Portland’s Rose Gardens in Washington Park

[image by bkatcher, flickr]

Located in Northwest Portland, the famous Rose Gardens holds over 6800 rose bushes with 557 varieties. It is quite a site to see when the roses are in bloom in early summer. Since the gardens are located in the West Hills of Washington Park, on a clear day one can see the entire skyline, with Mt. Hood hanging in the background. The whole idea to start the rose gardens came from a rose hobbyist, Jesse A. Currey, in 1915. It was during World War I, that word had spread all around the world that Currey was starting a safe haven for roses during this time of turmoil. Rose enthusiasts from all around sent roses to be planted there. Currey was the very first curator of the Rose Gardens. The Portland Rose Society plays a key role today in maintaining the beauty of these gardens. Going for a stroll there on a sunny day can feel as if you’re stepping back in time, and catching a glimpse of historical Portland, Oregon.