If You’ve Never Been To This Gorgeous Portland Garden, You’ve Been Missing Out

We have the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States and it is a beautiful sight to behold. If you haven't been to this local landmark, The International Rose Test Garden, now is the time to visit. In bloom all summer, the garden is fragrant and colorful, making it a perfect place for quiet reflection, a picnic, or a nice walk.

With over 7,000 rose plants from 550 varieties, you are sure to find a favorite rose, and you must stop and smell some of the fragrant flowers on your trip.

The garden blooms from April to October, making it a popular summer destination.

Beyond just the roses, the garden is in a stellar location in Washington Park, allowing for some great city and mountain views on a clear day.

Set on just over 4 acres of land, the rose garden has several tiers that face downward to downtown, east Portland and the Willamette River.

If you are going to go, try to do it on a clear day so that you also can enjoy great views of Mt. Hood and Cascades.

Throughout the year, the garden's amphitheater is used for concerts and plays in a lovely open-air setting.

A William Shakespeare area of the garden even contains flowers mentioned in the author's plays.

The garden was started in 1917 by a group of nurserymen. Already called the City of Roses after the preparations for the 1905 Lewis and Clark Expedition led to 20 miles of tree-lined streets being created in the city, starting this garden further bolstered the city's reputation as a rose destination.

During WWI, the garden was used as a safe haven for hybrid roses that were feared would be destroyed in Europe.

Roses were sent from many countries for testing in this new garden, and the success of the garden took off.

This year, the garden turns 100 years old. To celebrate, there will be a Community Celebration Day on August 26 to commemorate its centennial anniversary.

Whenever you go, its going to be crowded so be sure to plan accordingly. The garden sees over 700,000 visitors a year and parking is always scarce. Take the Max and Washington Park Shuttle for the most convenience.

What's your favorite thing about this Portland gem?