City of Roses

Portlanders began showcasing their roses in the late nineteenth century. The Portland Rose Society was founded in 1888 by Georgiana Burton Pittock who initially used a tent in her garden to display flowers grown by friends and neighbors. Seventeen years later, Portland had nearly 200 miles of rose lined streets. This was all thanks to the Rose Society’s eagerness to display their local gems in the 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Expedition. There Portland acquired the nickname, “City of Roses”. The flowers were such a success that Portland held their first festival of roses two years later. Following the 1907 event, a group of local businessmen took it upon themselves to plan and finance an annual Portland Rose Festival which continues to this day.

Even in the Rose City one Portland garden has managed to grow high above the rest. The Portland Rose Test Garden began as a refuge for roses on the eve of World War I. Fearing that the flowers would be destroyed in combat, botanists and enthusiasts alike transported hybrids from all over Europe to the safety of the Test Garden. Ever since, the Test Garden has been home to some of the world’s most beautiful roses and many prestigious contests that aim to judge them.

Portland’s lush floral history owes a lot to Mother Nature. The climate is just right for roses. They receive about 40 inches of rain every year and a generous helping of sunshine during the warmer months. Summers are not too hot and winters not too cold. It all adds up to a natural blend that yields beautiful flowers. So when in Portland please be sure to heed the gardener’s cliché and make sure you take time out to stop and smell the roses.