
A visit to a rose garden is a great way to unwind and connect with nature. Roses come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white.
The scent of roses has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body. This is because roses contain a chemical called geraniol, which is known to reduce stress and anxiety.
Walking among the roses can be a peaceful experience, allowing you to clear your mind and focus on the present moment.
The Rose Garden
The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden is a stunning example of landscape design, created by the renowned Beatrix Farrand in 1916. The garden was not completed until 1988, when David Rockefeller generously supported the completion of Farrand's fully realized designs.
The garden is named after Rockefeller's wife, Peggy, a horticulturist and conservationist who loved roses. It features 90 rectangular beds, providing ample space for a diverse display of roses.
Here are some of the notable areas within the Rose Garden:
- The Rose Ramp offers a panoramic view of the Lower Rose Garden and Reflection Pond.
- The Rose Garden Stone steps are lined with flowers and lead between the Shelter House and Lower Rose Garden.
- The Lower Rose Garden features seasonal flower beds, making it a romantic spot on the property.
- The garden also features winding paths between beds of roses and trellises draped with wisteria.
- The Rose Garden is connected to the garden by a colonnade of stone and wood trellises, with four portals providing entrances.
- The garden features a pond, where turtles can be found sunning and goldfish swim through the water.
The Collection
The Rose Garden at NYBG is a true marvel, with an astonishing 4,018 individual rose plants representing 37 different species and 652 cultivated varieties. This staggering collection is a must-see for any rose enthusiast.
You'll find a wide range of species and cultivars, each with its own unique bloom time. The Garden's rose collection is carefully curated to showcase the diversity of roses.
Modern roses are a highlight of the collection, blooming continuously from May to October. This means you'll have a constant display of vibrant flowers throughout the warmer months.
Species roses, on the other hand, typically bloom just once in May. It's a special treat to see these beautiful flowers in bloom.
Old garden roses are a bit more unpredictable, with bloom times varying depending on the specific variety. Some may repeat bloom from May to October, while others may have a different schedule.
Here's a breakdown of the typical bloom periods you can expect to see in a New York City season cycle at NYBG:
- Modern Roses: May–October, continuously
- Species: One-time bloom in May
- Old Garden Rose: Depends on variety; usually repeat blooms from May–October
Areas Within
The Rose Garden is a must-visit destination, and understanding its layout can help you make the most of your trip. Here are some key areas to explore within the Rose Garden.
The Rose Garden offers a historic structure, the Rose Ramp, which sits high above the Lower Rose Garden and Reflection Pond. This provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
You can also walk down the Rose Ramp to explore the seasonal flower beds that line the garden's sides. This area is particularly romantic, making it a great spot for a special occasion.
If you're looking for a more leisurely stroll, consider walking through the winding paths that weave between beds of roses and trellises draped with wisteria. This area is particularly beautiful during peak bloom.
The Rose Garden also features a colonnade of stone and wood trellises, which provides entrances to the garden and its stone gazebo. This is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
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One of the garden's most notable features is the Reflection Pond, where you can spot turtles sunning themselves and goldfish swimming through the water. This is a peaceful spot to relax and unwind.
Here are the main areas within the Rose Garden:
- Rose Ramp: A historic structure with a panoramic view of the Lower Rose Garden and Reflection Pond.
- Rose Garden Stone steps: Lined with flowers and leading between the Shelter House and Lower Rose Garden.
- Rose Garden at the bottom of the Rose Ramp: Seasonal flower beds line the garden's sides, making it a romantic spot.
- Winding paths: Weave between beds of roses and trellises draped with wisteria.
- Colonnade of stone and wood trellises: Provides entrances to the garden and its stone gazebo.
- Reflection Pond: A peaceful spot to relax and unwind, featuring turtles and goldfish.
The Facts
The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden was initially designed by renowned landscape architect Beatrix Farrand in 1916, but it wasn't completed until decades later due to iron shortages during World War I.
Farrand's original design included 90 rectangular beds, which were meant to showcase a diverse display of roses. Her design was a masterpiece, and it's no wonder that it has been preserved and cherished for generations.
The garden was named after David Rockefeller's wife, Peggy, a horticulturist and conservationist who loved roses. This is a beautiful tribute to her passion for nature and beauty.
Here are some key facts about the garden's design and history:
- Farrand was a founding member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and a leading force in her profession.
- The garden was completed in 1988, thanks to the generous support of David Rockefeller.
- The original design for the rose garden was meant to nestle into a valley and provide ample space for a diverse display of roses.
International Features
The International Rose Test Garden has a lot to offer. The garden is ready for visitors, so go ahead and plan your trip.
You'll want to know what to expect when you get there. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know.
Portland Society

