Portland's International Rose Test Gardens at Washington Park

Portland's International Rose Test Gardens

lie on four and a half acres of prime property in the West Hills

overlooking downtown Portland.

Over 7,000 rose plants of approximately 550 varieties are grown, 

and they bloom from late April through October with their peak usually occurring in mid June

 during our famous Rose Festival.

We had a chilly, rainy spring so they bloomed late this year.

 

Our gardens are the oldest, continuously operating public rose test gardens in the United States

 and exemplify Portland's nickname of the City of Roses.

On a clear day you can see the tall building in downtown Portland through the trees.

The primary purpose of the gardens is to serve as a testing ground for new rose varieties.
The first gold medal awarded was issued in 1919,
 making it the oldest rose testing program in the in the U.S.

Can you imagine how many photos are taken in these gardens each year?

The outdoor amphitheater is the natural location for outdoor cultural events,

and on lovely summer evenings is the perfect place to get together with friends

for an al fresco meal and entertainment.

I've seen concerts by Jackson Browne, Lyle Lovett and Alison Krause at this beautiful site.

Portland's first rose festival queen was chosen in 1907.  She was selected among

representatives from senior classes in Portland's high schools.  Selection of the court

and coronation of the queen are still  part of our Rose Festival celebration.

Personalized tiles with the names of each queen line the Queen's Walk.

There is no admission fee to the gardens.
On a clear day Mt. Hood can be seen in the background.

This is a replica of a "Portland Bubbler,"
ornate bronze drinking fountains that provide fresh drinking water
throughout downtown Portland.  The fountains were a gift to the city from the early Portland legend
 and lumber baron, Simon Benson.

There are many areas throughout the gardens to stop and rest
and take in their beauty.

Even during World War II hybridists sent roses from around the world to the gardens

 for testing in an attempt to keep hybrids safe from being destroyed by bombings in Europe.

The gardens are a huge tourist attraction
and many languages can be heard as you stroll through the grounds

We caught a glimpse of a lovely young couple's very special day.
The gardens are available for weddings and special parties.

A solitary figure overlooks the drive into the park.

I hope you  enjoyed your visit to one of our most beautiful treasures
 as much as I've enjoyed taking you on a tour.  Hopefully one day you will visit here yourself.

*****

I'm joining Mosaic Monday at
Little Red House.  Hope you will join in as well.