MABEL DAVIS ROSE GARDEN

Dedicated in April of 1973, this garden was enlarged in 1987 and offers a display of labeled shrub and climbing roses, which are at their peak of beauty April to June and again in October. The Rose Garden is now an All American Rose Selection display garden. Mrs. Alden (Mabel) Davis helped organize the Austin Area Garden Center and served as the Center's first President.

Overlooking the expanse of the Rose Garden, the Bickler Cupola originally topped one of the first public schools in Austin, which was constructed in 1894 on the corner of East Avenue and 11th Street. It was renamed in 1902 to honor a pioneer educator, Jacob Bickler. In 1947 the building was converted into an administrative building for A.I.S.D. When the building was demolished in 1968, the school district donated the cupola to the city.

The Carl Von Bleucher Memorial Columns are eight columns of assorted climbing roses given in honor of this dedicated rose grower and Charter Member of the Rose Society by his family.

The Rose Memorial Arch was dedicated in May 1993, as a way of recognizing deceased members of garden clubs affiliated with the Garden Council as well as employees of the Austin PARD who have made significant contributions to developing and maintaining the gardens.

The Anschi Wilson Memorial Rose Arbor was completed in 2003. This metal arbor leads visitors off the Trail of Passages, down steps into the rose garden. A stone plaza and redwood bench complete this feature. The view is the best point to enjoy the entire rose garden.