7 Unmissable Events And Secrets Of The Oregon Hardy Plant Society In 2025

Few organizations are as vital to the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant gardening culture as the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon (HPSO). As of December 14, 2025, the society is gearing up for one of its most ambitious years yet, offering an array of world-class educational programs, massive plant sales, and community-focused initiatives designed to nurture gardeners of all skill levels. From the novice looking to plant their first hardy perennial to the professional designer seeking advanced knowledge, the HPSO serves as the region's premier resource for cultivating successful, resilient, and beautiful gardens in the unique Oregon climate.

Founded in 1984, the HPSO has grown from a small, passionate group into a robust 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization boasting over 3,000 members across the Pacific Northwest. Its core mission is to promote the cultivation and appreciation of a wide variety of plants, with a special focus on herbaceous perennials, through educating, leading, and supporting the broader gardening community.

A Deep Dive into the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon (HPSO)

The Hardy Plant Society of Oregon was established in 1984, an initiative sparked by the vision of Seattle horticulturist Marvin Black. Black was inspired by Great Britain's Hardy Plant Society, recognizing the need for a similar organization to support the distinct gardening challenges and opportunities of the Pacific Northwest. Today, the HPSO is a cornerstone of the regional horticultural world, providing a crucial link between amateur enthusiasts and commercial nurseries.

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The organization’s activities are diverse, encompassing workshops, lectures, garden tours, and publications. These programs are specifically tailored to help members and the public understand how to select and care for plants that thrive in Oregon’s varying hardiness zones, which range from 5a to 10a. The focus is always on the "hardy"—those resilient plants that can withstand the region's climate swings.

The 2025 Event Calendar: Three Must-Attend Horticultural Events

The 2025 calendar is packed with high-profile events that anchor the Pacific Northwest gardening year. These large-scale gatherings are not just sales; they are educational forums and community hubs that draw thousands of visitors.

1. Hortlandia 2025: The Annual Plant & Garden Art Sale

Hortlandia is the HPSO's signature spring event and one of the largest plant sales in the Northwest. The 2025 event is scheduled for the first weekend of April, running on Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5. It returns to the Westside Commons in Hillsboro, OR, specifically utilizing the expansive space of the Wingspan Event and Conference Center.

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• What to Expect: Hortlandia brings together a curated selection of small, specialist commercial nurseries and garden-themed artists from across the Northwest. It is the premier place to find rare and unusual herbaceous perennial plants, shrubs, and garden art that you won't find at big-box stores.
• Community Focus: The sale also features booths for various nonprofit horticultural organizations, fostering collaboration within the wider gardening community.

2. Study Weekend 2025: "Nimble Gardening in an Evolving World"

The HPSO Study Weekend is a major four-day gardening conference, and the 2025 iteration is generating significant buzz. Scheduled for June 27-30, 2025, the event will be held at the Portland Crowne Plaza Hotel.

• The Theme: The conference theme is "Nimble Gardening in an Evolving World," a timely focus on adapting garden practices to climate change and evolving environmental factors.
• Featured Speakers: The weekend will feature internationally renowned speakers, including Michael from Australia, and notable experts like Patrick Cullina, known for his talk "The Uncommon Common: The Role of Dynamic Landscapes in Transforming Our..." Attendees gain insights into cutting-edge horticultural techniques and design philosophy.

3. PlantFest 2025: Fall Lecture & Plant Sale

PlantFest marks the society's major fall event, offering a final opportunity to acquire plants and knowledge before the winter season. The 2025 PlantFest is slated for Saturday, October 4, at Clackamas Community College. This event combines a lecture by a renowned expert with a large plant sale, focusing on plants ideal for autumn planting. Admission to the plant sale is free and open to the public.

Supporting the Future: Grants and Scholarships

Beyond events, a core component of the HPSO's mission is financial support for the next generation of horticulturists. The Grants & Scholarships Program is a key initiative, named in honor of the late Elaine Joines, a revered designer and curator of the Martha Springer Botanic Garden.

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The society offers several specific funding opportunities:

• Elaine Joines Memorial Grants Program: This fund provides grants to special gardens and educational programs that align with the HPSO's mission of promoting general gardening and understanding of herbaceous perennial plants.
• Bruce Wakefield Scholarship: Dedicated to supporting future professionals, this scholarship is specifically for students pursuing a degree in Landscape Technology. It targets students who maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and have completed a certain number of credits in the program at institutions such as Portland Community College (Rock Creek) and Clackamas Community College.

Essential Hardy Perennials for Oregon Gardeners (LSI Entities)

The HPSO’s emphasis on "hardy plants" is crucial for success in the Pacific Northwest, a region famous for its abundant production of dahlias, lavenders, and garden lilies. A hardy plant is one that is resilient and well-adapted to the local climate. For those inspired by the HPSO's mission, incorporating these specific hardy perennials is key to a thriving Oregon garden:

• Sun Lovers:
  • Agastache rupestris (Sunset Hyssop): Known for its drought tolerance and attracting pollinators.
  • Gaillardia 'Fanfare' (Blanket Flower): Offers vibrant, long-lasting color in sunny spots.
  • Delosperma cooperi (Ice Plant): A low-growing, succulent perennial ideal for hot, dry areas.
  • Salvia guaranitica and Russian Sage: Excellent, aromatic perennials that handle Oregon's summer heat.
• Shade and Native Varieties:
  • Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum): A native groundcover perfect for moist, shady areas.
  • Vancouveria: Another native option, often used alongside ferns and wild bleeding heart in woodland gardens.
  • Geranium (Cranesbill): Many varieties thrive in Oregon, providing long-season color and groundcover.
• Vines and Shrubs:
  • Clematis and Hops: Hardy vines that provide vertical interest.
  • Barberry and Caryopteris: Resilient shrubs that offer structure and seasonal interest.

By focusing on these hardy, resilient plant entities, Oregon gardeners can create landscapes that are both stunning and sustainable, directly aligning with the educational goals championed by the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon. The wealth of programs in 2025, from Hortlandia to the "Nimble Gardening" Study Weekend, ensures that the HPSO remains the central force nurturing the Pacific Northwest's deep-rooted passion for horticulture.