New Native Plant Garden Coming to Jantzen Bay Marina

Something new is taking root at Jantzen Bay Marina.

This summer, Columbia Crossings is partnering once again with artist and ecologist Nick Lake and his team at Earth Ecology to create a one-of-a-kind basalt column crevice garden inspired by the landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge.

At the heart of the project will be a sculptural arrangement of upright basalt columns, echoing the dramatic rock formations found throughout the Gorge. Between the stones, Lake will install a collection of native Pacific Northwest plants, including several species that naturally grow in rocky cliffs and crevices.

"We are thrilled to dive into the construction and planting of the new gardens at Jantzen Bay Marina," says Lake. "The gardens will feature many Portland native and West Coast native plants, along with a special basalt column sculpture meant to emulate the natural formations of basalt stone seen throughout the Gorge."

A native madrone’s peeling summertime bark

The garden will showcase a variety of native species that boaters may recognize from their travels along their local waterways, trails, and shorelines. For Lake, the goal is not simply to create an attractive landscape, but to encourage curiosity. "We hope the gardens may function like a key to help boaters identify plants they could look for during their excursions in the waterways of our region."

Many Columbia Crossings guests spend their time exploring the Columbia River, and this garden offers a chance to bring some of those natural experiences back to the marina. From the peeling bark of a Pacific madrone to the colorful blooms of Barrett's penstemon, the plantings will highlight some of the unique species that make the Pacific Northwest such a remarkable place.

Arboretum at Tomahawk Bay by Earth Ecology and Pistils Nursery

Visitors familiar with the gardens at Pal's, on the other side of the Island, may recognize Lake's work. Working alongside Pistils Nursery, Lake helped create the arboretum at Tomahawk Bay Marina, where thoughtfully selected trees and understory plantings introduce visitors to the rich botanical diversity of the Pacific Northwest. Like the new crevice garden at Jantzen Bay, the arboretum was designed not only as a landscape, but as an invitation to observe, learn, and connect with the region's natural heritage.

This project is now underway, and we look forward to sharing updates as this distinctive new landscape grows into a living celebration of the Columbia Gorge and the waterways we call home.