Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens, Portland Oregon

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.

County Kildare, The Irish National STUD Gardens

 Colonel William Hall Walker established The National Stud Gardens in the 1900's.  He believe you could tell how successful a horse could become on the racetrack by knowing their birthdate.  The grounds are quite pretty with flower gardens, water falls, serene bridges and lots of places to just sit and enjoy the countryside.

 Our tour explained how important breeding (covering) was throughout Irish history.  Currently their top stallion is Invincible Spirit.  Invincible Spirit was seeking protection from the rain so not in the picture.  He has fathered many champion racehorses around the globe.  At auction his offsprings can sell for millions!

 I'm sure the gardens would be prettier if you were lucky enough to visit on a day when it wasn't windy and rainy...though that's quite a trick in Ireland.  Though I did see a fairly sunny day in pictures when Queen Elizabeth was visiting.  She's a lover of horses, has been her whole life and has been here multiple times.

There's a nice gift shop and tea house to enjoy after your tour.  The hot pot of tea was just the ticket in an effort to dry off and warm up before heading back to our Insight Tour Coach.