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Frequently Asked Questions We get manyquestions about who we are and what we do. If your questions
aren't answered below, send us Where is The Berry Botanic Garden? We are near Lewis & Clark College in SW Portland, Oregon, at 11505 SW Summerville Avenue. Before visiting, please call for directions. Even if you have a map, there are several parts of Summerville Avenue and they don't connect. To make it even trickier, some maps of the neighborhood are inaccurate. For specific directions, see our "Visit
Us" page.
Do we need to bring our own containers to pick berries? Unfortunately, we are not in the fruit business. The Berry Botanic Garden is named for Rae Selling Berry, and we have a large collection of rhododendrons, native plants, alpines, and unusual trees and shrubs, many with beautiful but inedible berries.
I want to visit the Garden, but it seems difficult or restrictive. Why? Our zoning variance only allows for visitation by appointment and
does not allow us to have signs out on the main streets. Though
occasionally our small parking lot can cause restrictions, it's
really easy to make an appointment and usually you can visit on
the same day you call. You can also leave an appointment message
on the voice mail system, day or night, (503) 636-4112, or send
us
What are the Garden's hours? Our office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You may visit the Garden every day, daylight hours.
When is the best time to visit the Garden? March through May are our peak bloom months. We have a nice collection of winter flowering shrubs, so December and January are a refreshing time to get outdoors too. You can also take our virtual tour.
Can I hold my wedding and reception at the Berry Garden? No. We currently don't host weddings or receptions. The Leach Botanic Garden in east Portland, and the Jenkins Estate on the west side both have lovely facilities.
What should I do with all that moss and lichen that grows on my azaleas? Moss and lichen are a natural part of our local flora. They usually grow on older shrubs and trees whose rough bark provides a place for the mosses and lichens to attach. It is just a sign that the plant is maturing and slowing down. Moss and lichen are not parasitic and do not harm the plant, other than adding a small amount of extra weight.
What is the best ground cover to help stabilize my banks? Should I use English ivy? Plants adapted to our region usually give the best and easiest results for low maintenance area like shade and slopes. Sword fern and Oregon grape are the most useful for soil stabilization, but there are many options. Ivy is one of the worst. It roots shallowly and slips off the subsoil easily. It chokes out other vegetation and climbs trees, adding much weight.
How is the Garden supported? The Garden receives support from membership, grants, donations, interest on endowment, classes, and special events including plant sales.
What does the Conservation program at Berry do? We help conserve Pacific Northwest native species through seed
banking and research (both in the lab and in the field), and we
work with other agencies and organizations to further our common
goals.
How does the Seed Bank work? Our Seed Bank has many parts. Our staff and other agency and private
individuals collect seed of rare plants. They are then documented
and placed in a special room called the vault. It is a low humidity
and moderate temperature chamber that prepares the seed for freezing.
After the seed dries down to about 20% humidity (equilibrium) we
package it and freeze it for long term insurance of the survival
of that species. Later we may take some seeds back out and test
their germination viability.
Are the species stored in the Seed Bank saved forever? No. The Seed Bank is just a part of a larger cooperative effort. There are many facets to plant conservation, including habitat preservation, land use issues, mitigation, mediation, research, and discovery. Just because the seeds are in the vault doesn't mean the species is secure. It's like saying tigers live in zoos therefore all tigers are safe. Without their natural habitat all species suffer.
What can I do to help? Volunteer for one of our programs: Conservation, Education, or
Horticulture.
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All Rights Reserved.