These photos were taken in October 2014.
The Portland International Rose Test Garden is located in Washington Park in the hills above Goose Hollow, near the Alphabet District. It is fairly easy to walk from those locations. The excellent Portland Japanese Garden is nearby in Washington Park. While I wouldn't be inclined to visit the rose garden if it were the only attraction there, it is certainly worth a stop when visiting the Japanese garden. If you are walking up from the city below, you can easily pass through the rose garden on your way to the Japanese garden. As far as rose gardens go, this one is quite extravagant. There are over 7,000 rose plants on 4.5 acres. It's all very nicely arranged. There is an excellent view of Mt Hood. But my enthusiasm for roses is limited. The plants aren't particularly attractive. The flowers vary in color, but all pretty much look & smell the same. Roses are probably the most beloved & common garden flower. That explains both the allure & also the unexciting nature of this garden & rose gardens in general. Roses are evaluated here & Portland is the only North American city that gives awards to roses from around the world. Portland is known as the City of Roses. The Portland Rose Festival has been held in the city every year in June since 1907. The garden opened in 1924.
The Portland International Rose Test Garden is located in Washington Park in the hills above Goose Hollow, near the Alphabet District. It is fairly easy to walk from those locations. The excellent Portland Japanese Garden is nearby in Washington Park. While I wouldn't be inclined to visit the rose garden if it were the only attraction there, it is certainly worth a stop when visiting the Japanese garden. If you are walking up from the city below, you can easily pass through the rose garden on your way to the Japanese garden. As far as rose gardens go, this one is quite extravagant. There are over 7,000 rose plants on 4.5 acres. It's all very nicely arranged. There is an excellent view of Mt Hood. But my enthusiasm for roses is limited. The plants aren't particularly attractive. The flowers vary in color, but all pretty much look & smell the same. Roses are probably the most beloved & common garden flower. That explains both the allure & also the unexciting nature of this garden & rose gardens in general. Roses are evaluated here & Portland is the only North American city that gives awards to roses from around the world. Portland is known as the City of Roses. The Portland Rose Festival has been held in the city every year in June since 1907. The garden opened in 1924.