Photo of the week: Jen Harrison, North Portland, caught the light on this banana plant leaf.
Each week we feature a photo that was an entry in our 2010 photo contest. The 2011 contest has ended; look for the winners in the Dec. 24 weekend edition of Homes & Gardens of the Northwest.
Events are free unless noted. Fees usually include materials; call to confirm. All area codes are 503 unless noted.
TOURS
Duniway Holiday Home Tour
Enjoy a trolley-ride tour -- to the sound of carolers -- featuring five homes in the Eastmoreland neighborhood, including the Parker House at Reed College. Tour starts at Duniway Elementary School (7700 S.E. Reed College Place) and includes the school's holiday boutique in the south gymnasium (10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.).
WHEN:
10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2
TICKETS:
$25; visit the website for locations or to purchase
DETAILS:
774-4176 or by email to
or
BENEFITS:
Duniway Elementary School
Aurora Colony Holiday Home Tour
Tour homes dating from the mid-19th century, including a log home and a country church, in Aurora's historic district. Includes a "wine and chocolate walk" to sample artisan chocolates and local wines in Aurora's antiques district.
WHEN:
Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
TICKETS:
$15
DETAILS:
678-5754 or by email to
SPONSOR:
Old Aurora Colony Museum
EVENTS
SATURDAY, NOV. 26
Chrysanthemums:
Ends Nov. 30. Chrysanthemum activities and displays, including cut blooms from the Portland Chrysanthemum Society and the Lan Su collection, and chrysanthemum tea for purchase in the teahouse. Lan Su Chinese Garden, Northwest Third Avenue and Everett Street; free with garden admission ($6.50-$8.50);
or 228-8131
Nursery Open House:
Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 26-27. Classes, carolers and design ideas to help get you ready for the holidays. Call for schedule. Portland Nursery, 5050 S.E. Stark St.;
or 231-5050
Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park:
4-9:30 p.m. daily, through Dec. 31. Enjoy this holiday tradition of almost 300,000 lights, Christmas trees, lighted sculptures, pond area, decorated Garden House and offerings of hot cider, punch, coffee and cookies plus entertainment in the pavilion. Shore Acres State Park, Cape Arago Highway, 13 miles southwest of Coos Bay/North Bend and U.S. 101, Coos Bay; $5 parking fee per vehicle;
or 541-888-3732, 541-756-5401 or by email to
FRIDAY, DEC. 2
Portland Plant Medicine Gathering:
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 2-4. A weekend of classes with herbalists, healers and teachers, and workshops on plant spirit medicine, ethical wildcrafting, herbs and more. Registration required. See website for schedule. National College of Natural Medicine Clinic, 3025 S.W. Corbett Ave.; $50-$100;
or 503-593-1713.
Oak Grove Garden Club:
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wreaths, swags, centerpieces, yule logs, hanging greens baskets, pet gifts and other items. Proceeds benefit club scholarships for horticultural students and Risley Landing Gardens. Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 2800 S.E. Concord Road, Milwaukie;
or 652-2154
SATURDAY, DEC. 3
Friends of Tryon Creek Forest Market:
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 3-4. Browse the handiwork of regional artisans and vendors, all with a focus on nature and sustainability. Local authors will also be on hand to discuss their books on Oregon hiking and camping, including "Wild in the City" author Michael Houck. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 S.W. Terwilliger Blvd.;
or 636-9886
Gardener's Guided Walk:
11 a.m.-noon first Saturdays, through Dec. 3. Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave.;
or 823-9503
UPCOMING
Become a Master Gardener:
Join the OSU Extension Service master gardener volunteers. Training takes place January through March, focusing on the art and science of sustainable gardening. Weekly classes are available in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. Registration required. $395;
or 650-8631
CLASSES + DEMONSTRATIONS
SATURDAY, NOV. 26
Make Your Own Wreath:
Noon-1:30 p.m. Presented by gardener/designer Robyn Pope. Registration required. Cornell Farm, 8212 S.W. Barnes Road; $35 covers all materials; 292-9895
SATURDAY, DEC. 3
Rain Garden Workshop:
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn to plan, design and build your own rain garden, and hear how rain gardens can benefit the fish, wildlife and communities connected to local waterways. Presented by Johnson Creek Watershed Council. Register with East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District at the website. Pleasant Valley School, 17625 S.E. Foster Road, Gresham;
or 935-5383
Attracting Wild Birds:
1 p.m. Bird expert Tom Combs will talk about how to attract your favorite birds using seeds, suet and feeding mixes, various styles of bird feeders, and plants that can provide food and habitat. Registration required. Portland Nursery, 9000 S.E. Division St.;
or 788-9000
Wonderful Winter Plants:
1 p.m. Learn about great plants that will add color, structure or texture to your yard in winter. Al's Garden Center, 1220 N. Pacific Highway, Woodburn;
or 981-1245
Click for
Calendar items run on a space-available basis. Please submit notices at least one month before the event to Homes & Gardens Listings Desk, The Oregonian, 1320 S.W. Broadway, Portland, OR 97201; or by email (send as a plain text file, with Homes & Gardens in the subject line) to listings@oregonian.com. Except for cancellations and corrections, notices cannot be accepted by phone.