Sorg Rhododendron Garden
The Sorg Rhododendron Garden is located in
Summerlake Park, just off Winterlake Drive and
next to the Summerlake Dog Park. Although the garden is beautiful year round,
it is particularly spectacular during April and May when the rhododendrons and
azaleas are in bloom.
In 2000, the City purchased property on Main Street from the Sorg family. The
property provided a link from the Fanno Creek Trail to Main Street. As part of the
purchase, the City agreed to transplant rhododendrons and azaleas from other Sorg
properties to Summerlake Park and provide a monument honoring Otto Sorg.
City crews transplanted approximately 15 rhododendrons and azaleas that were
over 20 years old. Some of the rhododendrons were eight-feet across and required
a loader to move. The rhododendrons were transplanted to an area at Summerlake
Park that was transformed into the Sorg Rhododendron Garden. The garden
continues to improve and expand as additional plants are donated or purchased.
The Tigard City Council approved the dedication of the garden to Otto Karl Sorg
(1905–1982) on October 23, 2001. A stone plaque bearing the inscription,
"Please take care of my garden," commemorates the dedication. Jeffrey Sorg
registered the garden with the American Rhododendron Society.
The garden is maintained by volunteers and city staff.
