CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. — Spring is here, and that means the return of the Spring Garden Fair at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds in Canby. The 40th annual event runs May 4-5 and will feature more than a hundred vendors, including garden nurseries and local artists.
“It's the most amazing event because everyone can hardly wait!” said Rosie Sullivan, who owns N & M Herb Nursery in Hubbard with her husband, Sean. The nursery will be among the vendors featured at the Spring Garden Fair.
“When people ask me what I do, I tell them I sell happiness,” said Sullivan.
Most of the plants Sullivan grows support pollinators — hummingbirds, bees, butterflies — all a vital part of our echo system and ready for gardeners of all levels to enjoy.
“Do a little on the patio and just keep spreading out,” urged Sullivan. “I always tell people, 'Don't be afraid. Just get out there and do it.'”
The Spring Garden Fair benefits the Clackamas County Master Gardeners Association. The group funds everything from horticulture scholarships for Clackamas Community College students to gardening projects at local schools.
Vendor Sales Chair Kathy Krentz said she’s grateful for all of it and gardening in general.
“You're creating beauty for yourself and others,” said Krentz. "You're growing food for yourself for others!”
Red Pig Garden Tools in West Linn will also be featured at the Spring Garden Fair. Owner and artisan blacksmith Seth Pauley said everything they make is custom-made, hand-forged and built to last.
“People often say [these tools] look like a weapon, and I tell them it's a weed assassin!” said Pauley. “I make left- and right-handed things, so left-handed gardeners always feel appreciated.”
Sullivan said a big draw to the Spring Garden Fair is innovation. New plants include a citronella-scented geranium called The Mosquito Shocker.
“You can literally just [rub the leaves on your arms] and it keeps the mosquitos away,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan also pointed to new basil variety called Everleaf Emerald Tower.
“This basil does not bloom, and so, you can keep harvesting,” said Sullivan. “It grows into a column, and you just cut it and it grows again and you never have to worry about pinching off the blooms.”
The Spring Garden Fair runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, as well as from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 5. Admission is $7 for one day and $12 for a two-day pass; kids under 16 get in free. Parking is free.