The Marion Panaretos Rose GardenMany people do not realize that the rose garden in San Mateo Central Park was developed and is maintained by the San Mateo Arboretum Society. The rose garden was one of the visions of our founder, Marion S. Panaretos, and is one of our contributions to Central Park and the San Mateo Community. |
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The original rose garden was established in 1993 and is located within the eight formal beds surrounded by boxwood hedges, to the south of the gazebo. The rose bushes were donated to us by the Jackson Perkins Company, one of the foremost names in the world of roses. The roses Brandy and Precious Platinum remain as two of the original plantings. Several years after the planting of the original rose garden, the gazebo was added. It now forms the center of the rose garden and a brass plaque in the brick floor of the gazebo informs us that the garden is named to honor Marion. The surrounding undeveloped land then became incorporated into the rose garden, bringing it to the size which it is today with over 150 roses and 100 varieties. |
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The Arboretum Society conducts annual pruning workshops each January when the community is invited to learn and practice the proper pruning of roses. The rose garden also serves as a testing ground to help us learn which varieties do well within our area. Roses that have stood the test of time are Julia Child and Lasting Love. Scented roses are always sought after in any rose garden. Fragrance is subjective, but here are some of our favorites: Scentimental, Dee-Lish, Bronze Star, Lady Emma Hamilton, Boscobel. and Secret. For those seeking something different, there are the dusty roses, whose colors are muddled. These include Hot Cocoa and Dark Night. The rose Ketchup & Mustard has petals that are a different color on the top than they are on the underside. And Bronze Star opens as a rich yellowish-orange bud that becomes paler in color as the flower matures.
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A visit to the rose garden can provide welcome moments of peace. Benches offer a place to rest, and the play of sunlight in the early morning and early evening add to the magic that is always in the air.
The Arboretum Society conducts annual pruning workshops each January, when the community is invited to learn and practice the proper pruning of roses.
The Arboretum Society conducts annual pruning workshops each January, when the community is invited to learn and practice the proper pruning of roses.
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