Taking in the Sights and Smells of Portland, Oregon's Gardens by TripMama
By: Tina Halford

From green-fingered horticulturalists to those simply wanting to stroll through some of the best gardens in the U.S., Portland is the place to be. Nestled in the temperate climate of the west coast, the conditions in Oregon have given gardening enthusiasts from all over the world the chance to create fantastic displays year after year.

The most famous of Portland's gardens is the International Rose Test Garden, a world-renowned haven for rare specimens of roses. Since the start of the first World War, the garden was a refuge for European rose specialists looking to save their plants from destruction. Every June the gardens hold the Portland Best Rose Contest, garnering worldwide attention and treating visitors to some unique opportunities. Entry is free, and a gentle walk around the exhibits should take around 45 minutes. The best time to visit is when the roses are blooming, usually from the end of May to the start of November.

Not far from the International Rose Test Garden, is Portland's Japanese Garden. This serene landscape has been voted the top Japanese garden located outside of Japan, primarily for its authenticity. Situated on a hilltop above the rose gardens, the garden offers tranquility, beauty and relaxation through five formal gardening styles including a pond garden, a natural setting garden, a sand and stone garden, a flat garden and traditional tea garden. The garden is open year-round and there is an admission charge for entry.

Another oriental masterpiece, The Classical Chinese Garden is an authentic Suzhou-style garden in the heart of Chinatown. Built by artisans from Suzhou, the garden uses a "hide-and-reveal" design to slowly display its orchids, bamboo, and waterfalls as you stroll around each bend. This relaxing garden also lets you enjoy a cup of authentic Chinese tea in a recreated 16th Century Chinese teahouse.

Two lesser-known floral gems in Portland are the Peninsula Park Rose Garden, and the Crystal Spring Rhododendron Gardens.

Although not as well known as the Rose Test Garden, the Peninsula Park Rose Garden is considered by some to be more beautiful. It includes brick walkways, an impressive fountain, and a gazebo bandstand. The formal sunken garden layout houses thousands of blooms displayed in eye-catching symmetry. One thing sure to win favor is the relative lack of bustle. Where the Test Garden can sometimes attract more tourists than true plant lovers, the Peninsula Park Rose Garden is always a serene, relaxed experience.

Lastly, the Crystal Spring Rhododendron Gardens, affectionately known as "Rhody Gardens" is a diverse array of rhododendrons nestled amongst delightful water features and stone masonry. The waterfalls and lagoons attract a host of wildlife during the summer and fall seasons, and feeding of the ducks is permitted.

Portland and the surrounding area of Oregon is a fantastic place to see horticulture at its finest. The national parks of Mount Hood can provide a snapshot of untamed wilderness that is truly breathtaking, should the vast collection of arranged plants ever feel too formal. Whatever your heart yearns for, TripMama is here to help you get there with our great airline offers. If you'd like to talk to fellow travelers about other great gardens to visit, please visit our travel advice forum; we'd love to see you.

About The Author:  "Tina Halford" is a Senior Writer & Journalist working with TripMama. Tina writes articles with special focus on airlines discussion boards, besides sharing travel tips and nuggets on booking air deals , cheap, car rentals and travel destination .