Ruth Hansen

Ruth Hansen is a pioneer of the Native Plant Society of Oregon, which was established in 1961 in Portland. Ruth joined in 1970, and was soon active as a field trip leader and an officer, first treasurer, then vice president. She seldom missed a field trip and even more often was out on the trails, often alone, whenever she could study Oregon’s flora.

In 1976 she started an NPSO educational wildflower show, which continued for over ten years. When Ruth became NPSO president in 1976, most of its 200 members lived near Portland, with the remainder scattered throughout the state.

She immediately launched her vision of a state-wide society comprising active local chapters. Others eagerly responded, most promptly Frank Lang in southwestern Oregon, forming the first chapter, Siskiyou, in January 1977. Thanks largely to Ruth’s dynamic leadership, by 1990 NPSO numbered more than 800 members in nine chapters. Ruth served as state president for two terms, 1977-1979.

For those who do not know Ruth Martin Hansen: she might stretch to five feet tall, thought herself fat if she somehow weighed 100 pounds. She knows Oregon’s flora personally and in detail, is patient with anyone who wants to learn, fiercely intolerant of anyone who doesn’t take plants seriously, grim or light-hearted as appropriate (to her), tireless and wonderfully good company in the field, a constant and generous friend. Her own garden abounds in unusual trees and shrubs and rare small plants. Ruth’s accomplishments have not been limited to NPSO.

When Timberline Lodge was dedicated in 1937, Ruth was one of the four US Forest Service staff responsible for design and landscaping. She had recently received her degree in landscape architecture at the University of Oregon (a five-year course begun at Oregon State College, now University). Ruth was involved with the American Rhododendron Society (ARS) from its founding in Portland in 1945.

She assisted with site selection, design and planting of their test garden, now called Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. She and her husband, C.T. Hansen, were on the first ARS Garden Committee, continuing “hands on” participation for over 15 years. She was secretary-treasurer for ten years. In 1975 she received ARS’s highest honor, its Gold Medal.

When Berry Botanic Garden (BBG) was incorporated in 1978 to preserve and develop the notable garden of the late Rae Selling Berry, Ruth was a founding member, on the first Board of Trustees, a two term president (1981-1983) and, as long as her health permitted, a diligent volunteer and compiler of a BBG herbarium. Long active in the Portland Garden Club, Ruth was honored in 1990 by the Horticultural Award of the Garden Clubs of America.

– Louise Godfrey, Portland Chapter