Friday, July 8, 2016

Portland: Rose Test Garden is a Must See in Summer

I found delight in Portland. I visited the International Rose Test Garden. I know, why haven't I been there before? Clearly I had no idea what I was missing.
I had only been in the garden for a minute when I lost my cool and started taking selfies with the rose bushes taller than me. 
A beauty - full and fragrant!
I recommend that you follow this link and watch a segment about the 
International Test Garden that was broadcast on the PBS television show Oregon Field Guide. The video films the 10,000 rose garden at peak bloom in 2014. The segment interviews Harry Landers, the man in charge of this living masterpiece.
Can you see the happy bee in the photograph above? Buzz buzz...I know that I should have noted which rose I was photographing, but frankly I was having too much fun to be practical. 
 
These photos were taken on July 3, 2016 and the garden was in full bloom. I haven't seen anything like it since I was at David Austin Rose headquarters in England.
I kept coming back to this regal beauty called Frances Meilland. The soft pink center fades to a candlelight white.
This rose garden has many levels and sections. You can't get through it quickly, nor would you want to. Set aside a good hour to wander and enjoy. This time well spent.

2 comments:

Noreen Ayres said...

Anne, your comment about losing your cool and taking a selfie while roses towered above you definitely made me smile. In the past, I have crabbed about a habit I've labeled Selfie Psychosis, for those poor souls who must document in film every food they eat, all the fun they're having, and, yes, even the color of their latest pedicure. But you, dear lady, are far from that. - Let me tell you, I paged through several of your very-pink pages with great pleasure. I seldom comment on such things, but I just want you to know you do have people who read what you share. And what you share is lovely!

Anne Reeves said...

Oh, thank you, Noreen! You have no idea how much that means to me. I love blogging and pointing people in the direction of delight. It is wonderful to hear that you are out there enjoying what I do. I will be living in Seattle full-time on Oct 1 and can get back to more regular posting. THANK YOU for your kind message. All the best, Anne