Garden lovers in Jackson County are in for a treat this Sunday, May 18, with a unique opportunity to explore the enchanting private Italio Gardens in Medford through The Garden Conservancy's Open Days program, followed by a special "Digging Deeper" event offering exclusive insights into the history, redesign, and future of the renowned Ashland Japanese Garden.
Visitors will be captivated by Italio Gardens, a stunning 2-acre private retreat established in 1978. Once bare pasture, this Medford oasis now displays diverse groves, including all three redwood varieties, rare deciduous trees, and a wide array of native and non-native conifers, alongside numerous cultivars of Japanese maples. The former nursery greenhouse now flourishes with vibrant subtropical blooms, boasting impressive collections of Begonia and Abutilon.
Flagstone paths wind through enchanting garden rooms, from a tranquil goldfish pond to the sunny rock garden beside the magnificent Mt. Halda, a 100-ton granite crevice masterpiece. A cascading waterfall graces a koi and waterlily pond. Visitors are encouraged to explore further to discover an open woodland dotted with rare shrubs and wild roses. Ancient grapevines create a verdant screen between the colorful cutting garden and an intriguing "urbanite" crevice rock garden teeming with tiny treasures. Even now, a small, rare plant nursery thrives, a testament to the enduring passion for propagation nurtured within this remarkable garden.
Open Days offers a unique opportunity for visitors to peek behind the garden gates of otherwise private gardens for one day only, and to explore a variety of garden styles and horticultural traditions.
The garden will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for registered guests. Tickets for this garden visitation are $10 per person, or $5 for members of the Garden Conservancy. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. All registrations must be processed online through the Garden Conservancy's website.
In addition, the Garden Conservancy, along with the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission and Ashland Japanese Garden, is presenting a "Digging Deeper” event on Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. This event will delve into the fascinating history of the garden, tracing its evolution from the original vision of landscape architect John McLaren to the contemporary redesign by acclaimed Japanese designer Toru Tanaka. Attendees will have the chance to experience the garden firsthand, examining both historical and new plantings, while discussing the exciting plans shaping its future.
Tickets for the Ashland Digging Deeper event are $30 for Garden Conservancy members; $40 for non-members.
