The Raleigh Rose Garden is one of the City of Raleigh Parks. It is a treasure in Raleigh, located behind the Raleigh Little Theatre. The garden was officially dedicated in 1951 and remains one of three accredited rose gardens in North Carolina. The area has a fascinating history. The sunken, oval-shaped space was a dirt race track back when the NC Fairgrounds was located there. Then, during World War I, the space was converted into a training ground for Camp Polk's combat tanks. The racehorse track and the combat tank training trench were reimagined into the space we get to enjoy today. The mud hole was drained, and the land was reshaped by volunteers. The tier-terraces were a way to keep the water from washing away the future flowers. The amphitheater was constructed first, and it took years for the rose garden, as there was no budget for it during World War II. Nurseries, community garden clubs and even private individuals donated the rose bushes and native trees, Normally, there is a free parking lot, but my visit today had the lot blocked off as a tree brought down power lines. So there was parking available on the streets surrounding the gardens. My visit today was short: it was 97 degrees out, and my phone overheated during my stroll. I realized I might be overheated, too and made my way back into the air conditioning. It is a stunning, historic oasis that is well worth the visit--just remember to bring a cold bottle of water on hot afternoons! read more

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Thank You!!! ...to the volunteers that maintain this treasured garden with hundreds of rose bushes....and thanks to the city for the upgrades recently made : ) Amazing spot that always brings a smile ; ) and such a wonderful asset in our city. FYI- Mother's Day is typically a good time to visit in the spring read more

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This part of my life is called " Stopping to smell the roses". The opportunity presented itself when I planned to take myself on a date for the evening to see The Color Purple at the Raleigh Little Theatre. The Rose Garden is located on the property and is a peaceful place to have lunch or take photos. A romantic date or proposal destination as well. The garden is located below the amphitheater. The grounds include sixty rose beds with varieties of hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, miniatures, and antique roses, surrounded by an arboretum of evergreen and deciduous trees. As soon as you arrive, you are instantly transported to an English garden. The promised land of peonies ! For those of you who don't know, pink roses are my favorite flower. This was pure bliss for me ! Be sure to spend time visiting while in the Oberlin Village area. read more

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We attended a performance at the nearby Raleigh Little Theater and wandered over to check out the rose garden. It was nice to see so many varieties of roses, plus some nearby trails and picnic areas. It's tucked away in a residential area of Raleigh but worth a visit. read more

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Was in the area and needing an open green space for my little buddy to run around and get some energy out. This place was the ticket. It is spacious and interesting. They had a story path to follow and it was fun! A great spot to visit! read more

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Such a beautiful little walk around, picnic spot in the middle of NC state campus area. Looking for a little place to go see some flowers this is it. Absolutely gorgeous roses, all kinds and colors. Very well kept lawns and perfectly shaded picnic areas with tables. In the back yard of the Raleigh little theater. There is also a open area theater with a huge stage for their outdoor events. It's not too big either, you can get around in about 30 mins if your looking at everything. Just super quaint. Check it out ! read more

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An absolutely beautiful spot. Street parking and a very small lot so I wonder how they deal with the crowds when there's a show at the theater or in the amphitheater but let's not be concerned about that now. There is a large rose garden here and it's lovely. A variety of different roses in different colors. While I was here a couple of wedding photographers were doing photo shoots. [Review 11609 overall, 1389 of 2019.] read more

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My baby sister and her bride were married in this exquisite rose garden a few days ago. I had no idea what to expect, but was certainly in awe with what I witnessed upon arrival. Tucked away behind an adorable theatre is this beautiful rose garden perfect for photos, weddings and even an engagement! The layout is beautiful and the various roses are magnificent. This proved to be the perfect venue for a small intimate ceremony and the photos are dynamite! I highly recommend visiting the Raleigh Rose Garden whether you're a local or a tourist. There are picnic tables too.... in the event you need some romance in your life. ;) read more

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Beautiful venue for stopping and smelling the roses, taking pictures, picnicking, and attending performances, like Groove in the Garden where I am right now. It's a one day music festival in its fifth year. Sponsored by The Pour House and Raleigh Little Theatre (locates here at the Rose Garden) in the Stephenson Amphitheatre. The venue was built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration as part of the New Deal. Thank you President Franklin D. Roosevelt for not telling the out of work and disenfranchised to go back to where they came from. Instead he put them to work during the depression to make America Great again. Plenty of seating in the grassy areas between stone benches. You can sit on the stone walls or pop up a bag chair or spread out a blanket. Plenty of room for both. Food trucks and beer in the parking lot. What a great way to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon! read more

