OGA Field Trip: The Portland Memory Garden 

Time: Tour at 10:30 a.m., concert in the garden at 11:30 a.m.

Location: Portland Memory Garden in Ed Benedict Park, 10401 SE Bush Street, Portland, OR 97266 

Please join us for a special in-person event at the Portland Memory Garden. We will have a garden tour and presentation on garden engagement activities with Tara Hicks, Horticultural Therapist (HTR) and Friends of Portland Memory Garden board member. We will also have a chance to get our hands in the soil! Bring a picnic and stay for a cello concert in the garden after the tour.

About the Portland Memory Garden

Dedicated in 2002, the Portland Memory Garden (PMG) is a therapeutic garden designed to enhance connection and restoration within the wider community alongside groups of older adults, people living with memory loss, and their loved ones.  It offers an immersive space to experience the benefits of natural environments; explore therapeutic horticulture; and foster connections with surrounding communities.

The garden presents a variety of seasonal plants and flowers with raised beds that make them accessible to all visitors.  Plants are selected to evoke past memories and emotions.  Accessibility is supported through wide paved pathways, familiar landmarks, wheelchair and walker-friendly surfaces, comfortable benches, and a restroom.  It is fully fenced to provide security and ease of mind for supervising family members.

The garden is maintained by the Friends of Portland Memory Garden, whose mission is to enhance the lives of older adults, including individuals with memory disorders and their caregivers, by maintaining the Portland Memory Garden, involving the larger community, and providing therapeutic and educational activities.

About Tara Hicks

Tara Hicks is a registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR) with a degree in landscape architecture. Her focus is working with seniors to enhance well-being through the interaction with plant life and support homeowners to recognize their natural landscape and plan transformative designs for beautiful and healthful outdoor homes.  

Perks of Registration

Registration is not required for this event but is encouraged. A perk of registration is access to a recorded OGA webinar by Brian Bainnson, landscape architect, lead designer of the garden, and president of Friends of the Portland Memory Garden.