Stop and smell the roses! Hidden in plain sight along U.S. 40 in Glen Miller Park, Richmond’s stunning All-American Rose Garden is worth a visit if you’re passing through town during the early weeks of summer. More than 30 years old, this verdant destination boasts over 100 varieties of blooming beauties with bonus annuals, perennials and trees planted for added visual interest.
A dedicated team of local volunteers tends the garden, spending countless hours on weeding, trimming and other tasks. The result is a spectacular green space (and popular seasonal wedding site) that teems with color as the flowers blossom in succession each year.
A gazebo and a fountain anchor the labyrinth-style layout, and strategically placed benches allow visitors to simply sit and take in the view. The wheelchair-accessible garden stays open all year long with no admission fee charged, but June is the usually best time to pop by when the roses are in their fullest splendor.
For a unique opportunity to check out the All American Rose Garden, plan to attend the First Bloom and Glow party (scheduled for the evening of June 5 in 2024) when a collection of hot air balloons inflates to take over the adjacent golf course grounds, lighting up after dark for a magical viewing experience. Food vendors and live entertainment round out the festivities, and the whole family-friendly event raises funds to support the garden’s ongoing growth and maintenance.
For more information, go to richmondrosegarden.com.
