour” so you can visit a number of gardens either close by to each other or with a shared theme. These mini-tours will be noted in the weekly newsletter and on the site. The season typically runs from early spring to late fall.
- Browse the searchable database (coming soon!)
- Pick your dates and add to your calendar (coming soon!)
- Grab some friends and sturdy shoes
- Buckle up and have a great time
HPSO hosted Study Weekend in Portland OR in 2025. This 4-day gardening conference that attracted nearly 500 attendees featured 22 premium gardens. Some are rarely open to the public.
Volunteers on the Open Gardens committee work hard to organize people nearby or with a shared focus to open on the same day. This lets you make a day of it, bumbling from one HPSO garden to another. Is there a better way to spend a day? Hardly!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I visit an HPSO Open Garden?
Open Gardens are a members-only experience. By joining HPSO, you’ll gain access to visit member-hosted gardens throughout the season, each offering a unique chance to learn, explore, and connect with fellow plant lovers.
How many Open Gardens are there each season?
Around 70 to 80 gardens open each season, with many hosts committing to multiple dates.
How long does the Open Gardens season go?
Typically from February to October. Folks with impressive hellebore collections like to kick the season off!
How do members find out which gardens are open?
HPSO members can learn about Open Gardens through the members-only portion of our website.
A members-only experience
Step Into Our Members’ Gardens
