Walking down the wide stone steps into the International Rose Test Garden is candy for the senses. Fragrant roses in many different colors, as far as the eye can see. Over 10.000 plantings and 600 species, from tiny fingertip-sized buds to large, grapefruit-sized blooms.
The roses are not yet in full bloom but they are already enough to WoW you! Yesterday was a bright, sunny day and my mother and I enjoyed a stroll through the four and a half-acre gardens. Of course, a lot of other people were also enjoying the roses and the sunshine but, not as many as I expected.
As we strolled I noticed a couple having lunch, several teens lying in the grass, a family with a baby stroller resting on some benches in the shade, and many people smelling flowers. What a sweet smell! And what a lovely way to spend the afternoon!
The International Rose Test Garden is in Washington Park, high above downtown Portland, Oregon. Established in 1917, the garden was originally created as a “safe haven” for European hybrid rosebushes during World War I. Since then it has grown in both size and renown.
Additional gardens have been added, such as the Shakespeare Garden, the Gold Medal Garden, and the Miniature Rose Garden.
The informational gazebo-type structure at the entrance displays a map and other information, including some Frequently Asked Questions. One of the questions was, “What happens to the test roses when the trial is over.” I was a little sad to read, “The best roses are introduced into commercial production and the other roses are destroyed.”
Washington Park, where the rose garden is located, is a mammoth 410-acre park which also houses the Oregon Zoo. Parking is somewhat limited, considering the more than 3 million annual visitors, but there are options. A shuttle is available during summer months and there is a light rail (MAX) station as well. See the Washington Park website for very thorough information.
Cost: There is no charge for admission to the rose garden, however; metered parking costs $2 an hour or $8 for all day.
For more information about tours, volunteering, and the history of the rose garden; check out the Portland Parks website or the Portland Parks Foundation.
Address: 400 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205
Because rose gardens are better to see than to hear about, I am leaving you with a gallery of photos I hope you enjoy!
Mom posing with the statue 
Lovely yellow roses 
Yellow and white hybrid 
View of one of the rows of rose bushes 
Mom with some lovely red roses 
Pretty red rose bush 
White roses 
Looking over the garden 
My mom posing with some posies
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Awwww your mom is so cute!! I’ve been to the rose garden, it’s awfully pretty
I will tell her you said so.
The gardens are just so beautiful! Thanks for this little morning adventure 🙂
Short and sweet. Good morning Beverly!
Your pictures captured part of the aroma I think 😀
Thanks Black Knight. They were That fragrant!
Such a beautifully ordered rose garden and the blooms look perfect and so full. ♥︎♥︎⚖️♥︎♥︎
Thank you, Alison. I’m so glad to see you here!
Thank you. Your blog is wonderful. Pleasure to be here. ♥︎♥︎⚖️♥︎♥︎
I am almost embarrassed to admit I’ve never been to the Rose Garden….now I think I have to put this on my list! Love seeing the pictures of your Mom….I agree, she is cute ! I look forward to a slow walk through the gardens to enjoy that sweet fragrance!
Thanks, Leona! Pack a picnic lunch to eat while you rest on a bench in the garden. And there is a large play structure just down the road if you are taking the littles.
Very nice! Looks like a great place to visit.
Thanks Kera!
I am just about to post about the Japanese garden as well.