Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, Portland, OR

Spring is the perfect time of year to visit Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens located in the Eastmoreland neighborhood of Portland. This beautiful, 9 acre (3.8 hectare) botanical garden is currently bursting with rhododendron and azalea blossoms in a variety of brilliant colors.

What started as a rhododendron test garden in 1950, has grown substantially over the decades. Here you’ll find over 2,500 rhododendrons and azaleas in a stunning setting with pathways, water features and bridges.

We were intrigued by the old, twisted, gnarly looking rhododendron trunks.

The tranquility of the garden provides a lovely place to stroll and take photos, do a sketch or just escape the hustle and bustle of every day life.

A large, spring-fed lake provides ideal nesting conditions for a variety of ducks, geese and other critters too.

One nest was visible from the bridge; we watched the parental egg warmer for a few minutes before moving on. When we returned a little later, we noticed the adult had left the nest, but covered the eggs with feathers to keep them warm.

We also saw some busy nutria, aka coypu, enjoying the sunny weather and nibbling on some young plants.

May, and after a rainy spring, we walk streets gallant with rhododendrons. Alicia Suskin Ostriker

The visiting hours are somewhat limited, so check their website before you go.

Even though we had a mild winter here in the Portland area, it’s always nice to see spring arrive. We’ve been visiting the city’s gardens and I have a few more to share in the coming weeks. Here are the links to the posts about the gardens we’ve visited so far:

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Elk Rock Garden of the Bishop’s Close

Check out the recent post by theTravelsketcher for more of our activities, including some trip planning for our upcoming trip to Europe.

I hope you’re enjoying this series of Portland’s gardens. Check back next week when Portland’s Japanese Garden is featured.

Happy Spring!

Tricia