Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Family-Owned Nursery in Springfield, OR
McKenzie River Nursery has been a family-owned and operated business since 1968, rooted in the scenic foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Founded by Elwood Mathew, our nursery has grown from two greenhouses to eight, offering a diverse selection of specialty hanging flower baskets, vegetable starts, bedding plants, and locally grown trees and shrubs. Our commitment to quality and community has made us a trusted destination for gardeners in western Oregon. We begin planting in January to prepare for the busy season, opening our greenhouses and outdoor sales areas in March. Visitors enjoy a warm, welcoming environment where they can explore our extensive plant collections, participate in hanging basket workshops, and connect with neighbors.Over the past 50 years, we have maintained a focus on providing healthy, thriving plants that suit our region's unique climate. Tamara and Greg Clift, who have managed the nursery since 1995 and 2001 respectively, continue this legacy alongside Alyce Mathew, ensuring every customer receives personalized attention. Our seasonal offerings include thousands of handcrafted hanging baskets, with over 1,000 created by customers annually. Located in Springfield, Oregon, we pride ourselves on being more than just a nurserywe are a cornerstone of the local gardening community.
Services
Hanging flower baskets
Vegetable starts
Bedding plants
Nursery workshops
Trees and shrubs
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1968 with deep local gardening expertise
- Specialize in northwest-adapted plants and thousands of hanging baskets
- Offer hands-on hanging basket workshops for customers
- Maintain eight greenhouses for year-round plant quality
- Provide personalized service in a welcoming country setting
Services
Hanging flower baskets
We specialize in creating large, vibrant hanging baskets from 10-inch to 10-gallon sizes. Our Supertunias and million bell baskets thrive in northwest conditions. Customers can participate in weekend workshops to design their own baskets, which we nurture until ready for pickup in May.
Vegetable starts
Our nursery offers an extensive selection of vegetable plants suited to western Oregon's climate. From broccoli and cabbage to lettuce and onions, we provide healthy starts that ensure successful home gardens. This staple crop has been available since our founding in 1968.
Nursery workshops
We host weekend hanging basket workshops where customers create personalized planters. Participants choose from premium plant varieties and receive expert guidance. Over 1,000 baskets were made by customers last season, with completed baskets available for pickup in May.
Trees and shrubs
We provide a curated selection of locally grown trees and shrubs that complement northwest gardens. Our inventory includes rhododendrons, azaleas, and blueberries. These plants form the backbone of our offerings and are carefully chosen for regional growing conditions.
Seasonal plants
Our greenhouses feature seasonal blooms including spring pansies, summer annuals, fall mums, and winter violas. We also carry flowering kale and cabbage for autumn displays. Each season brings new plant varieties specifically adapted to thrive in our region's changing climate.
People
Elwood Mathew
Founder
Founded McKenzie River Nursery in 1968, expanding from two to eight greenhouses. Pioneered the nursery's focus on northwest-adapted plants and community engagement through gardening workshops.
Tamara Clift
Manager
Daughter of Elwood Mathew, Tamara took over nursery operations in 1995. She maintains the family tradition of quality plant cultivation and customer service while expanding seasonal offerings and educational programs.
Greg Clift
Co-Manager
Joined the nursery full-time in 2001 after marrying Tamara. Contributes to daily operations and greenhouse management, continuing the family commitment to providing premium plants and gardening resources since 1997.
Alyce Mathew
Seasonal Assistant
Elwood's wife and Tamara's mother, Alyce assists during peak seasons. Her ongoing involvement reflects the nursery's deep family roots and dedication to maintaining personal customer connections through hands-on service.
Questions
What are your nursery hours?
We're open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM from March 1st to mid-October. Closed Sundays and Mondays. October through March by appointment only.
Do you offer plant workshops?
Yes! We host weekend hanging basket workshops March through May where customers create custom planters. We grow them until they're ready for pickup in May.
What types of plants do you sell?
We specialize in hanging flower baskets, vegetable starts, bedding plants, and northwest-adapted trees/shrubs. Seasonal offerings include mums, pansies, and flowering kale.
Are you a family-owned business?
Yes, we've been family-owned since 1968. Founded by Elwood Mathew, now managed by Tamara and Greg Clift with help from Alyce Mathew during busy seasons.
Where are you located?
Our nursery is at 38698 Camp Creek Road, Springfield, OR 97478. Located four miles east of Springfield on Highway 126 near the McKenzie River.
