Come See the Garden
There is nothing quite like experiencing our demonstration garden in person. Seeing native plants in their natural context provides invaluable inspiration for your home landscape and offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts.
Plan your visit today
Location & Hours
123 Eco-Research Way, Newport, OR 97365. Visit the demonstration garden any day from dawn to dusk. For the most vibrant experience, we recommend visiting between April and September during peak bloom.
From Newport
Driving North on US-101, cross the Yaquina Bay Bridge and take the first right onto Marine Science Drive. Follow the signs for approximately 0.5 miles to reach the demonstration garden entrance.
Parking
Ample free parking is available in the main lot directly adjacent to the garden. No permits or fees are required for short-term visits during standard garden hours.
Transit & Bike
The NW Connector bus stops at Marine Science Drive every hour. For cyclists, covered bike racks are provided at the garden entrance and connect easily to local coastal paths.
What to Expect
Stroll through our coastal meadows and woodland edge beds, showcasing the diverse flora of the Pacific Northwest. Observe thriving native plant communities featuring iconic species like Sitka Spruce and Pacific Wax Myrtle in their natural habitats. A typical self-guided walk through the demonstration area takes approximately 30–45 minutes.
Accessibility
All primary paths are level and surfaced with crushed gravel.
The garden is fully ADA accessible for all community members.
Comfortable benches are thoughtfully located every 100 feet.
Seating areas offer natural shade beneath native vine maples.
Visitor Guidelines
- Stay on designated paths to protect sensitive native root systems and soil.
- We invite you to take photos, but please do not pick or remove any plants from the garden.
- Dogs are welcome in the garden but must remain on a short leash at all times.
- Please practice quiet etiquette to respect group tours and educational programs.
Garden Species List
Explore a curated selection of native flora featured in our coastal demonstration garden, specifically chosen for their resilience and ecological value in the Lincoln County microclimate.
Coastal Trees & Shrubs
Meadow & Pollinator Plants
- Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)
- Shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta)
- Pacific wax myrtle (Morella californica)
- Salal (Gaultheria shallon)
- Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum)
- Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)
- Douglas spirea (Spiraea douglasii)
- Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor)
- Coastal strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis)
- Douglas aster (Symphyotrichum douglasii)
- Sea thrift (Armeria maritima)
- Henderson’s checkermallow (Sidalcea hendersonii)
- Western goldenrod (Solidago lepida)
- Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)
- Farewell to spring (Clarkia amoena)
Woodland & Shade Plants
Wetland & Streamside Plants
- Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum)
- Western trillium (Trillium ovatum)
- Red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum)
- Redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana)
- Inside-out flower (Vancouveria hexandra)
- Deer fern (Struthiopteris spicant)
- Low Oregon grape (Mahonia nervosa)
- Western maidenhair fern (Adiantum aleuticum)
- Skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus)
- Slough sedge (Carex obnupta)
- Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus)
- Twinberry honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata)
- Red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea)
- Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis)
- Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina)
- Small-fruited bulrush (Scirpus microcarpus)