PORTLAND, OREGON - Nestled in the vibrant heart of Washington Park, the International Rose Test Garden (IRTG) stands as a botanical masterpiece, an aromatic paradise flourishing with over 10,000 rose bushes representing around 650 varieties. This June, as it has every year since World War I, the garden erupts in a vibrant spectacle of colors and fragrances, drawing a wave of estimated 700,000 visitors to marvel at this unique floral display.
Recognized as the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States, the IRTG exemplifies Portland's affectionate nickname, "City of Roses." The garden not only showcases an astonishing diversity of roses but also acts as an important testing ground for new rose varieties, sent from breeders around the globe.
"In the spring, we receive an influx of new rose cultivars," says one of the garden's staffers, "Each of these roses are evaluated on several characteristics including disease resistance, bloom formation, color, and fragrance."
The garden is a collective effort maintained by three paid staffers and a multitude of volunteers. It also serves as one of eleven American Garden Rose Selections test sites in the U.S., with breeders and distributors typically donating about 2,500 roses per year.
Sometimes, visitors have the opportunity to view roses a year or two before they are officially introduced to the market. Yet, the majority of roses at the IRTG are commercially available. An inventory provided by the garden aids visitors in identifying the names and locations of all roses.
Historically, Portland's love affair with roses dates back to 1888 when Georgiana Burton Pittock, wife of publisher Henry Pittock, established the Portland Rose Society after inviting friends and neighbors to exhibit their roses in a tent in her garden.
This infatuation bloomed into a city-wide spectacle by 1905 when Portland boasted 200 miles of rose-bordered streets. The breathtaking sight attracted visitors from across the country to the Lewis and Clark Centennial celebration and solidified Portland's identity as the 'City of Roses'.
The genesis of the IRTG can be traced back to 1915 when Jesse A. Currey, rose hobbyist and Sunday editor of the Oregon Journal, suggested the establishment of a rose test garden. Amid the tumultuous period of World War I, the garden was seen as a sanctuary for hybrid roses from Europe, shielding them from potential destruction from the bombings.
Since its inception, the IRTG has seen the addition of numerous award-winning rose varieties, including those crowned with the prestigious title of "Portland’s Best Rose." This honor, introduced in 1996, is awarded annually in June after rose experts from around the world select the best rose from thousands of submissions.
Accessibility to the IRTG is facilitated through various means, including the TriMet bus route 63-Washington Park, and the Washington Park Shuttle, a free service connecting the Rose Garden to the MAX light rail at the Washington Park station. Parking is also available at a cost of $2 per hour, with a daily maximum of $8.
As we move deeper into June, the peak blooming season, the International Rose Test Garden is poised to once again inspire awe among visitors, reminding us of the enduring beauty of the rose and Portland's deep-rooted love for this timeless bloom.
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.portland.gov/parks/washington-park-international-rose-test-garden