You might be interested in the conifer display at the Oregon Garden (some distance from Portland) and Cistus nursery on Sauvie Island (near Portland). If "mid-coast" = I-5 then making an appointment to see the garden at Gossler Farms would probably be a priority also. There is as well the new Pacifica Botanic Garden in the Siskiyou-Klamath region. But I don't know how far along they are with the plantings at this point (otherwise there would be the forest-farm nursery there, probably also by appointment). Plus various locations where samples of the vegetation of the same area can be viewed from waysides and trails near highways, botanically this is the China of the western U.S. - I would definitely research and include ways to see some of the local flora. If not already familiar try reading about possible ways to dip your feet in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness for instance.

If the outer coast is part of the route look for the Darlingtonia Wayside (a short loop walk) and make time for a beach walk at Brookings. Climatologically the coast from Gold Beach southward is in California, volunteers maintain a display that may be near the highway - I've seen it only on the web - called something like Brookings Botanic Garden. Also there is a private garden Ian Barclay of Desert Northwest nursery - see his web site for contact information - has shown pictures of on Garden Web, might be something you would want to try and get into. Finally the northernmost grove of coast redwoods is up the Chetco River a few miles from Brookings, has an accessible park around it. (And there is a giant Monterey cypress just south of Brookings, near the highway).

Ron, that is helpful info and I do appreciate it. We’ll be staying along the coast on Hwy 101 from Tillamook to Reedsport. We then cut inland and connect with I-5 to Ashland. We’ll spend two full days along the coast, with time for hiking to see some old growth forests. Well, the guides I’m reading claim there’s old growth forests. I sure hope there is. The southern coast sounds splendid, but it’s too late to change the route drastically.

I’m glad you mentioned the Oregon Garden. I did see that mentioned, but I thought it might be too new to have impressive plants. Duh, it’s Oregon! That will make for a nice day trip from Portland.

Are you an ACS member? If you are, you can get into Iseli and also a bunch of stellar private gardens.

I am now! I’ve contemplated becoming a member for years, but never took the time to join. It seems like a bargain. :)

Let me know if you have any trouble getting introductions anywhere. There is a private garden in Roseburg that is drop dead gorgeous - mostly conifers and maples and other specimen trees - and they welcome member visits. You can find them in the online directory as I think that they are the only members in Roseburg. You also now get discounts at member nurseries and can shop at some wholesalers. All info is on the website.

I didn't recommend the Oregon Garden as a whole, just the conifers display in the one part. If your schedule is tight enough - and you go to other conifer gardens via A.C.S. membership - it may not make sense to take the time to drive out there and back to Portland.

You will probably be surprised how treeless the landscape is around Ashland (and its pine forest). Nearby Medford has extreme temperatures for a "Northwestern" location, is a production center for heat loving orchard fruits - same as areas east of the Cascade Mountains.

The ACS docent at TOG oversaw most of the conifer plantings and he is usually available for a guided walk around the conifer collection. The Roseburg garden is about 10 minutes off the freeway. Hit TOG on the way out of Portland headed south - it will be right on the way.

If I can get to see the display gardens at some of the larger wholesale nurseries around Boring, I’ll be content with that. If not, we’ll head down to Silverton.

“You will probably be surprised how treeless the landscape is around Ashland (and its pine forest).”

Well, man does not live by trees alone. There are some other activities in the Ashland area worth pursuing. One of the things I’m looking forward to is how much geography we’ll see. I’ll like some more that other areas, but the change will be quite interesting.

You’ve all been a big help, and I sincerely appreciate it.

Ashland itself is in a forest on a mountainside, with a steam running through the middle of town. What is striking is how stark a contrast the austerity of the larger area around it is to this little hillside oasis. It's like the Palouse Hills in SE WA, with its comparatively small patches of conifers in certain spots amidst miles and miles of bunch-grass steppe (now long since converted primarily to wheat production).

Yes, I’m looking forward to Ashland. Have you been to Lithia Park? There’s an interesting little bird named the American Dipper that can be seen there. I hope to see one.

The stream is in the park, that is where the birds will be. But you may see dippers anywhere you go in the region that has forested streams or rivers. If you play recordings of their calls beforehand then you will know when one is present later.

I've driven up and down the main street through Ashland, next to the stream and park but never stopped and walked around.

Can you take me along?

Will you fit in a carry on?

I forgot about the Lan Su garden. There's definite plant interest there.

The plant collection at Lan Su presents hundreds of plants species that are native to China. It is home to more than fifty specimen trees, many rare and unusual shrubs and perennials, and curated collections of Magnolia, Peony, Camellia, Rhododendron, Osmanthus and Bamboo.

https://lansugarden.org/about-the-garden/plants

Only the oversized kind!

hey I flew back from the last ACS meeting with a carryon of 3 pines and a cypress. It was right after that episode where someone tried to take a peacock on a plane for 'emotional support' and so I told the flight attendants that they were.my emotional support trees.

I think a good argument could be made for "emotional support trees," but it might get uncomfortable for other passengers if you were engaged in conversation with them. I'm getting a mental picture of a New Yorker cartoon where someone is laying on a couch talking to their therapist, who is a tree...

Ron, I'll check out Lan Su. I'm more interested in specimen trees than Asian design, but it is probably worth the visit. Their website mentions magnolias, which is enough to catch my attention.

Yes:

It is home to more than fifty specimen trees

Starting with a variegated osmanthus at the entrance that supposedly dates from the 19th century.

(If it is still present - last time I was there it looked like it may have been faltering)

And the layout and water features make an impression even if one does not go in there with a particular interest in classical Chinese gardens.