Art in the Garden Marks 30+ Years of Local Art
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 Mother's Day event would continue to grow as surely as the herbs in the beds.
"Our Mother’s Day celebration was simple: set out a little bit of local 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. They are honored to keep the tradition of celebrating art going with the same enthusiasm as their parents.
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.
The family-friendly festival, now in its 32nd 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 with 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.
About the Venue
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.
Event at a Glance
- Art in the Garden: Mother’s Day Festival
- May 9-10, 2026 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Tickets $5 at www.ThymeGarden.com
- Location: The Thyme Garden, 20546 Alsea Hwy., Alsea, OR 97324
- Regional arts, music, herbal appetizers, food, beer and wine for purchase
For more information, please contact Emily Stimac at 541-487-8671 or by email.
Article courtesy the Thyme Garden. Featured Photos: The Thyme Garden by Reed Lane Photography. Keep up with Corvallis news, events and happenings by signing up for our email newsletter.
