In 2021, Portland City Council proclaimed June to be “City of Gardens” month, recognizing the unique role of garden culture in our city and the value our public gardens provide. Read the full proclamation text below, or click the image for the original print version.
We hope that you are able visit some of our extraordinary public gardens this month – next year, we hope to join the club :]
June is City of Gardens Month!
2021 Portland City Council Proclamation
Whereas, Portland’s gardens exist on lands nurtured by Indigenous people where the blooms of native plants are seasonal reminders of their stewardship; and
Whereas, Portland, Oregon is home to more than 15 extraordinary public gardens within its city limits; and
Whereas, Some of these gardens, among them the Portland Japanese Garden, Lan Su Chinese Gar-den, and the Rose Test Garden are known throughout the world; and
Whereas, Portland sits within the Willamette Valley, home of the world’s greatest collection of nurseries and to other public gardens like the Oregon Garden, Bush Pasture Park and Deepwood Museum & Gardens; and
Whereas, In an era of climate change, public gardens serve as respites from heat, repositories for many native plants that are disappearing, and corridors for pollinators, birds, and wild-life; and
Whereas, In times of pandemic, public gardens are places to enjoy beauty and calm while physically distanced; and
Whereas,In times of social unrest, public gardens are places for all Portlanders to reflect and find solace in nature and seasonally changing beauty; and
Whereas, Community volunteers, partner organizations, and City staff work to preserve and enhance our public gardens; and
Whereas,In 2022, Portland will host the American Public Garden Association’s annual meeting bringing thousands of public garden experts to our city; and
Whereas, In the spirit of inclusivity, the language of gardens and lessons they teach need no translation.
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the
“City of Gar-dens,” do proclaim the month of June henceforth to be
City of Gardens Month
in Portland and encourage all residents and visitors to visit our public gardens.