The demonstration garden is the oldest Clatsop County Master Gardener Association program. Located at the Clatsop County Fair and Expo Center (fairgrounds), this garden began in 1998 as a joint effort of the Fair Board and CCMGA. CCMGA volunteers removed grass, added compost, installed concrete edging and began planting. A vegetable bed was established and many of the existing trees and shrubs were added. Our gazebo was added for a gathering place and structure. It was built by volunteers and funded by hours of fundraising via our plant sales and generous donations from sponsors. Many of the plants were donated by regional nurseries, local Master Gardeners, or purchased with a grant from The Hardy Plant Society. It has been our goal to provide a “living room garden” for the site while demonstrating sustainable gardening practices. The garden is in a quiet, rural setting with Saddle Mountain in view, making it a wonderful garden to relax in.

Recent improvements include the installation of an accessible pathway that wraps around the garden and a new arbor constructed and installed by the Knappa High School woodshop class.

Our volunteers can usually be found working in this garden on Tuesdays from 11 am to 1 pm when the weather is nice from approximately April through October. Additionally, the garden is staffed with Master Gardener volunteers to answer plant questions every day during the county fair in July. We welcome visitors and volunteers!