Along the southern border of Central Park is the most wonderful rose garden. Dozens of beautiful roses grow in hexagonal planters surrounding a peacock fountain. An archway of wooden beams holds up red brick pillars. The flowers burst with all shades of yellow, pink, purple, peach, and red. Rows of benches surround the garden to provide a respite from the hustle and bustling of the world outside the garden.
The roses were from the garden of Foster R. Fanning (1889-1962) and his wife Jessie. After the couple passed away in a car accident in 1962, roses were transplanted from their garden into Central Park to serve as a memorial for them. A plague was placed in the garden commemorating the couple.
The peacock fountain at the center of the roses is also a memorial. In 2014 scout John Michael Thomas sought to purchase a fountain to honor his friend Elizabeth Buckley. He wanted the fountain to be his final Eagle Scout project. Elizabeth loved Central Park and the peacocks of Winter Park but sadly she passed away in 2012 from a brain tumor at the age of 13. The 7 foot peacock fountain with cascading water was created by artist Lloyd Le Blanc in England. It cost $47,000 to purchase and ship the fountain to Winter Park and additional money was required for irrigation and landscaping. The money for the project was raised with a fund raiser and the support of the Winter park city commission.
Today you can visit the garden and enjoy the beautiful roses and fountains. Weddings of less than 20 people can be arranged with the city. The history and beauty of this special garden makes it the gem of Central Park. read more