From roses to traditional Japanese and Chinese gardens, Portland has some wonderful gardens to explore:
Lan Su Chinese Garden: In the center of Chinatown, this is a small garden that was completed in 2000. It is considered to be one of the most authentic Suzhou-style gardens outside of China. It has really lovely buildings with beautiful terraces and bridges, lilly ponds, plus a charming teahouse that is the perfect spot for a cup of tea and a snack. If you are lucky you might hear some traditional music in the teahouse. 239 NE Everett St.
Japanese Garden: At 611 SW Kingston Ave., this is a beautiful spot in the west hills of Portland. Here, on the 5.5 acres, you will find five distinct garden styles. Flat, Strolling Pont, The Tea, Sand and Stone and Natural. There is an emphasis on water basins, plants, pagodas, stone lanterns, arbors and bridges. The plants, many of them native, fully reflect “the tapestry of the four seasons”.
Portland International Rose Test Garden: In the summer, from June to September, this is the place to visit and see the city skyline and mountains and a huge variety of gorgeous roses. It is the oldest of its kind in the US and has over 10,000 plantings of over 500 varieties of roses which serves as a testing ground for new varieties. It is just below the Japanese Garden at 400 SW Kingston Ave.