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Helen S Kaman Rose Garden at Elizabeth Park in Connecticut

Take in an incomparable fragrance while exploring the pathways of the third-largest rose garden in the USA

Best time: mid-June–early July

Helen S Kaman Rose Garden at Elizabeth Park
Rose garden in Elizabeth Park, West Hartford, Connecticut, USA
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The Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden is located in the center of Elizabeth Park in Hartford, Connecticut. This place is proud to be the first municipal rose garden in the United States and its third-largest rose garden today.

The iconic rose arches are usually in full bloom from mid-June to early July. They only bloom once, so make sure to be there at the right time. Many of the other roses in the garden bloom until October.

The Rose Garden was designed in 1903 by Theodore Wirth, and it opened to the public that same year. This charming place started with about 190 rose varieties, which grew to almost 1,000 by the 1950s. Today, you can observe over 15,000 rose bushes and around 800 varieties of old and new roses in the garden.

The “square,” the original main garden, is an acre (0.404 hectares) in size and owns around 130 rose beds. The author's original design of a square remains today. The South and North gardens were added a bit later and made up 2.5 ac (1.01 ha) of roses, 475 beds, and eight grass pathways. The wide paths were intended to accommodate a larger audience.

There are lots of other attractions to be explored. Elizabeth Park is about nature walks, greenhouses, rock gardens, and perennials. Lounge, restaurant, and auditorium are available at Pond House as well.

Practical info

When should someone plan to visit the Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden?

Typically, the rose arches in the Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden are in full bloom from mid-June to early July. This garden attracts many visitors for its iconic roses that bloom only once. The garden has over 15,000 rose bushes and around 800 varieties of old and new roses. But, if you want to witness the garden's best bloom, summer is the ideal time to plan your visit to Hartford, Connecticut. Show more

What is the total number of rose bushes and types of roses in the garden?

The Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden has an impressive collection of over 15,000 rose bushes, which are divided into about 800 varieties of old and new roses. This garden started with nearly 190 rose varieties in 1903, which grew to almost 1,000 by the 1950s. Today, it remains a popular tourist attraction in Hartford, Connecticut known for its large collection of roses. Show more

Besides the famous rose garden, what other features can visitors find in Elizabeth Park?

Elizabeth Park in Hartford, Connecticut offers a range of garden features and facilities. Along with the iconic Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden, this park has nature walks, greenhouses, rock gardens, and perennials. Visitors can also explore the Pond House, which provides a relaxing lounge area, a restaurant, and an auditorium. Additionally, visitors can witness trees, grass, and various seasonal events and festivals. Show more

Is it possible to purchase plants or roses from the Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden?

Unfortunately, visitors cannot purchase any plants or roses from the Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden. This garden is one of the largest collections of roses in the United States and is preserved to be a popular tourist attraction in Hartford, Connecticut. However, visitors can enjoy taking photos of the beautiful roses, admire the views, and explore the nearby attractions and facilities. Show more

Apart from visiting the garden, what exciting events or festivals can visitors participate in Elizabeth Park?

Elizabeth Park in Hartford, Connecticut offers several exciting events and festivals throughout the year. Visitors can participate in the Greenhouse tour in early spring, join the Pond House Cafe Summer Music Series for live music performances, or take one of the weekly community garden tours. The park also offers activities such as photography workshops, yoga, and early morning bird walks, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike. Show more

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Last updated: by Dari Vasiljeva