Metzger Park Native Plant Demonstration Gardens

Rendering of the new front entry garden at Metzger Park's Community Hall.

Rendering of the new front entry garden at Metzger Park's Community Hall.
Rendering of the Metzger Park Community Hall's rain garden.
Rendering of Metzger Park's new park entrance garden.
Rendering of Metzger Park's new entrance garden.
Native plants and nurse logs enhance wildlife habitat.
Native plants reflect the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Native plants reflect the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Native plants reflect the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Native plants reflect the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Exciting Changes Are Blooming at Metzger Park!

We are working together with Washington County Parks and Phoenix Habitats to transform Metzger Park’s landscape to reflect the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

The Metzger Park Native Plant Demonstration Garden project will create several native plant gardens throughout Metzger Park. These drought tolerant gardens will serve as a demonstration of native plants in public parks and private residences. They will also create additional wildlife habitat in the area and help filter our community’s drinking water.

Download the entire project concept design.

Project Goals

Demonstrate the ecological value and beauty of native plants. Inspiring otherwise within the community to create gardens of their own.
Incorporate plants from local natural areas. Include plants from riparian areasRiparian Areas Areas of land that occur along the edges of rivers, streams, lakes, and other bodies of water., mixed conifer forests, and upland prairies.
Enhance wildlife habitat. Include native plants that provide year-round interest and structure. Add plants with early, mid, and late season flowers for successional bloom times.
Add natural materials. Utilize habitat trees and bring in nurse logsNurse Logs A fallen tree that supports plant seedlings and provides food and habitat for wildlife. and boulders for a greater diversity, as well as education.

Project Timeline

September & October 2023: Site preparation of community hall, entrance, and park drive gardens
December 2023: Community hall, entrance, and park drive garden planting
Summer 2024: Rain garden construction
Fall 2024: Rain garden planting
2025 and beyond: Ongoing maintenance