This historic garden has been a favorite spot for gardeners, strollers, and wedding parties since the 1930s. It is an All-American Rose Selection Public Display Garden, one of 132 such gardens in the United States. You can find the Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden at Greenwood Park at 4800 Grand Avenue. It is located directly behind the Des Moines Art Center.
The Original Garden
Planning was initiated in 1929 by the Des Moines Garden Club and the Club's Founders Group. Landscape architect Harlan Bartholomew prepared general plans and Des Moines architect Amos Emery designed the limestone pillars, benches, tea house and flagstone walk. In 1932, noted landscape architect Harold Parnham completed the central garden's detailed planting plans for more than 200 varieties of roses, with background plantings of shrub roses, climbing roses, lilacs and evergreens. With both private and public support, the garden was completed and dedicated in May 1933.
New Plantings
Through the years, with some exceptions, the garden declined from its original glory. Many roses and background plants were lost and even a sundial, a gift to the garden from the Des Moines Garden Club and its Founders Group, disappeared.
Since the early 1980's, a small group of volunteers, known as the Greenwood Park Rose Garden Advisory Committee, has energetically pursued the restoration of the Rose Garden. In 2003, the Committee expanded and began forging aggressive new plans to enhance the garden and secure its future.
A complete list of the enhancements, varieties of roses and a layout map of the garden, see the attachment.
Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden Brochure
Reservations
The fees for rental of
the Rose Garden are:
- $300.00 first two hours (minimum)
- $150.00 each additional hour
To reserve a time at the Rose Garden, please call 515-237-1386.
City of Des Moines, Iowa
Parks and Recreation
- 602 Robert D. Ray Drive
- Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- Phone: (515) 237-1386
- E-mail: Information Center
- Web Site: http://www.dmgov.org