Rose Garden and Little Theatre

The Raleigh Rose Garden, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a historic public garden featuring over 60 rose beds with approximately 1,200 roses of 60 different varieties. Established in 1951, the garden is part of the Raleigh Little Theatre campus and spans about 6.5 acres.

The roses typically bloom from late May until the first frost in autumn, usually around mid-November. While roses are the main attraction, the garden also includes seasonal flowers, bulbs, annuals, trees, and shrubs. The landscape is adorned with an arboretum of evergreen and deciduous trees, creating a diverse and vibrant environment throughout the year.

The garden's design incorporates various architectural elements that enhance its aesthetic appeal. A fountain serves as a central feature, while a stone-and-wood arbor provides a picturesque backdrop for photographs and quiet contemplation. The garden also includes a stone shelter built in 1952, offering visitors a place to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Adjacent to the rose beds is the Stephenson Amphitheatre, an outdoor venue completed in 1939 that can seat up to 2,000 guests. This space is used for concerts, theatrical productions, and other events, integrating cultural experiences with the natural beauty of the garden.

The Raleigh Rose Garden is maintained through a collaborative effort between the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources department and a dedicated group of volunteers known as the "Dead-Headers." These individuals assist with tasks such as clipping roses, weeding beds, and helping with annual plantings and maintenance.

Open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk, the garden offers free admission, making it an accessible destination for both locals and visitors. Its location near residential areas and wide streets ensures easy access, contributing to its popularity as a gathering spot for the community.