International Rose Test Garden

International Rose Test Garden is in Washington Park at 400 S.W. Kingston Ave. Established in 1917, the garden rests on a hillside surrounded by tall green conifers and provides sweeping views of downtown Portland and Mt. Hood. More than 4.5 acres encompass 610 varieties and are a vivid and vibrant display of Portland's love affair with the rose. More than 10,000 bushes are planted in three terraces. Buds begin forming in early May, and the garden bursts into bloom by the end of May or early June. Blooms can last through October and into November, depending on the weather. Visitors can see colorful fall foliage in October, blooming camellias in December and masses of azaleas, rhododendrons and cherry blossoms in spring. Highlights within the garden include the Miniature Rose Garden, one of only six testing grounds for the American Rose Society (ARS) miniature rose test program; the Royal Rosarian Garden, part of the original design and home to the namesake roses of all past Prime Ministers of the Royal Rosarians (the official greeters/ambassadors for the city); and the Shakespeare Garden, created to honor William Shakespeare with herbs, trees and flowers mentioned in his plays along with roses named after characters in his works. Guided tours are offered Memorial Day-Labor Day weekend at 1 p.m. Guided tours are available. Pet friendly (call for restrictions/fees.). Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.