Rhododendron Garden

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We would have loved to spend Mother’s Day with our mothers, but since they are both in California and we are here in Oregon… we decided to spend a relaxing afternoon wondering around the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. We’ve lived in Portland for 5 years and finally made our way over to this beautiful garden. I was surprised at how big it is! There are so many wonderful places to sit and admire the beauty. There are a few ponds to walk around and a large grassy area that looks perfect for a family picnic.

It turned out we weren’t the only ones who thought the garden would be a great place to spend Mother’s Day. It seemed like half the city was there! Even with the large amount of people, the park felt peaceful and relaxing because it is so big. The only inconvenient part was finding a place to park. The garden fee is $5/person.

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There is a small building inside the garden that looks like it is used for events. While we were there is was being used as a display of individual shrub branches to show each kind of rhododendron. Right as we walked by the building, a man shouted, “Free flowers! Whatever is left in a few minutes is going in the trash!” Lucas looked at me, grabbed by bag and said, “Go honey go!” I loved the opportunity for free flowers but even more than that I loved Lucas’ reaction and his support of me running after something he knew would make me happy.

I appreciate Lucas every day, but this was an extra special day. He made me breakfast, braved the crowds (something he actively avoids), carried my heavy tripod, patiently waited as I set up my camera and waited for crowds to pass so we could get some photos of us together, and walked slow with me so I could limit my waddling (hello 33 weeks pregnant). He is the best.

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