And, learn the progress of their capital campaign for improving the expanded ‘Upper Garden’ …
At Leach Botanical Garden, in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, John Iatesta and Nancie Iatesta select the greens at the Holiday Bazaar from which they’ll create swags.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A sure sign that the Holiday Season is upon us is the Leach Botanical Garden Holiday Bazaar, this year held on December 1st and 2nd.
Although the 122nd Avenue Bridge is still out, shoppers still found their way around the detour, and the parking lot was filled with cars.
Leach Botanical Garden Executive Director David Porter and Gay Greger, of the Friends of Leach Garden, welcome guests to its Holiday Bazaar.
“People are having fun buying wreaths, swags, cookies, and arts and crafts, observed Leach Botanical Garden Executive Director David Porter.
“This helps us raise money for the garden; it generates as much as $7,000 each year! And, many people comment that it’s a nice way to start a festive Holiday Season,” Porter told East Portland News.
Inside the Manor House, shoppers choose gifts from among the many vendors set up in the Great Room.
Like so many such events, it’s organized and staffed by its nonprofit affiliate, the Friends of Leach Botanical Garden. Inside the Leach Manor house, nine vendors were selling everything from catnip cat toys, to wood carving and inlaid pieces, pottery, jewelry, and baked goods.
Outside, volunteers were helping do-it-yourselfer shoppers pick out greens for making their own arrangements.
Woodcrafter Dick Brooks shows off one of his masterpieces, for sale at the bazaar.
About the capital campaign for the Upper Garden, Porter revealed, “We recently topped it off just after Thanksgiving Day.
“We have approval for a Prosper Portland [formerly Portland Development Commission] grant for part of the Upper Garden Project – and also, a couple of donors have chipped in – bringing us to having raised $1.26 million.”
This “starter fund” is enough to permit building the $10 million project improvements to the garden, starting in the fall of 2018, he said.
Learn more about Leach Botanical Garden – they’re open all winter long – at their official website: CLICK HERE.
>> On our Front Page: Longtime volunteer Ron Goodwin shows off one of the many decorated wreaths for sale at the Leach Holiday Bazaar.
© 2017 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
click here to subscribe
