There are few places I visit more beautiful and breathtaking than the Schenectady Central Park Rose Garden. Stunning throughout the season and quite spectacular in June when we visited, there's no wonder that the garden is the backdrop for picture ops and weddings a plenty. We happened to visit just at the peak of the season in mid-June, a few days later may have been too late, but on this evening in the golden light, the roses put on a show that only photos could describe.
The brainchild of Charles D. Brown, a Schenectady Rose Society member in 1959, the idea of a rose garden was born. In April of 1960, after a year of ground preparation, 400 rose bushes were planted to start the garden. More were added in the fall. The following year, several hundred additional hybrid teas, floribunda and grandiflora roses were introduced to the garden.
Subsequent years saw the addition of the rockery pool, a triangular fountain, and a reflection pool. The number of rose bushes grew to 4,000. In 1968, a Japanese lantern and arched bridge over the creek were installed below the main garden. Weeping cherry trees were later planted around the creek and a small dam was added to create a reflection pool under the bridge. The garden peaked in the 1970s with an estimated rose population of 7,500 bushes. The garden was the first recipient of the American Rose Society newly created award for “outstanding public garden” February 10, 1970. (
https://schenectadyrose.org/history/)
During the 1980s, 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. The garden suffered a severe decline until it hit bottom in 1993. Rose bushes were stressed from the lack of care and many had died. Weeds were choking out the bushes everywhere. Thankfully, with the help of dedicated individuals, many volunteers and ongoing fundraisers, the rose garden has once again risen to glory and today boasts 4,000 rose bushes and perennials.
While I'm a capital district native, I had never visited the rose garden until about 9 years ago. If, like me, you weren't aware that this wonderful garden existed, I urge you to pay a visit soon. The garden is at the corner of Wright Avenue and Central Parkway in Schenectady NY. Thank you to the Rose Garden Committee and the many volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the garden so pristine so visitors can continue to enjoy its beauty and serenity year after year!
