Calendar of Events

 July  | August

July

Oregon County Fairs, various dates
Oregon fairs have been an important expression of our culture and heritage even before statehood in the mid-1800s. Witness the achievements of Oregon's outstanding youth as they show their animals, display their craft, and provide presentations and demonstrations. Learn from industry experts on everything from photography to gardening. Share your mutual enthusiasm for a hobby or craft with a fellow Oregonian. And, while browsing the exhibits you may find a family member or neighbor proudly displaying a blue ribbon entry. If you have the stomach for it, there are thrills and screams in the carnival. But everyone has a favorite fair-food and there is a mouth-watering treat to meet the needs of every palette.
So visit YOUR Oregon fair this year. Better yet, participate in the fair. It could be a talent or skill you find rewarding or maybe it's a group activity the whole family can get involved in. Experience the BEST OF OREGON this summer at an Oregon fair.  Check out this year's Oregon's Best Contests!
  Upcoming Fairs
    Coos Co, July 27 - 31
    Curry Co., July 29 - Aug 1
    Deschutes Co, July 28 - Aug 1
    Hood River Co., July 28 - 31
    Wallowa Co., July 31 - Aug 7
    Washington Co., July 29 - Aug 1

Music in the Teahouse, Tuesdays @ the Lan Su Chinese Garden
Every Tuesday, from noon until 2:30, music will be performed in the Garden Teahouse.  The performances will feature the music of the guzheng -- a traditional Chinese instrument in the zither family.  The music is a compliment to the traditional music of the Portland Orchid and Bamboo Ensemble which performs throughout the week.  All performances are free with admission and an order of tea. 

Dennis’ 7 Dees Open-Air Market on the Oregon Coast, throughout the summer
Dennis’ 7 Dees is opening their Farm Fresh Produce Market in Seaside.  The Farm Fresh Produce Market expands Dennis’ 7 Dees Garden Center offering.  It will supply only the best selection of fresh and organic produce on the coast.  

David, Dean and Drew Snodgrass, all partners in the company, continue in their father’s footsteps.  Dennis’ 7 Dees has been a family owned business since 1956 and is currently the largest coastal garden center selling annuals, perennials, color hanging baskets, vegetable plants and nursery stock.  They pride themselves on providing plant material that is proven to thrive in the local coastal climate. The new expanded offering supports the community farmers with locally grown, seasonal fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs. 

August

2010 Celebration Oregon, Friday, August 27th
“Oregon’s premier wine event!”
6:00-9:00 pm in the Hart of the Garden @ the Oregon State Fairgrounds

• Sample over 200 of Oregon’s finest, award-winning wines
• Enjoy hors d’oeuvres from fifteen of Oregon’s top chefs
• Help celebrate this year’s Best of Show during the 2010 Oregon Wine Award ceremony

There will also be a silent auction  to benefit the Agri-Business Council of Oregon’s Keeping Ag Viable initiative.

Tickets are $50 each.  Click here to buy tickets now.

Oregon State Fair, August 27 - September 6
See the bounty of Oregon's best!  Better yet, participate.  Click here to see this year's Oregon's Best Contests. 

Garden Rewards “Happy Hour” @ Al's Garden Center, August 13
4 - 7 pm
Al’s in Sherwood, 16920 SW Roy Rogers
Al’s in Woodburn, 1220 N. Pacific Hwy
Join us as we celebrate “Happy Hour” Al’s style.  Garden Rewards Members will receive 20% off their purchases on this special night. You’ll find fun food and wine for sale at our Sherwood and Woodburn stores and food and beverages at our Gresham store.   Listen to the summery sounds of ZimbaMarimba at Al’s in Sherwood from 5-7pm.  At our Sherwood store, mingle with Garden Celebrity Mike Darcy, from “In the Garden with Mike Darcy” on KXL radio. www.als-gardencenter.com

 Crazy for Crape Myrtles Event @ Al's Garden Center, Aug. 13 - 22
Al’s in Woodburn, 1220 N. Pacific Hwy
Al’s in  Sherwood, 16920 SW Roy Rogers.
Al’s in Gresham 7505 SE Hogan Road
Stroll through one of the largest selections of Crape Myrtle trees and shrubs.  See how these late blooming beauties can add color and beauty to your landscape.  www.als-gardencenter.com

Dan Heims presents:  Heucheras: the New “Bells” of the Ball, August 15
2pm-3pm, book signing to follow
Al’s in Sherwood, 16920 SW Roy Rogers
Dan Heims, author and current president of Terra Nova Nurseries will talk about the colorful new varieties of Heucheras that have lifted the once forgotten North American native to be a showstopper in the garden.  Dan will talk about Heucheras that are vivid and simple to grow.  Come and learn as Dan shares some of his 34 years of plant expertise.  Dan’s book, Heucheras and Heucherellas Coral Bells and Foamy Bells will be available for purchase and Dan will sign his book after the presentation.  Registration is required.  Register online at www.als-gardencenter.com or by calling Al’s in Sherwood at 503-726-1162. 

Tour Al’s Growing Greenhouses and the 2010-2011 Trials Gardens
Bus departs Al’s in Woodburn, 1220 N. Pacific Hwy, at 10am, 11am, 12noon and 1pm
Bus returns from Al’s Growing Greenhouses at 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm.    
Hop on a bus at Al’s in Woodburn and take the short ride to Al’s Growing Greenhouses.  You’ll get a behind the scenes look at Al’s growing operation and a better understanding of what “Grown by Al’s” means.  Included in the tour will be a look at the 2010-2011 Trials Gardens.  The 2010-2011 Trials Gardens are hundreds of pots of blooming annuals being grown and tested, or “trialed” for next year.  Some of the varieties are new for Al’s, and some are not even on the market. You’ll get a glimpse of the future in flowers while strolling through these gardens.  Registration is required. Register online at www.als-gardencenter.com or by calling Al’s in  Woodburn at 503-981-1245.