Occupying an entire city block near Chinatown, this walled garden was designed by landscape architects from Suzhou, Portland's sister city. Conceived of as a microcosm of the natural world, the garden offers a series of composed vistas and symbolic positionings of rock, water and vegetation. Courtyards, pavilions, gateways, bridges and walkways add structure, while a two-story tea house contributes height and focus. Naturalistic plantings indicate how studied, yet beautiful the created environment can be. The garden's official name, Lan Su Yuan, means "Garden of Awakening Orchids."

Begun in 1950, this lovely garden is planted with hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas. The seven-acre haven is a beautiful spot throughout the year but truly comes into its own in April and May, when shrubs begin to flower and fill the landscape with incredible color and delicate blooms. Crystal Springs Lake adds the sound of water to the already-relaxing environment, and visitors often come to walk, lounge or partake of the beauty.

These terraced gardens rise above Portland, offering great views of the city ­ that is, if you can keep from marveling at the gorgeous specimens all around. Instituted in 1917, the gardens give trial runs to various rose hybrids before they're introduced into the mass market. With over 8000 plants representing more than 400 different species, this garden is sure to have at least one rose type that captivates you. Should you find yourself tempted, however, know that it's illegal to pick any of the blooms. Summer is the best time to visit the displays and is also when you'll find a repertoire of seasonal concerts available in the gardens. The Washington Park Rose Garden Store offers unusual items for both the home and garden.

Composed of five individual gardens, this collective garden, designed by a Japanese landscape architect, opened in 1967. The manicured grounds capitalize on the beauty of the surrounding mountains and teach visitors to slow down and appreciate the series of vignettes they encounter. Each of the component gardens ­ Strolling Pond, Tea, Natural, Flat and Dry Landscape ­ has its own character and spirit, providing indication of the variety of design these gardens encompass. They make much of elements such as water, stones and vegetation, using simple objects to evoke grander, more refined ideas. The Japanese Garden Gift Store offers unique items (mostly imported from Japan) for the home and garden.

In a protected area near Johnson Creek, botanists Lilla and John Leach personally developed and planted this plot with some 1500 species of wildflowers, shrubs, ferns and irises. Native plants and specimens from their own collection combined to create a naturalized area that's been beautifully maintained for visitors. In the couple's 1930s-era manor house, children's nature study classes are held and their legacy ­ and love ­ of botany and landscape design live on.