Park of Roses

Each time that we come to Columbus, Ohio, we enjoy making a visit to the Park of Roses section of Whetstone Park. This is such a peaceful and beautiful area, even in the dead of winter. Founded in 1953 in the Clintonville section of Columbus, the park is owned and maintained by the Columbus Parks and Recreation department, but is funded by the Columbus Park of Roses Foundation. With free admission, this 13 acre site is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk and displays over 12,000 roses from over 400 species. It is one of the largest municipal rose gardens in the United States and one of just 133 public gardens certified by the All-America Rose Selection, Inc. While the most spectacular time to visit is during the annual Rose Festival (second weekend of June), we've found it delightful throughout the year. To acknowledge this, we photographed the Park of Roses over time, during our visits in both summer and winter (which are displayed below).

Situated in front of the Clintonville branch of the Columbus Library, this sign indicates the entrance access to the Park of Roses (taken during one of our late summer visits).

Just a short distance within Whetstone Park is this entrance to the Park of Roses.

A favorite site for wedding receptions and private functions, the Whetstone Shelter House is located at the front of the rose gardens.

This gazebo just inside the Park of Roses is a popular photo spot.

Winter view of many of the rose beds ...

...and how it's looks when in bloom.

Another favorite photo stop is this bandstand area near the center of the gardens.

This is such an unbelievably peaceful place...

...and so beautiful when in bloom.

The flowers are spectacular!

I would love to know their secrets about growing such fantastic beauty.

Whether it is winter...

...or summer, even the trellises add a lot to the ambiance of the area.

Even while visiting in late winter/early spring, this wrought iron gazebo was popular with photographers.