Margie Anderton's garden

July 08, 2025

Portland Study Weekend Gardens - West Linn, Clackamas & Oregon City pt. 1

Last Saturday, I saw the six gardens featured on the HPSO Study Weekend tour. These gardens were in the southern part of Portland. I was excited to see Sherry Sheng's garden. She has visited our garden in the past, and I got to know her better when we were on the England trip together. Her garden was a delight with something fabulous at every turn. Next, the Connall garden which has a Mediterranean, drought-resistant planting scheme. The Harry Landers garden was packed with colorful flowers and a koi pond - Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Margie Anderton is a fascinating person. She is an expert on wildflowers, native plants, hummingbirds and gardening in general. Her energy knows no bounds, whether it is organizing local garden clubs and field trips to taking care of her large garden and farm in Killen. And what a garden this is! I photographed it in the very early spring, just as wildflowers were beginning to open, through the spring and late summer.

There is always something unique to see when you visit, no matter what the season. Large borders of native plants, shrubs, grasses and perennials are punctuated by old garden and household implements as well as stunning carved pieces created by her late husband. Hummingbirds are another attraction. A fence row outside her back door is populated by feeders which attracts hundreds of the tiny birds. Every summer, she has a hummingbird banding party, and asks everyone to bring a bag of sugar to help keep her feeders stocked. Seeing so many hummingbirds at one time is a thrilling experience!

Here are a few photos that take you through the seasons in her garden.