Raleigh Rose Garden - Groove in the Garden - Community Gardens Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I'm a big fan of Raleigh Rose Garden, such a gem in the middle of Raleigh. Right now there is a ton of construction going on over there as part of a storm water project so just be aware of that. I originally went to check out the roses, but my toddler was beyond happy that instead we ended up watching a digger at work. They have a few picnic tables and an open green space, then on the other side of the park is where the rows of roses are. The theatre has a parking lot or there is street parking around the area. There are a lot of stairs so just be prepared for that if you are visiting. I visited in late June and there were still plenty of roses to be seen! I do think the peak time to visit is most likely in May for prime time roses. read more

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I love this garden! I used to live down the road and would walk here most evenings during the summer. Beautiful roses, a lovely arbor, and tall trees to rest under at the benches or picnic tables. Great for a picnic with a friend or loved one. Because of its beauty, this is a popular spot for photo shoots, so it can be crowded on a beautiful day around golden hour. I should know--my fiancée proposed to me while we were having a photo shoot done! read more

Raleigh Rose Garden - The roses provided a lovely backdrop to this unforgettable moment - Community Gardens Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

A beautiful vision and a lovely scent greet you upon arrival. You get to slowly meander around the garden viewing many varieties and stunningly colored roses. Some were in an amazing full bloom whilst others were just budding. I was fortunate enough to encounter a bee enjoying the roses as much as I was .... this bee didn't seem to mind my poor attempt to take some photos. Parking is difficult but worth the challenge. A friend who lives local knew where to park and had us walk down to gardens. Very happy to ya e spent time here ... read more

Raleigh Rose Garden - Community Gardens Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I We brought food and music and did a mini picnic. It was peaceful and beautiful. Enough room where you can find a space alone and not bother others. Beautiful to walk around. Definitely a hidden gem tucked into the neighborhood read more

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Beautiful award winning roses. So many varieties and they keep them up beautifully. Everyone should take time to walk around and smell them on a cool summer morning. read more

This is a wonderful place to meditate on the beauty of nature. It's delightful aroma and the birdsong you hear as you walk around is peaceful. Such sweet serenity! This is a place to reconnect and recharge from the weekly bump and grind of work and life! Talk about "take time to stop and smell the roses"!! This is the place to do it! Parking is best on the street next to the Raleigh Little Theatre. Take a stroll and enjoy! read more

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One of three accredited rose gardens in NC. Open year round, it's part of the little theater complex. Can be rented for weddings and other special occasions. read more

Raleigh Rose Garden - Community Gardens Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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A lovely and manicured outdoor garden! The parking is limited so try to visit in the late afternoon. A great spot for pictures. read more

Raleigh Rose Garden - Pink roses. - Community Gardens Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Early Spring doesn't yield many blooms - give it a few weeks and the lovely roses will be on full display. Bring a good camera! read more

Raleigh Rose Garden - Hosta and shade plants - Community Gardens Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

The rose garden is so pretty! Worth a drive by if you're visiting the area. The parking is a bit tight so you might want to park somewhere else and walk in. read more

Raleigh Rose Garden - Community Gardens Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Came with a friend for lunch. Beautiful!!!! But I would recommend that someone come out and prune the bushes so that new roses can grow. Almost every single bush was filled with dead roses. There are a few benches in the shade and a covered area that make it nice to sit/relax. read more

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I was so surprised by how nice this Rose Garden is! There's a large amphitheater, and nice strolling area, and what appears to be a Rose Garden that is likely beautiful when in bloom (it wasn't when we were there). Many trees were though and the scale of others made this small park feel high caliber. One of my favorite spots from visiting the region. Highly recommend for families! read more

Very cute place. It was fun walking around looking at all the different varieties of roses in different stages of bloom. It was a nice way to chill, relax, take some pictures. read more

Lovely venue for a horticultural enthusiast or just a quiet lunch. We were able to use the space for a Mother's Day photo shoot. A quiet secret tucked away in a neighborhood. read more

This garden is completely beautiful and it's open to the public... I'd recommend talking a stroll though this place. Snap some photos and enjoy the day! read more

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