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Elizabeth Park Rose Garden: A Hartford Treasure

Discover America's oldest public rose garden in Hartford's Elizabeth Park, a stunning display of horticultural history and beauty with over 800 rose varieties.

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The Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden, located within Hartford's Elizabeth Park, is the oldest public rose garden in the United States and the third largest. Established in 1904, it features over 15,000 rose bushes and 800 varieties, making it a fragrant and colorful paradise.

A brief summary to Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

  • Monday 8 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-7 pm
  • Friday 8 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in mid-June to early July to see the climbing roses on the arches in full bloom, though they only bloom once a year.
  • Check out the other gardens in Elizabeth Park, including the Perennial Garden, Herb Garden, and Rock Garden, for a diverse horticultural experience.
  • Enjoy a meal at the Pond House Cafe, which features eclectic cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.
  • Attend one of the many free public events hosted by the Elizabeth Park Conservancy, such as concerts, tours, and garden workshops.
  • Elizabeth Park is a popular spot for weddings; be aware that 15-20 weddings may take place on a peak season weekend.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Hartford, take the CT Transit bus line 72 towards West Hartford. The bus runs hourly and the ride takes approximately 8 minutes. Get off at the Asylum Ave @ 1557 Asylum Ave stop, which is right near the park entrance. A one-way fare is typically around $1.75.

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Prospect and Asylum Avenues, walk west on Asylum Avenue. The entrance to Elizabeth Park will be on your left in less than a quarter of a mile. There are no sidewalks on the park side of Asylum Avenue, so exercise caution. The walk is free.

  • Driving

    From I-84 East, take Exit 44 for Prospect Avenue. Turn left onto Prospect Avenue and drive for 2 miles. Turn left onto Asylum Avenue, and the park entrance will be on your left. From I-84 West, take Exit 48 for Asylum Avenue and drive 2 miles. Turn left into the Park. There are four parking lots in the park and parking is free. Parking is also allowed on the roads within the park in designated spots.

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Discover more about Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

The Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden is the centerpiece of Elizabeth Park, a 102-acre park located on the border of Hartford and West Hartford, Connecticut. The park itself was founded in 1897, bequeathed to the city by Charles Murray Pond and named in honor of his late wife, Elizabeth. The rose garden was designed by Theodore Wirth, the superintendent of public parks in Hartford, and opened in June 1904. Wirth, inspired by European gardens, created a formal garden with a square shape and a circle in the middle, featuring pathways accented with wooden and iron arches. The rose garden quickly became a popular attraction, and in 1912, it became the first official test garden for the American Rose Society. Additional semi-circular sections were added in 1912 and 1937, expanding the garden to its current size of 2.5 acres. Today, the garden boasts over 15,000 rose bushes representing approximately 800 varieties, including hybrid tea, climbers, floribunda, and heritage roses. The garden also features a rustic summer house, originally built in 1904 and reconstructed in 2005, covered in Virginia creeper. Beyond the roses, Elizabeth Park offers a variety of other attractions, including the Perennial Garden, Herb Garden, Rock Garden, and the Pond House Cafe. The Elizabeth Park Conservancy works with the City of Hartford to maintain and preserve the gardens and grounds, offering free public programs, tours, concerts, and workshops. The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk, providing a beautiful and serene escape for visitors of all ages.

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