Beauty Abounds in the Rose Garden in Central Park

Have you ever visited a fabulous destination and wondered why you'd never visited there before?  In the past year there have been many places that have caused me to ask that very question, and this is one of them.  Once again, my photography friend, Claudia, prompted my visit to Schenectady's Central Park Rose Garden for the first time last year.  After living my entire life in the Capital District, I'm ashamed to admit I'd never been to Central Park - even though I've driven through Schenectady many, many times.  I'm hoping that after reading today's post and seeing the photos of this breathtakingly beautiful garden, you will not waste a minute and will visit soon!  So whether you've never been or have been many times....come back with me now and enjoy the view! 

In 1959, in a location that had originally been a tennis court, Charles D. Brown (a member of the Schenectady Rose Society) designed the Rose Garden. Much of the first year was spent digging the beds and refilling them with clay loam and composted soil.  In April of 1960, 400 rose bushes were planted to start the garden. More were added in the fall. In the following year, several hundred additional hybrid teas, floribunda and grandiflora roses were introduced to the garden. (Taken from the Schenectady Rose Garden website).  Over the years, more rose bushes were added, as well as a fountain, a reflection pool and an arched bridge over a creek, and the garden grew and flourished.  In 1970 the rose garden had a population of 7,500 rose bushes.   

During the 1980's, as businesses and residents moved to the suburbs, city budgets were stretched to the breaking point due to a reduced tax base. As a result, gardeners and park personnel were laid off or retired. Because of this, the garden suffered a severe decline until it hit bottom in 1993.  In 1995, the Rose Garden Restoration Committee was formed.  During the next five years, a watering system was installed, a part-time gardener was hired and a fungus spraying was initiated.  In 1996, Charles W. Carl, former owner of the Carl Company and philanthropist became a major benefactor of the Rose Garden. Through of his vision and legacy, the Rose Garden continues to flourish.  Today the garden is home to over 4,000 rose bushes of over 300 varieties.   In 2010, the Rose Garden won 3rd Place in AARS Best Rose Garden’s in America.  Here's just a sneak peak of what awaits you when you visit.......(if you don't want to scroll through the photos, click on one and view them in a slide show format)

The Rose Garden is a beautiful place to visit all through the summer season, but it's in its peak during mid-June into early July and again mid-September through mid-October.  We were there on Father's Day (no, my husband is not a gardener, just a nice guy) and I would estimate that about 70-80% of the roses were in bloom.  The arches were not yet in bloom, but when they are, they are spectacular.  I highly encourage a visit to this absolute treasure, again, right here in our own backyard.   And while you're there, drive through the park and sit a while at the duck pond and say, "hi" to this mama and her babies, along with the many geese and mallards who call Central Park 'Home'!  Click on the link below to read more about the Rose Garden and the many people and organizations that have had a hand in making the Rose Garden the treasure it remains today..   And then......Take Time to Smell the Roses!

http://www.schenectadyrose.com

Thank you for allowing me to share by photos and thoughts with you!  And Have a Great Day!!!