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Spring in Bloom: Our Favorite Local Gardens to Explore

Annabrodea Medina
Spring in Bloom: Our Favorite Local Gardens to Explore
As the world wakes up in spring, we love to fill our weekends with trips to local gardens. Here is a walk through our spring calendar.

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Spring is finally peeking through the winter chill, and in our house, we are more than ready to trade our heavy coats for light jackets and sunshine. As the world wakes up, we love to fill our weekends with trips to local gardens. It is the perfect way to let our toddler run, explore, and marvel at the beautiful world God created.

Watching the earth come back to life is a beautiful reminder of His constant renewal. Instead of just listing places out, I wanted to share a little walk through our spring calendar and the sanctuaries we find ourselves returning to year after year.

Chasing the First Blooms

When February rolls around and we are desperate for a pop of color, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is our absolute favorite escape. Through April, the early blooms bring so much life to those chilly spring days. We love wandering over the little wooden bridges and watching the ducks splash in the water. It makes for a perfect, peaceful morning where we can simply enjoy the beauty of nature as a family.

A dense bush covered in clusters of small, delicate white flowers against an overcast sky.
A dense bush covered in clusters of small, delicate white flowers against an overcast sky.

For a completely different sensory experience, we always make time for the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens. If you want to experience the true scent of spring, you have to visit this historic spot. Walking through the pathways as the lilacs bloom feels like stepping back in time. It is a sweet, gentle reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the fragrant gifts of nature.

Fluffy Clouds and Wide Open Spaces

As the season warms up, we head down to the Willamette Valley for the Adelman Peony Garden. Open from April 26th to June 15th, this destination is a floral dream. Peonies are so lush and vibrant, and to a toddler, they look like giant fluffy clouds scattered across the fields. It is a wonderful place to walk the wide paths, take some stunning family photos, and appreciate the intricate details of these gorgeous flowers.

A bright cluster of blooming red and yellow tulips growing in an outdoor spring garden.
A bright cluster of blooming red and yellow tulips growing in an outdoor spring garden.

When we need a massive space for our little one’s imagination to run wild, The Oregon Garden is our main destination. With so many different themed areas to explore, we can easily spend a whole afternoon here.

A low-angle close-up of light purple tulips stretching towards a bright, clear sky.
A low-angle close-up of light purple tulips stretching towards a bright, clear sky.

Parent Tip: We also discovered a fantastic tip for fellow parents: you can actually get free entry by reserving a cultural pass through your local library online. It is an amazing way to learn and explore together on a budget.

A Classic Portland Transition

An extreme close-up of a vibrant yellow tulip bud with striking red vertical streaks.
An extreme close-up of a vibrant yellow tulip bud with striking red vertical streaks.

As spring melts into early summer, the classic International Rose Test Garden becomes a staple in our weekend routine. The blooms really start to show off from May through October. While the garden itself is completely free to wander, do keep in mind that there is a cost to park your car. The vibrant colors, the incredible variety of roses, and the sweeping views of the city make it worth every penny.

Fueling the Adventure

A vibrant field of blooming yellow sunflowers stretching out towards a blurred tree line under a cloudy sky.
A vibrant field of blooming yellow sunflowers stretching out towards a blurred tree line under a cloudy sky.

When we pack the car for these garden outings, keeping up our energy and hydration is a top priority. We always bring our water bottles infused with a Nutrilite Twist Tube (If you ever want to try them, grabbing them through our family’s storefront link helps support our business!). It gives us the refreshing hydration we need to chase our little one through the flower beds without reaching for sugary drinks at the concession stands.

Where is your favorite place to go in spring? We love to fill our calendar with new gardens to wander through. Let me know on IG @theams_haveit with what you think!

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