International Rose Test Garden

Frommer's Review

Covering more than 5 acres of hillside in the West Hills above downtown Portland, these are among the largest and oldest rose test gardens in the United States and are the only city-maintained test gardens to bestow awards on each year's best roses. The gardens were established in 1917 by the American Rose Society and are used as a testing ground for new varieties of roses. Though you will probably see some familiar roses in the Gold Medal Garden, most of the 400 varieties on display are new hybrids being tested before marketing. Among the various gardens here, which have blooms from late spring through early winter, you'll find a separate garden of miniature roses and a Shakespeare Garden that includes flowers mentioned in the bard's works. After seeing these acres of roses, you'll understand why Portland is known as the City of Roses and why the Rose Festival in June is the city's biggest annual celebration. The small Rose Garden Store, 850 SW Rose Garden Way (tel. 503/227-7033; www.rosegardenstore.com) is packed with rose-inspired products.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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