International Rose Test Garden, Portland (must see)

The International Rose Test Garden spreads across a series of terraces in Washington Park, combining formal flower beds, open lawns, shaded paths and broad views over the surrounding landscape. More than 10,000 rose bushes represent over 610 varieties, ranging from compact miniature roses to large-flowered hybrid teas and climbing plants trained over arbors. The main flowering season usually extends from late May into October, with the strongest display often appearing in June.

Founded in 1917, it is the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States. Currey helped persuade local officials to create the site during the First World War, partly to protect European hybrid roses that were considered at risk. Growers in Britain and other regions soon began sending plants for cultivation and evaluation. Landscape architect Florence Holmes Gerke later designed the expanded garden and its amphitheatre, which were dedicated in 1924.

The garden tests new roses for fragrance, colour, form, vigour and disease resistance. Some experimental plants are labelled only with numbers while they undergo assessment. Visitors can also explore the Gold Medal Garden, where award-winning cultivars illustrate more than a century of rose breeding, and the Miniature Rose Garden, created to test smaller varieties for possible commercial release.

Other sections add cultural and historical interest. The Royal Rosarian Garden contains roses connected with members of the civic organisation that serves as goodwill ambassadors during local rose celebrations. The Shakespeare Garden, donated in 1943, features plants linked to Shakespeare and roses named after his characters. Paths, fountains, a gazebo and an amphitheatre offer places to rest and enjoy the flowers. Admission is free, and much of the garden is accessible.