Portland's own Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is buzzing with more than just bees and birds these days, folks. The garden has been nominated for Newsweek's 'Best Botanical Garden' in their 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards. This local treasure, tucked in Southeast Portland and esteemed for its dazzling rhododendrons, is up against some heavy hitters like the New York Botanical Garden and the United States Botanic Garden right in the heart of D.C., as reported by KOIN.com.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden isn't just a delight for plant enthusiasts. With over 90 different species, bird-watchers can feast their eyes on spectacular creatures such as the great blue heron and the bald eagle amidst a backdrop of blooming azaleas and rhododendrons. To sweeten the pot, the 9.5-acre garden boasts bridges, waterfalls, and a lake fed by a natural spring, enhancing the serene, photogenic setting. Newsweek praised the garden, noting "Love to bird-watch? Over 90 species of birds have been spotted in Crystal Springs such as the great blue heron, bald eagle, Townsend’s warbler and more," a gem uncovered by locals now getting some well-deserved national spotlight, as OregonLive.com points out.
What makes the nod from Newsweek particularly sweet is that Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is the sole contender hailing from the verdant Pacific Northwest, an area known for its raw natural beauty. The Crystal Springs garden, a staple springtime excursion spot revered by Portlanders, especially around Mother's Day, is up against some of the most prestigious and carefully cultivated green spaces in the nation. Despite the stiff competition, the love and devotion poured into this oasis over the years might just see it snag top honors, as a local longshot takes on Goliath-sized favorites, as suggested by BNNBreaking.com.
While Portland residents have been hip to this botanical haven's allure for ages, the national recognition is not only a feather in the cap for the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden but also a win for the city's renown as a place where nature's palette explodes in a harmony of colors and textures. With Newsweek putting the garden on a national pedestal, the time is now for nature buffs across the country to take notice. Voting for the best botanical garden is underway on the Newsweek website, and if Portland's pride and joy – a sheer plethora of flora and fauna – manages to clinch the title, it'll be because community and natural splendor have conspired to create paradise found in Oregon’s very own backyard.
