Crystal Springs Voted Top 5

Release Date:   March 7, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Voted in Top Five Botanical Gardens

PORTLAND, OREGON – Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden has placed fourth in Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Botanical Garden.

Newsweek experts nominated fifteen popular gardens throughout the United States that conserve diverse flora and fauna and promote sustainability practices. The Readers’ Choice contest took place online throughout the month of February with the top ten winners announced on March 7.

From Crystal Springs Executive Director Brandon Baker:

“Crystal Springs is an incredible place of beauty and replenishment for Portland and visitors from all over the world. We’re thrilled and grateful to be voted among the top gardens in the United States. This accolade adds to the long list of recognitions that Portland’s public gardens have received and we’re proud to be one of the cornerstones in this city of gardens.”

About Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden:

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a sanctuary of tranquil beauty for the wellbeing of all.

A unique 9.5-acre garden, Crystal Springs is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. April through June, when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom, the garden is a riot of color. A spring-fed lake surrounds much of the garden, attracting countless wildlife to this natural habitat including over 100 species of birds, beaver, river otter, muskrat, mink, and coyote. In fall and winter, trees and shrubs add their own color and interesting structure.

Crystal Springs welcomes over 75,000 visitors per year and boasts an outstanding collection of rare species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, and other lesser-known ericaceous plants, as well as many companion plants and unusual trees. Each year, the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society puts on its annual rhododendrons shows and plant sales: The Early Blooming Rhododendron Show (April 13, 2024) and the Mother’s Day Show (May 12, 2024).

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden was jointly established in 1950 by the Portland Parks & Recreation Bureau and the nonprofit American Rhododendron Society’s Portland Chapter. The garden is supported by admissions, annual passes, venue rental fees, and donations. This partnership continues today.