The Garden was founded in 1917 to serve as a place where European hybrid roses could weather the storm of World War I. In 1919 the city of Portland issued its first annual Gold Medal Award to the best new rose variety introductions. In the 1940′s it became the official testing site for the All-America Rose Selection , a Chicago-based non-profit association of rose growers dedicated to the introduction and promotion of exceptional roses. The Garden houses several smaller theme gardens dedicated to particular people and achievements. The Royal Rosarian Garden honors the Royal Rosarian civic group, while the Shakespeare Garden, only houses plants that were mentioned in its namesake’s plays.

The Gold Medal Garden is filled with the specimens that have won Portland’s Gold Medal Award for best new rose variety. This garden wasn’t planned so much as it developed through50 years of gold medal roses. As a test garden, this is one of only six places in the United States where miniature rose tests are conducted. The Miniature Rose Garden displays these test subjects as well as additional award winning variates in the middle of the garden near the center aisle.

The International Rose Test Garden offers tours given by OSU Extension Service Master Gardener volunteers on Tuesdays and Saturdays in addition guided tours of 10 or more are available for a small fee per person . The Garden is open daily 7:30 am until 9 pm admittance is free but donations are appreciated. Nearly all of the Garden is wheelchair and stroller accessible and leashed dogs are allowed. The International Rose Test Garden is located at 400 SW Kingston Ave just outside Downtown Portland and Nob Hill. For more information check out their website at www.rosegardenstore.org

In 1803, William Clark, of Lewis and Clark Fame first laid eyes on what would later become Forest Park. Originally inhabited by Native Americans, the 5,000-plus acreage that is now Forest Park was claimed by the United States in the early 1800s. The land was mostly doled out to prospectors but much of it reverted to the city of Portland at the beginning of the 20^th century. In 1948 the original three thousand acres was designated as city parkland and the park has been growing ever since.

The park offers trails that cater to bicyclists, equestrians, hikers and runners as well as nature photographers, birdwatchers and naturalists attracted by the park’s native plants and wildlife. Forest Park is home to over 100 bird species and 62 types of mammals. Its massive tree canopy and substantial undergrowth, help to serve as a natural air purifier, water collector, and erosion controller. Every year the Friends of Forest Park, host a series of guided hikes throughout the park. These hikes allow participants to learn about the culture and history of the park and include mountain bike tours and specialty tours for children. In addition the 30-mile Wildwood Trail is part of the region’s 40-Mile Loop system that links Forest Park to pedestrian and trail routes along the Columbia River to Gresham, through southeast Portland, along the Willamette Greenway, and back to the Marquam Trail in southwest Portland. For more information about the guided tours or Forest Park itself check out http://www.forestparkconservancy.org/

Designed by Professor Takuma Tono in 1963, the garden is split into five smaller gardens all of which combine to represent the earth. The most formal of these is the large Flat Garden it is full of evergreens contrasted with a sea of sand that is arranged to evoke the four seasons The largest of the five is Strolling Gardens it houses an antique five-tiered pagoda lantern given to Portland in 1963 by Sapporo, its Sister City in Japan. The Tea Garden is notable in that everything about it is design to make the Tea Ceremony as harmonious as possible. The Natural Garden is full of lush plant life growing amidst flowing streams and bridges. By contrast the Sand and Stone Garden offers the simplicity of stones set in raked sand it is similar to those typically found in Zen Monasteries.

Located in the Arlington Heights neighborhood, the garden covers 5.5 acres and offers numerous hiking trails. Portland Japanese Garden offer numerous events throughout the year including numerous art exhibits and yearly Japanese festivals. Hiking is restricted to trails and unfortunately visitors will have to check their pets and cell phones at the door.  Summer hours are 12-7 PM on Mondays and 10-7 the rest of the week. Admission is $8.00 for adults, $6.25 for:seniors and students children 5 and under are free. The Portland Japanese Garden is located at 611 SW Kingston.

For more information check out their website at www.japanesegarden.com