My husband and I spent the weekend in Portland, Ore., for a mix of work and fun. The city is known as the City of Roses. It was fitting, then, that we took time to wander through Portland’s International Rose Test Garden. If I’ve ever been to a more beautiful rose garden, I can’t remember when. The garden is home to more than 8,000 roses of 610 varieties. Words cannot do justice to the fragrance, the colors, the different sizes and shapes.

I’m still getting over a lingering, clinging cold, and today, I thought I’d share a bouquet with you all. I hope you enjoy these beauties from Portland’s wonderful rose garden.

“Of all flowres methinks a rose is best.” William Shakespeare

In a Garden
The kiss of the sun for pardon
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God’s heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
— Dorothy F.B. Gurney

I may not love caring for roses in my own garden, but this spectacular garden has me wondering if maybe Shakespeare was right. Maybe of all flowers, the rose is best.

I’m hard-pressed to pick a favorite from among these roses. But I’d love to know if you have a clear favorite among the ones I’ve included here. Is it because of color? Shape? An interesting pattern of petals? Are roses your favorite flower?