Portland International Rose Test Garden

OK, so I knew that Portland's nickname is "Rose City" and I always just assumed that it was because roses grew really well there.  While that is the case, the real reason is the International Rose Test Garden that started over a hundred years ago.  Fascinating history as not just any 'ol rose gets planted here.

Anyway, Tyler and Kate flew into town and I took them to the Japanese Garden which is beautiful and all, but when we were done, we wandered down to the rose gardens and that was even more impressive.  And of course, coincidentally, we visited right at peak-bloom and it had rained the night before so the weather was beautiful and all the roses were covered with raindrops.  Was an unexpected, but great way to start off their visit!