One might think we’d be ‘gardened’ out after a delightful morning spent at the Lan Su Chinese Garden, but that didn’t stop us from heading out of downtown to the International Rose Test Garden in nearby Washington Park. And once we arrived, we were so thankful that we decided to visit two gardens on our first full day in Portland. It was our afternoon spent roaming through the rose garden that inspired us to think about turning a neglected side garden at our home into our own rose garden. (We haven’t made any tangible progress with this project, but we have begun to research the possibilities and feasibilities of such an endeavor!)

With over ten thousand types of roses on display in just four and a half acres, the garden is used as a testing ground for newly developed types of roses. As we walked, Michael & I made a mental list of our favorite varieties and colors, and kept going back to the ones we’d earmarked as such. It was the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon in Portland. I more than recommend swinging by!