Footfalls echo in the memory, Down the passage which we did not take, Towards the door we never opened, Into the rose-garden~T. S. Eliot.San Jose is home to some pretty amazing places, including their Municipal Rose Garden. Since I absolutely love roses, I had to check it out.  I am so glad I did!Located at the corner of Naglee & Dana in San Jose, the garden is housed on 5.5 acres.  Beginning in April, thousands of colorful roses begin to bloom, creating a vivid and stunning kaleidoscope of color and scent. The garden is home to more than 3500 plantings, and contains over 189 varieties of roses.

A sense of peacefulness overwhelmed me when I entered this oasis.  The hustle and bustle of the city seemed to melt away, like ice in the warmth of the sun.  It seemed as though time stood still.There are many pathways to explore throughout the rose garden.  Each path leads to new landscapes of color and delight.

In the center of the garden is a huge pool with a two-tiered fountain, called the “reflection pool”.  It is surrounded by benches where you can indeed sit and reflect upon the beauty around you.The Municipal Rose Garden was once home to a prune orchard.  In 1927, the Santa Clara County Rose Society voted to create a rose garden.  Groundbreaking for the new rose garden took place in 1931, in 1937 it was offically dedicated, and today is a historic landmark.

You can enjoy the colorful blooms here from April through November, although the optimal time to visit is in May.

Did you know that the Rose Garden is also home to  brand new, unseen before rose varieties? It is one of only a handful of gardens chosen by the All-American Rose Selections to test new roses before they are available to you and me.  In 2010, it was awarded “America’s Best Rose Garden”, beating out more than 130 other public rose gardens in the first nationwide competition of its kind.  It is no surprise that it has also been voted the best location to get married.  Who wouldn’t want their nuptials held in such a romantic and beautiful place?

I love the names of some of the roses, including “Betty Boop”, “Angel Face”, “Alchymist”, and “San Jose Sunshine”!

The Garden is filled with lush, grassy areas, and at the edge is shaded by majestic redwood trees.  You are sure to find the perfect spot to relax.  Bring a picnic lunch or a book and enjoy the serenity!

Hours:  8 am to 8 pm daily.

Admission:  Free.

Location:  Dana Avenue & Naglee Avenue, San Jose, California, 95126

Website:  Municipal Rose Garden

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!