We started the day at Bauman’s Farm and Garden in Gervais, OR. Our group enjoyed fresh-baked and brewed refreshments from their bakery and café, courtesy of Mainland Floral and E.B. Stone Organics. Bauman’s had a huge diversity of ornaments and festive décor. With every step into the garden store, there were more unique color-blocked Christmas trees to discover. We noticed many thoughtfully merchandised themes – everything from Candyland to woodland animals. They had cohesive displays of houseplants integrated with holiday pot crops and cut greens. As a Century Farm, their farm market was a popular place to shop for gifts. Thank you to Blooming Nursery for sponsoring the day’s welcome bags, which doubled as shopping bags. Several folks on the tour enjoyed Bauman’s cider and bought some to take home.
Our next stop was to check out the poinsettia production at a nearby NNBA vendor, F&B Farms. Poinsettia shipping was well underway. They still had a full greenhouse of poinsettias in full color, with many novelty varieties. We also saw heirloom mums and cyclamen in full bloom, ready for holiday sales. F&B reminded us that now is the time to get your pre-orders for spring booked!
We continued our trip north and enjoyed lunch, sponsored by Kellogg Garden Products, at Yard ‘n Garden Land in Vancouver, WA. Their greenhouses and garden store were transformed into Christmas merchandise including wreaths, garden art, and holiday gifts. Their Christmas décor had a consistent aesthetic that resonated with the Pacific Northwest. They had recently hosted wreath workshops and had some custom wreaths for sale.
Between tour stops, we enjoyed conversation and shared insights about each location. The Espoma Company generously sponsored our drinks and snacks on the bus ride.
Jane MacKinnon of Huckleberry Gardens (New NNBA Member) shared her feedback about the tour:
“We loved all the different nurseries and felt it was a great learning experience where questions were encouraged and answered. Facilitating discussion on the bus really helped us revisit what we learned in a way that was helpful and extended our learning.”
At Cornell Farm, we were impressed with the nursery’s overall use of space given the location’s geography. Cornell’s location is between urban and suburban communities, Portland and Beaverton, and provides a destination holiday experience that serves city gardeners and suburbanites. We saw gifts that would appeal to both demographics, and the quality and selection of their cut trees received high praise. Many on the tour enjoyed a pick-me-up at the charming Cornell Farm Café.
Autumn Hawkins of T&L Nursery (NNBA Vendor) had feedback about her day:
“I really enjoyed seeing the garden centers decorated for the holidays. It’s always nice to bond with fellow nursery industry people in a one-on-one setting. I was able to visit more with three of my specific customers, which strengthened the relationship. I also gained some great info and insight from a fellow rep. I look forward to the next NNBA event.”
Our final stop was the Sherwood location of Al’s Garden & Home. A highlight at Al’s was learning the story of Ice Apples from Jack Bigej. We also enjoyed happy hour at their in-store wine bar “Sip at Al’s.” Al’s greenhouses were filled with poinsettias from their production facility. Their gift displays included traditional Christmas items and unique gift vendors from all over the globe. Thanks to Little Prince of Oregon Nursery for sponsoring our last stop and Happy Hour at Al’s.
We appreciate everyone who helped make this tour a success! Thank you, sponsors.
