FIRST - OLDEST official continuously operating public rose test garden in U.S., the Portland International Rose Test Garden, Oregon
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Rose Red
N 45° 31.143 W 122° 42.346
10T E 522979 N 5040655
The Portland International Rose Test Garden is the OLDEST official continuously operating public rose test garden in the U.S. It was established in 1917 and now has 7,000-9,000 rose plantings representing 550-590 varieties on 4.5 hillside acres in Washington Park.
Waymark Code: WMFBV
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 06/20/2006
Views: 21
Jesse A. Currey (1873-1927), rose hobbyist and regional trustee of the American Rose Society, was the Originator of the U.S. OLDEST official continuously operating public rose test garden, the Portland International Rose Test Garden. In 1915, he convinced city officials to institute a rose test garden to serve as a safe haven during World War I for hybrid roses grown in Europe. Rose lovers feared that these unique plants would be destroyed in the bombings. Portland was fortunate in having a group of civic-minded citizens whose efforts led to the establishment of the garden in 1917. Foreign hybridists sent roses for test from many countries and the new rose test garden was an immediate success.Portland's love of roses began in the late 1880's and was firmly established with the creation of the International Rose Test Garden in 1917. Today, the 4.5 acre hillside garden is one of the most visited attractions in Portland. It has 7,000-9,000 rose plantings representing 550-590 varieties. The heat of the sun brings out the fragrance of the roses, so the afternoon is the best time to visit the garden. The International Rose Test Garden is located in Washington Park in the West Hills. The rose garden is generally in bloom from June through September.
The four informational plaques are located on the sides of the shelter at the entrance to the Portland International Rose Test Garden.
Instructions for logging waymark: visit the Portland International Rose Test Garden. Log your impressions. A photograph is required of the plaque (south side of the shelter) with you and/or your GPSr in the picture.
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