Leach Botanical Garden opened to the public in 1983 as a partnership between Leach Garden Friends and Portland Parks & Recreation. The core of our landmark Garden is the estate of John and Lilla Leach, who went on botanical expeditions and began the gardens that bear their name. They left the beautiful grounds, buildings and more than 2,000 species of plants to the City of Portland. In partnership with other organizations, we offer practical instruction in a variety of garden-related topics. Children and adults pursue learning in the Garden through educational offerings ranging from botany to geology, from painting to illustration, from discovery to deduction.