In the "City of Roses"

There is no sweeter place to be during the summer months than in the International Rose Test Garden in Portland, Oregon. You feel as though you've been plunged into Wonderland with over 7000 rose plants in over 500 varieties. The smells will leave you floating through the 4.5 acres of terraces with row upon row of multicolored roses.  Many people lay down blankets for a picnic or enjoy a conversation on one of the benches scattered throughout the garden. The roses bloom from April until October with the peak month in June. If you need another excuse to visit the Rose Garden, it is located in Washington Park (also home to the exceptional Japanese Garden) and has spectacular views of Mt. Hood in the distance.

If you're looking for sensory overload, this is the garden for you. The Rose Garden is open year round from 7:30AM - 9PM and is FREE to the public. They don't call Portland the "City of Roses" for nothing.

"Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses."
- Alphonse Karr, A Tour Round My Garden

Get outside and smell the roses.
xo,
the Bayou Botanist

Roses in Bloom

Located in the Museum district, the McGovern Centennial Garden has grown into a lovely green haven. It has been a little over a year since the Garden opened to the public. Since then, vines have grown their way up the trellis; the Family Garden is bursting with leafy greens and fruit trees; and the rose garden has bloomed with a splendid variety of smells and colors. While I strolled and sketched on a bench, I watched families picnicing, couples reading books together, and dozens of people walking up and down the central earthwork. The garden is such a wonderful reminder of how far Houston has come in the last few years in regards to the importance placed on public green spaces.

Entrance to the McGovern Centennial Gardens

Arid Garden at McGovern Centennial Gardens 

A view from the top of the earthwork

Family Garden 

The smells of Roses and Rosemary float through the garden (photo from January-roses have since been pruned)

Roses at the McGovern Centennial Gardens (photo from January) The Roses have recently been pruned 

I hope you take advantage of the gorgeous weather this weekend by walking through the Gardens!

xoxo,
The Bayou Botanist