International Rose Test Garden - #GBFling14

Leaving the Portland Japanese Garden, 

you descend to the International Rose Test Garden.

You pass through a curtain of evergreens,

and catch a glimpse of Portland in the distance below the Garden.

Looking back from where you've been

there is no evidence of the Japanese Garden in the hill above.

There is a lovely water feature/sculpture that attracted children and adults,

especially on the hot summer day.

There are many paths to choose to explore.

One of which leads to the Gold Medal Garden, 

where the Gold Award roses live.

There is a greeter here too. Did you see him?

I had to take a selfie with him.

Below is an image of the plaque in front of the greeter's feet.

It's a little difficult to read because of the lighting, sorry.

Looking out over the expanse of roses and plants.

Corona Tools had a display and information 

about some of their loppers and other tools.

One of the bloggers had a chance to try one of them out

on a very thick branch. She sliced through it like it was butter.
Corona Tools also gave each of us a really nice,
sturdy scoop in our swag bag. Thanks @CoronaTools!

Time ran short and I missed shooting close-ups,
so I've included shots of two beautiful roses below from a previous visit.

The Rose Garden is a place I'd enjoy returning.

Our next stop on this Fling is the McMenamins Kennedy School,

a really lovely repurposed school building and grounds.

Until next time,

Happy Gardening!

~Kit Aerie-el

Portland Japanese Garden - #GBFling14

You walk up a gently rising path though old cedars and lush green vegetation

to gain entrance to the 5+ acres of peace and tranquility

at the Portland Japanese Garden.

This Garden almost overwhelms the senses, in a most sublime way,

from the moment you step through the entryway. 

 

The Garden includes three main elements: stone, water, and plants.

Simple, right?

No, not even close to simple when you learn more about

the meaning of the designs, 

of each stone, sculpture, water feature, and plant. 

There are so many layers and meanings, 

but it really boils down to giving you that feeling,

a feeling of one with nature, a part of this incredible planet,

from the paths you walk to the landscape that surrounds you to the canopy above.

The following are some of the images (click on them to view them larger)

 I captured during that hot, sunny, summer day in July.

Please take your time, and soak in what you can from these shots.

Even better, make a visit, and gain your own peace within.

 

Look beneath your feet, and you will also find interesting textures

and combinations of materials.

Shadow Play

Do you see a face in the shadows above,

or perhaps something else?

This is probably one of the most photographed trees in the Garden. 

There was a constant flow of people photographing it from outside, 

and in.

And now, one last look from the Japanese Garden of Portland and Mount Hood,

and we're off to visit the International Rose Test Garden next!

Until next time, 

I wish you many happy garden visits and memories.

~Kit Aerie-el