Growing Gardens is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that teaches gardening skills, strengthens communities, and builds organic vegetable gardens in homes, schools and correctional facilities across Oregon. The Growing Garden teams support children, adults, inmates and families with garden-based education, hand-on learning opportunities, garden beds, seeds, mentoring, and employment. They work with people who have limited access to safe and nutritious food, and partner with them to become healthier, more physically active and connected with their neighbors-thereby contributing to stronger, more sustainable and vibrant communities. 17 years ago Growing Gardens launched the Chef in My Garden dinner series as an annual summer fundraiser. Chef in My Garden dinners are the perfect place to enjoy a fantastic multi-course meal, learn about the work at Growing Gardens and support this impactful organization. Michael and Maryellen McCulloch's home is on the hills overlooking Portland, and her property designed to connect to the community and go with the flow of wildlife in the area. The house is a true gem, a midcentury Modern designed by Pietro Belluschi, an Italian architect and a leader of the Modern Movement in architecture who began his career as a draftsman right here in Portland. The surrounding property was a pastoral 40 acres, where the former owners were sheep farmers, and the herd grazed just yards from the back door. Each area of the garden has its own character, though colors and textures are echoed for cohesiveness, and no element was placed without intention. As the centerpiece and anchor for the landscape, a terrace with a swimming pool, and a clean-lined pool house made of local Port Orford cedar. To highlight the architecture of the house, the entry is low-key and simple; behind the house, as a stroll garden heads for the pool terrace, the colors intensify and the plant list increases. To keep this space wildlife friendly, they have a fenceless property with a variety of seeds, berries, and nectar for critters to enjoy. “It’s about making a place feel like home, emotionally and physically. It’s about ‘feeding’ humans with a healthy environment.” Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, Earl Ninsom grew up cooking at an early age. During summer breaks, his family took him to visit a grandparent in Suratthani where he learned to cook Southern Thai food using a small charcoal stove. Visits to another grandmother in Lopburi Province introduced him to a delicious old-school Central Thai-style cooking. Modifications politely declined. If you have a severe food allergy, please contact [email protected]. *Wine pairings and a signature cocktail are included in the ticket price* All dinners are held rain or shine. For more information, please visit the Growing Gardens website: www.growing-gardens.org/