Come walk with me through Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens in Portland, Oregon! I've never been good at taking a selfie, need more practice, but was trying to show you how pretty the gardens behind me are.
Let's Walk
Across the street is Reed College where my daughter was touring for her job as a college counselor. So, I occupied myself by enjoying the gardens. Luckily, we happened to be there on a Monday........and Monday is free!
The location of the gardens is listed as between Reed College and East Moreland Golf Course. Has 9.49 acres, and 2500 plants of Rhododendron, Azaleas and companion plants. Many donated, and many purchased with proceeds from entrance fees, which is usually $5.00. Summer hours are 6 am to 10 pm, from April 1st through Sept 30th. And while I lucked out and hit it on a free day (just happened, we didn't know), it's well worth the $5.00 fee the rest of the week.
The oldest Rhododendron planted in the garden was planted back in 1917! The land was originally owned by William S. Ladd, a 2 term major back in the 1800's. He called it Crystal Springs Farm.
Students at Reed College historically referred to the area as Shakespeare Island, because college performances of Shakespeare took place there.
It's quite pretty, serene a wonderful place to walk, or have a picnic or just sit in the shade and enjoy the beauty.
There are handicap accessible walkways.
While I missed the prime blooming season, it was still a very enjoyable visit. Prime blooming season is Late April to mid May.
PLEASE leave me a comment when you come visit, so I know you were here. Your visits and comments are very special to me. AND remember, leave your name and url and not your google+ profile link or your blogger profile link. Name and url takes me right to your blog post so I can reciprocate the visit. Profile pages do not.