If you ever find yourself in Portland, you'll want to check out the Portland Rose Society, a nonprofit organization that's been around since 1889.
The Portland Rose Society offers educational programs on rose culture, which can be super helpful if you're a rose enthusiast or just starting to learn about these beautiful flowers.
Founded in 1889, the Portland Rose Society has a rich history and a deep understanding of all things rose.
For information on Rose Society programs or membership, you can write or call them at PO Box 515, Portland, 97207, or leave a voicemail at (503) 777-4311.
Canada
Canada is home to some truly stunning rose gardens. The Montreal Botanical Garden boasts an impressive collection of 10,000 roses in its modern rose garden.
One of the unique features of the Montreal Botanical Garden is its older section, which requires a lot of winter protection to survive the Canadian climate.
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Ontario has a Centennial Rose Garden that was laid out in 1967 and features a mix of Floribunda and Hybrid Tea roses.
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This garden is a must-visit for any rose enthusiast, with its beautiful Ocean and Mountain background views making it a truly breathtaking experience.
Here are some of the notable rose gardens in Canada:
- The Rose Garden at the Montreal Botanical Garden
- CANADIAN HERITAGE GARDEN
- Royal Botanical Gardens' Centennial Rose Garden
- University of British Columbia's Rose Garden
The Canadian Heritage Garden, located at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, is another notable rose garden, boasting over 200 varieties of winter-hardy roses.
Each of these gardens offers a unique experience, but they all share a common thread - a love for roses that is truly inspiring.
Italy
Italy is home to some of the world's most stunning rose gardens, each with its own unique character and charm. The Niso Fumagalli Rose Garden in Monza is a must-visit, with over 4000 varieties of roses on display, many of which have been gifted by countries around the world.
The garden was established in 1964 and has been recognized for its excellence, receiving the "Award of Garden Excellence" in 2004. It's open to the public for free, in conjunction with exhibitions at the Orangerie of the Royal Villa of Monza.

In Rome, you'll find the Rome Rose Garden, also known as Il Roseto, which boasts over 1100 varieties of roses. This 10,000 m square park is a haven for rose enthusiasts, with each section showcasing roses characteristic of different regions.
The Fineschi Garden in Cavriglia, Tuscany, is a labor of love created by a rose-loving surgeon over 40 years. Spanning over eight acres, it features sections dedicated to various rose varieties, including Gallica and Hybrid Perpetual roses.
Here are some key stats about Italy's rose gardens:
- Niso Fumagalli Rose Garden: over 4000 varieties of roses
- Rome Rose Garden: over 1100 varieties of roses
- Fineschi Garden: over eight acres in size
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a rose enthusiast's paradise, with a rich history of cultivating these beautiful flowers. Westbroekpark in The Hague is home to a stunning public park featuring a large rose garden and trial grounds for testing new varieties, created in 1961.
Over 20,000 rose plants are set out in large beds, showcasing the latest and greatest in rose varieties. The focus is on new and innovative breeds, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in horticulture.
If you're looking for another rose-filled gem, head to Rosarium Oudwijk in Utrecht, which boasts a large rose garden created in 1913.
United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a haven for rose enthusiasts, with a rich history and stunning gardens to explore. Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire is a must-visit, featuring a 13th-century priory and a beautiful rose garden created by renowned horticulturist Graham Stuart Thomas in 1972.
The rose garden at Mottisfont Abbey houses a National Collection of historic shrub roses, showcasing the diversity and beauty of these timeless flowers. If you're looking for inspiration for your own garden, the Royal National Rose Society Gardens near St Albans is a treasure trove of ideas, with over 7,000 plants of 2,500 varieties on display.
Queen Mary Gardens in Regent's Park, London is a stunning example of a circular rose garden, surrounded by a ring of pillars that showcase climbers and ramblers. With over 40,000 roses in bloom during the summer months, it's a true spectacle to behold.
Here are some key facts about the rose gardens in the United Kingdom:
- Mottisfont Abbey's rose garden features a National Collection of historic shrub roses.
- The Royal National Rose Society Gardens near St Albans contains over 7,000 plants of 2,500 varieties.
- Queen Mary Gardens in Regent's Park, London features over 40,000 roses in bloom during the summer.
History of International Test

