When Thyme Garden founders Rolfe and Janet Hagen teamed up with a local art gallery in Philomath, Oregon in 1993 to create a celebration of "Art in the Garden," they had no idea the legacy they started would continue to grow as surely as the herbs in the beds.
"Our whole way of preparing for Mother’s Day was to set out a little bit of May wine and herbal appetizers, and we had a few people," recounts Janet Hagen. "After a couple years of it being fun but rather minor, the ladies from The Wild Rose Art Gallery in Philomath brought their art out to our nursery, and then the following year we invited the artists to come, have a booth and represent themselves, and we were off!"
The partnership has resulted in a successful festival that is an annual tradition for hundreds of local families, with some of the original kids now bringing their own kids or even grandchildren. Second-generation owners Bethany Glanville and Emily Stimac, who took over leadership of the company in 2023, even let their kids lend a hand, and Stimac’s daughter Anika will have a face painting booth this year.
"There has never been a more important time to support the arts," said Stimac. "The expression, freedom, and insight art gives us is a crucial tool in functioning as a healthy society and advancing a quality way of life."
Stimac and her sister Bethany are honored to keep the tradition of celebrating art going with the same enthusiasm as their parents.
(Photo: The Thyme Garden, Alsea, Oregon, by Reed Lane Photography.)
There have been challenges along the way, to be certain. Weather hasn’t always been cooperative. In 2021, after thinking they could come back from the pandemic shutdown, there was so much rain the parking field flooded and the event was first postponed and then cancelled.
"I’m actually surprised that in 32 years there have only been two occasions where we couldn’t put on a great event," said Stimac. "The pandemic and the crazy rain in 2021."
"Through the years we have had special experiences," said Janet Hagen. "Like the year that the weather was perfectly perfect until 1 hour before the festival was to end. Everyone was tired and ready to be finished. A group of First People came and as we visited them, it began to change to thunder and lightning. The First People said, whoa, that sounds like Roaring Thunder, one of their elders who had passed. Anyhow, thanks to Roaring Thunder, the festival quickly ended and we were done for the year."
The festival, now in its 30th year, features more than 40 artists from around the region as well as music and dancing against the backdrop of the Thyme Garden’s 2-acre display gardens and rambling forest paths.
The event brings together artisans from all over Oregon. There will be a variety of textile artists whose creations include beautiful robes and dresses made with reclaimed saris and other fabric, hand-worked leather and upcycled patchwork couture. Botanical art, garden sculptures, one of a kind jewelry, live portraits, watercolor, photography and oil painters will all have their work on display.
The music lineup will feature a wide range of musical talents like acoustic guitar and vocals, bluegrass, marimbas and horns. Look for a complete lineup on www.ThymeGarden.com.
Admittance is $5, with children under 5 admitted for free. There are no dogs allowed.
(The Thyme Garden, Alsea, Oregon, by Reed Lane Photography.)
Food is available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year, in addition to the Thyme Garden’s food booth featuring the return of their famous delicious smoky pork and tempeh sandwiches and herbal side dishes, Dough on the Go will be serving woodfired pizzas and on Sunday. The Naked Crepe will bring their local, seasonal crepes to the scene. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase, with complimentary samples of herbal appetizers and May Wine served as well - a highlight for many festival goers.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy Mother’s Day in Mother Nature!
The Thyme Garden is a nursery & herb garden nestled in the Coast Range Mountains of Oregon, established in 1989. They are pleased to offer the Northwest’s largest collection of hops, herb seeds and plants. Their beautiful display gardens are open to visitors spring through summer. They also host herbal luncheons, tours, special events and weddings.
Saturday, May 10
Sunday, May 11
For more information, please contact Emily Stimac at 541-487-8671 or by email.
Article courtesy the Thyme Garden. Featured Photo: The Thyme Garden by Reed Lane Photography. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
