International Rose Test Garden
| International Rose Test Garden | |
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A panoramic view of the International Rose Test Garden
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| Type | Rose garden |
| Location | Portland, Oregon, United States |
| Coordinates | 45°31′09″N 122°42′19″W / 45.5191°N 122.7054°WCoordinates: 45°31′09″N 122°42′19″W / 45.5191°N 122.7054°W |
| Area | 4.5 acres (18,000 m2) |
| Opened | 1917 |
| Owned by | City of Portland |
| Plants | 7,000+ |
| Species | 550 |
| Collections | Shakespeare Garden Gold Medal Garden Royal Rosarian Garden Miniature Rose Garden |
The International Rose Test Garden is a rose garden in Washington Park in Portland, Oregon, United States. There are over 7,000 rose plants of approximately 550 varieties. The roses bloom from April through October with the peak coming in June, depending on the weather. New rose cultivars are continually sent to the garden from many parts of the world and are tested for color, fragrance, disease resistance and other attributes. It is the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States and exemplifies Portland's nickname, "City of Roses".
The International Rose Test Garden has 4.5 acres (18,000 m2) in several tiers facing downtown Portland, the Willamette River, and East Portland. On clear days, there are views of the Cascade Mountains, with Mount Hood featured prominently.
An amphitheater hosts many events throughout the year, predominantly classical music concerts and a few plays. During good weather, the amphitheater is popular for picnicking and flying disc games. The Queens Walk is a brick walkway at the side of the garden with a bronze star honoring each Rose Festival queen since 1907.
The Shakespeare Garden originally contained botanicals mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare. This was later modified to include fewer sun-loving plants due to the copious shade provided by the surrounding trees. There is a formal walkway, raised sitting area, and immaculately tended flora. The rose varieties are named after characters in his plays. It is popular for special occasions, particularly small weddings.
The Gold Medal Garden is a formal garden with award winning roses, walkways, a central fountain, and a gazebo. It is also a frequent site for weddings.
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Wikipedia