6704 SE 122nd Avenue
Portland OR 97236
Lilla is
A quarterly literary reading series at SE Portland’s Leach Botanical Garden featuring poetry, fiction, and nonfiction on the evening’s theme. Join us from 4–6 PM on the third Sundays of February, May, August, and November, for food, drink, books, nature, culture, community, and readings from Portland writers and beyond.
Why Lilla
The series is named after botanist Lilla Leach who, with her husband John, created the house and garden that is today Leach Botanical Garden. Every aspect of Lilla’s life story is captivating—her adventures and discoveries, her dedication to exploration and education, and her long and loving relationship with John. It feels fitting that a reading series held in her home be a continuation of Lilla’s own story.
Every Lilla event celebrates, supports, and promotes authors. Our goal is to create and deepen literary community in Portland, and to enhance the cultural life of SE Portland.
We introduce readers at Lilla with an appreciation of their voice and craft, their place in the world of writing and beyond. Each personalized introduction is meant to serve as a bridge between author and audience, bringing deeper understanding and context to the event.
Whether it’s a winter reading held in the warmth of the Fireplace Room or a summer afternoon under the trees on the Manor House terrace, the landscape and environment of Leach Botanical Garden infuses each reading with beauty.