Spring Beauty
Illustration by Breanna Newburn
Article by Lea Olivares Raudes
NEWBERG, Ore. – Spring’s arrival in Oregon is announced by the awakening of cherry blossoms all over the state. Their beauty is accompanied by the blooming of other Oregonian flora such as rhododendrons, tulips and daffodils. Although the pink petals of cherry blossoms tend to steal the show each year, Oregon offers an abundance of natural beauty.
Portland’s cherry blossoms are more than a visual attraction. They’re proof of an international friendship. In 1990, a gift of 100 Akebono cherry trees from Japan were planted across Portland as a beautiful expression of cultural exchange.
Portland and Sapporo share one of the oldest sister-city relationships in the country. They created this bond on November 17, 1959 when Portland Mayor Terry Church signed an agreement creating a bond that facilitated peace and strong cultural ties.
This relationship is embodied along the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, where rows of these trees bloom along the Willamette river. Masses of people crowd together, sharing their love for Portland’s pink beauty.
For George Fox students, their time in Oregon may be their only opportunity to witness such unique sights.
“I’m from Colorado, which is dry and high altitude, so we don't have many of the varieties of trees that Oregon does,” said freshman Brynne Norton. “Seeing the cherry blossoms in bloom this past month was so exciting for me.”
Another place to explore the beauty of the blossoms year round, as well as the Japanese influence on Oregon, is the Portland Japanese Garden. This garden is considered one of the most authentic outside of Japan itself.
The garden is not just renowned for its aesthetics but also its ability to draw you into a different culture. With koi fish lakes, zen gardens and the Sapporo Pagoda Lantern, you are constantly reminded of the sisterhood Portland has with Japan.
While cherry blossoms dominate the stage in the early weeks of March, annual flower-themed festivals and gardens also gain traction around this time. About 20 minutes away from the Portland Japanese garden lies the Crystal Springs Rhododendron garden in Southeast Portland.
This garden is a focal point of the town with the rhododendron season falling right after the peak bloom for cherry blossoms; blooms can be seen from late April into their peak in early May.
Crystal Springs transports you into a world of stone bridges, greenery and beautiful picnicking sites. These areas, saturated with vibrant clusters of rhododendron shrubs, are a great way to enjoy Oregon’s beauty.
Outside of Portland, the Wooden Shoe Tulip festival runs from March 20 to April 26 of this year. At this location you will find vendors, rides, food and attractions. The carnival aesthetic mixed with Tulip fields makes this festival a perfect way to spend the final school weekends with friends, a date or family.
“I’ve heard tales about Oregon’s spring colors but have never seen them for myself,” said Norton. “The flowers on the trees over Portland…have been such a cool difference.”
Whether you find yourself observing this season from the comfort of campus or make a trip out to the city, Oregon offers adventures and spring beauty to you.
