About Leach Botanical Garden
Before the 1800s, native people hunted, fished, and camped along Johnson Creek. In the second half of the 19th century, the property was part of the 320-acre donation land claim belonging to Jacob Johnson. Johnson operated a sawmill furnishing lumber for the very early homes in Portland. Johnson's land extended north from Mt. Scott down across the creek that was later named for him. During the 1920s a house stood on the property which was reportedly a pig farm. In 1931, John and Lilla Leach purchased the 4.5 acres and named it Sleepy Hollow. John, a pharmacist, and Lilla, an accomplished botanist, devoted their land to their fascination with plants.
Garden History
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The story of John and Lilla Leach is a compelling one – one linked with early Oregon history, science (Lilla the botanist), business/commerce (John the druggist), civic-minded citizens (YMCA & Rose Festival, Leach Garden as botanical park), writers (both Lilla & John), humorist and historian (John) and an inspiring love story. Who could ask for more?
Our Mission
Leach Garden Friends maintains and enhances Leach Botanical Garden's living collections of plants for the purposes of education, research and conservation and preserves the legacy of the Garden’s founders, John and Lilla Leach.
Leach Garden Vision
- A botanical garden that features Oregon native plants and the historic Leach collection
- A horticultural resource for the public as well as for the serious gardener
- A hands-on laboratory for environmental education that encourages engagement with the natural sciences
- A model and demonstration site of environmental sustainability
- A museum celebrating John & Lilla Leach and their contributions to Pacific Northwest botany and to the southeast Portland community
- A visitor attraction
- A place of beauty and respite
You can help us turn the vision of Leach Garden into a reality. Phase one of the design process is underway. More information here.