Portland's love affair with roses began long before the International Rose Test Garden was established. The city was inspired by a local philanthropist's rose showcase, which led to an annual rose show.
Approximately 200 miles of urban roses now bloom in Portland, earning it the nickname "The Rose City".
History and Highlights
Portland is known as the Rose City because it was hooked on roses after a local philanthropist held a rose showcase that inspired an annual rose show.
The city's love for roses led to a bloom of sorts, with approximately 200 miles of urban roses. This is no surprise, given the city's affection for the delicate flower.
The International Rose Test Garden is home to the Shelter House, Rose Ramp, Lower Rose Garden, Republic of Texas Rose Garden, Oval Rose Garden, and Reflection Pond - a must-visit destination for any rose enthusiast.
Origins of the
The origins of the rose garden date back over 5,000 years to ancient civilizations in temperate latitudes. Roses were grown in many of these early civilizations, including ancient Babylon.

One of the earliest recorded rose gardens was in China, where the Chinese Rosa chinensis has been bred into garden varieties for about 1,000 years. This species has contributed most to today's garden roses.
The Chinese were not the only ones to grow roses; they were also grown in ancient Greece and Egypt. Paintings of roses have been discovered in Egyptian pyramid tombs from the 14th century BC.
Roses were introduced to Europe in the 19th century, and this marked the beginning of significant breeding in the region. Empress Josephine of France played a major role in the development of rose breeding at her gardens at Malmaison.
A collection of over 1,000 different cultivars, varieties, and species of roses was possible as early as 1840. This was achieved by Loddiges nursery for Abney Park Cemetery, an early Victorian garden cemetery and arboretum in England.
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Century-Old Hosting Over 10,000 Colorful Bushes
The International Rose Test Garden is a century-old garden that's a must-visit during spring. It's home to over 10,000 colorful rose bushes.

One of the standout features of this garden is its sheer size, with approximately 200 miles of urban roses. That's a lot of blooms! Portland is known as the Rose City, and it's clear why.
The garden is a premier destination, with several notable sections including the Shelter House, Rose Ramp, and Reflection Pond. It's a grand display of nature's beauty.
Well-being and Surroundings
Being in a rose garden can have a profound impact on your well-being. Being surrounded by vibrant flowers can immediately induce positive emotions.
Rose gardens are full of sights and scents that can stimulate and uplift you. The beauty of these gardens is pleasing not only to the eyes but also to the mind and soul.
Many research studies have found that being in the presence of flowers can suppress feelings of depression and anxiety.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to connect with nature and make a difference in your community. You can choose from a variety of garden and non-garden tasks, including deadheading, planting, pruning, and garden improvement projects.
If you're interested in garden work, you can contact the Rose Garden at (503) 823-3636 for more information. Many hands make light work, and it's a wonderful way to spend time outdoors.
Non-garden tasks, on the other hand, include strategic planning, fundraising, and updating educational materials. You can reach out to Volunteer Services at (503) 823-5121 to learn more about these opportunities.
Portland has a rich history of rose enthusiasts, dating back to 1888 when Georgiana Burton Pittock founded the Portland Rose Society. You can be a part of this tradition by volunteering your time and skills.
The Shakespeare Garden, located in Washington Park, is another great place to get involved. Designed by Glenn Stanton and Florence Gerke, it features roses named after characters in William Shakespeare's plays.
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Well-being
Being in nature, specifically around flowers, can have a profound impact on our well-being. Research studies have found that being in the presence of flowers immediately induces positive emotions.
Rose gardens are a great example of this, with their vibrant sights and scents that can evoke feelings of nurturing and romance. Depending on the flower you're engaged with, you may experience a range of emotions, from tranquil to whimsical.
Being around flowers can also help suppress feelings of depression and anxiety, making them a great addition to any space that needs a mood boost. Every flower has the ability to evoke a certain emotion, so take some time to explore and see what works best for you.
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Explore Your Surroundings
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you. Activate a 360° view of your surroundings to notice the little things you might have otherwise missed.
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can take a stroll through the gardens and breathe in the fresh air.
Consider visiting the Rose Garden for a dose of tranquility. The vibrant colors and soothing scents will calm your mind and lift your spirits.
Getting involved with your local community can have a profound impact on your well-being. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden provides opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and make a positive difference.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to go to the Portland Rose Garden?
Admission to the Portland Rose Garden is free. Visit us daily to enjoy the beautiful gardens.
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