Master Gardener Demonstration Garden
The Linn County Master Gardeners demonstration garden was started in 1995 by a group of dedicated master gardeners. The purpose of this garden is to demonstrate various gardening techniques, provide horticultural information and create a welcoming garden within which to learn, observe and experience all categories of plants. The garden is full of topical areas for every type of gardener and garden size. Come by and see what what's growing in all seasons. Throughout the garden you will see signs identifying plants, highlighting plant benefits as well as growing challenges. During the Spring/Summer growing season, master gardeners harvest and weigh the fruits, vegetables and herbs we've grown fin preparation for donation to community foodbanks.
The garden is located at the Linn County Fairgrounds, on the Cascade Grill corner of the property.
Demonstration Garden Redesign Project
In 2025, our master gardeners began a multi-year garden redesign. New raised beds were built and planted in the spring with culinary herbs. A healing garden was started - additional benches and accessible paths are in the works.
With the expansion of the number of raised beds, we were able to invite 2 local non-profit organizations to plant their own raised beds: KinCultivate planted their bed to honor the rich agricultural traditions of the African diaspora. In conjunction with OSU Extension Linn County, a local Veteran's Group planted their bed with flowers to share and enjoy.
In July 2025, OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting) journalists visited the gardens to interview OSU Professor Sam Chan and Master Gardener Betty Goergen for a story about the invasive species 'Asian Jumping Worm'. Also in July 2025, during the Linn County Fair, we had a Garden Open House to show the first phase of our garden update project
In September 2025, a new native garden area was started. This native garden will be a key component as we build out our Frost to Frost Pollinator Habitat.
October 2025
Last Harvest for food bank donation. This year master gardeners harvested 1,718 pounds of produce for donation to local food banks.
Master Gardeners are actively working on planning and scheduling monthly events in the gardens for the public. These events will be announced soon.