Welcome back; our hardiness zone here has been upgraded to 8b a couple of years ago. East wind can be another gardening factor depending on how close to the Columbia River you are.

There are a handful of Portland-area members active here, and the more numerous Seattle-area members are helpful also.

Thanks larry gene hoping to find some swap groups did that alot in FL worked at the PB zoo in horticulture was a master gardner in WA before moving, hope to make some gardening connections here :)

go to the the exchange forum.
Barb and Don host some plant trades down your way.

Here is a link that might be useful: exchange forum

I am in Portland and have spent a few years on vegetable gardening but only this year began an interest in ornamentals. I have had a ton of good luck making entire new beds hitting up the Portland craigslist free section. Most people here hate to throw anything away when redoing, and like to PIF. I have gone on many "adventures" with my five year old daughter to dig up people's plants! Its a little quiet now bc of summer but guessing some more good freebies come fall. There are also some great local plant sales at schools and community centers, but those tend to happen in spring.

I'd love more info about any plant swaps you find. I'm in SE PDX and don't tend to venture that far north.....I don't have much to share at this point either except berries.

If you're interested in exotics take a trip to Cistus nursery on Sauvie Island, near Portland (see their web site).

Rare Plant Research south of Oregon City has a lot of tropicals, some can go outside but most require special housing here.

Thanks Everyone all good advice will keep you all posted on anything I find
Katie

bump this again this fall. i always have a bunch of plants during the editing phase of the planting season.

Forestfarm has a lot of good stuff available via mail order.