Photo of the week: 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
Aurora Colony Holiday Home Tou
r
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
Holiday Home Tour in Camas
Tour four homes decorated for the holiday season, and enjoy live entertainment and a raffle.
WHEN:
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3-4
TICKETS:
$20
DETAILS:
360-834-5722 or
BENEFITS:
Downtown Camas Association
Ainsworth Holiday Home Tour
Tour five Portland Heights homes, including a 1912 Craftsman owned by Margie Boulé, former columnist for The Oregonian. Tour includes the Holiday Gift Show at Ainsworth Elementary School, 2425 S.W. Vista Ave., featuring items by 27 local artisans.
WHEN: Tour 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8; Holiday Gift Show 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9
TICKETS:
$25; visit the website for details and ticket locations
DETAILS:
916-6288 or
Oregon City Christmas Parlor Tour
Visit historic Oregon City homes decorated for the holidays, as well as three museums. Actors in period dress will bring each home to life as they engage in holiday activities of the era.
WHEN:
2-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
TICKETS:
$20; available at Friends of the Library Bookstore, 503 Seventh St., Oregon City
DETAILS:
650-1851
EVENTS
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
Reindeer Magic:
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy apple cider, cookies, holiday music, coffee and cocoa, wine tasting, kids' games, an appearance by Frosty the Snowman and photo opportunities with live reindeer. Dennis' 7 Dees Garden Center, 6025 S.E. Powell Blvd.;
or 777-1421
Gardener's Guided Walk:
11 a.m.-noon. Leach Botanical Garden, 6704 S.E. 122nd Ave.;
or 823-9503
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
TUESDAY, DEC. 6
Washington County Master Gardeners:
7:15 p.m. Chip Bubl, OSU Extension agent, speaks about genetic, physical and environmental factors affecting seed quality and best practices for home garden use. First Baptist Church, 5755 S.W. Erickson Ave., Beaverton;
SATURDAY, DEC. 10
Habitat Restoration:
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Help volunteers plant trees to improve the habitats around the refuge. Registration requested. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge – River "S" Unit, 1071 S. Hillhurst Road, Ridgefield, Wash.;
or 360-887-3883 or by email to
CLASSES + DEMONSTRATIONS
SATURDAY, DEC. 3
Herb Gifts/Holiday Decorating:
8 a.m.-noon. Led by Clackamas Community College horticulture instructors. In Clairmont Hall, Room 117. Registration required. Clackamas Community College, 19600 S. Molalla Ave., Oregon City; $45; 594-3292
Rain Garden Workshop:
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn to plan, design and build your own rain garden -- with explanations on 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 and various styles of bird feeders, as well as plants that can provide food and habitat. Registration required. Portland Nursery, 9000 S.E. Division St.;
or 788-9000
Build a Holiday Centerpiece:
1 p.m. Learn how to strip fresh greens, preserve them and add ornaments and candles. Registration required. Al's Garden Center, 16920 S.W. Roy Rogers Road, Sherwood; $20-$30 includes materials to make one centerpiece;
or 726-1162
Wonderful Winter Plants:
1 p.m. Learn about great plants that will add color, structure or texture to your yard in the chilly months. Al's Garden Center, 1220 N. Pacific Highway, Woodburn;
or 981-1245
SUNDAY, DEC. 4
Make Your Own Holiday Wreath:
1 p.m. Learn how to make a wreath to bring holiday cheer into your home. Bring gloves and pruners. Registration required. Portland Nursery, 9000 S.E. Division St.; $30, includes materials;
or 788-9000
SATURDAY, DEC. 10
Keeping Your Gift Plants Giving:
11 a.m. Registration required. Portland Nursery, 5050 S.E. Stark St.;
or 231-5050
Decorating Centerpieces and Wreaths for the Holidays:
1 p.m. Al's Garden Center, 7505 S.E. Hogan Road, Gresham;
or 491-0771
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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.