Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Explained

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Map:Portland#Oregon#USA
Map Label:Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Type:Botanical garden
Location:SE 28th Ave. and Woodstock Blvd.
Portland, Oregon
Coords:45.4797°N -122.6356°W
Area:9.49acres
Plants:2,500
Opened:1950
Operator:Portland Parks & Recreation

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a botanical garden located between Reed College and the Eastmoreland Golf Course in southeastern Portland in the U.S. state of Oregon.

Description and history

The garden, located between Southeast 28th Avenue and Woodstock Boulevard, covers 9.49acres and is named for the numerous springs within the garden. Crystal Springs Garden features more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, and other plants in a setting of small lakes, paved and unpaved paths, fountain, and small waterfalls.[1]

The garden is open 10:00am to 5:00pm Thursday through Tuesday, and 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Wednesdays (gates close at 5:30). Pets are allowed on a leash.

The project began in 1950 as a rhododendron test garden on a site previously covered with brush, blackberries, native trees, and the remnants of a Shakespeare theater developed by students of Reed College. In 1964, the park's name was officially changed to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.[1]

In addition to the manicured areas that make up most of the garden, patches of less orderly shrubs, upland forest, marsh vegetation, and submerged logs attract wildlife, especially waterfowl, most prevalent in winter. The Rhododendron Society has counted 94 species in the garden, including grebes, herons, ducks, Canada geese, wigeons, gulls, thrushes, nuthatches, hummingbirds, and others.[2]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden . City of Portland . 2010. November 30, 2010.
  2. Book: Houck . Michael C. . Cody, M.J. . Wild in the City . Oregon Historical Society Press . Portland. 2000. 275–76 . 0-87595-273-9.