Hidden Oakland

Who knew Oakland had a rose garden? Actually I did know because I had seen pictures of it in the Oakland flickr group. But I had assumed it was a small place with a few straggly rose beds and a fountain. Even so and despite the fact it's well past prime rose season I thought the rose garden might be a good place for a short evening walk. Wow was I amazed when I gazed down into the garden from the hill above where we parked. Beds and beds of roses in all colors. Big roses, clumps of roses. Roses like you might see in England. The garden is built into a hill with with paths circling through the terraces and a stepped fountain leading into a small pool with lily pads. just when you think you must have seen it all there's another section behind the main garden with dozens more beds. The roses were well past their peak, but some still were blooming and even the faded ones were rich with color. The garden must have been something a few weeks ago. The roses were in need of having all the dead blooms taken off but in general the garden is very well maintained. The rose garden was originally planted in 1932 by the WPA, fell into disrepair and was revived about a decade ago. Quite a few people both young and old were walking through on Thursday evening. It's an amazingly peaceful spot in the middle of a very urban area, one of Oakland's many treasures!