Portland, Ore. – Grown in Japan since the 8th century, the chrysanthemum is the official flower of Japan, and along with the Japanese maple, it is considered the quintessential symbol of autumn and a constant motif in literature and art. The highest Order of Chivalry is called the Order of the Chrysanthemum, and the Imperial crest features a 16-petalled chrysanthemum. Kiku Matsuri, the Chrysanthemum Festival, honors this beloved flower and is the fifth of the cycle of five annual Go-Sekku festivals in the traditional Japanese calendar.

Each year, the Portland Japanese Garden celebrates Kiku Matsuri with a two-day Ikebana International Chrysanthemum Exhibition of flower arrangements to be held this year on the weekend of October 25-26. This year the Garden is pleased to announce the addition of a special horticultural display of chrysanthemums on view outdoors on the East Veranda of the Garden Pavilion from October 18-November 2. Both events are free with regular Garden admission.

“In Japan, Kiku Matsuri is traditionally celebrated with elaborate displays of chrysanthemums on the grounds of the Imperial Palace, as well as in temple courtyards, botanical gardens, and public spaces throughout the country every autumn. This year, we are delighted to be expanding our own Chrysanthemum Festival,” said Diane Durston, Curator of Culture, Art, & Education at the Garden, “and we are very pleased to collaborate with Rich Kibbons of the Portland Chrysanthemum Society to make this happen.”

The Portland Japanese Garden has been proclaimed by his Excellency Nobuo Matsunaga, former Ambassador of Japan, to be “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.” The Garden is above Washington Park at 611 SW Kingston Drive in SW Portland, Oregon. The Garden is open daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Hours are 10am-4pm October 1-March 31, and 10am-7pm April 1-September 30.