The City of Boise, in partnership with the Davis family and the Idaho Rose Society, is embarking on a process to update and improve the Rose Garden in Julia Davis Park. This beloved park feature has served our city for generations and the goal of this work is to improve the layout and make the popular site more accessible, better support the long-term health of the roses, and modernize the garden for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.
Julia Davis Park Rose Garden Improvements
Project Scope
Boise Parks and Recreation is working closely with project partners and members of the Davis family to ensure these improvements honor the legacy of the Rose Garden and improve maintenance operations and visitor experience. Updates are planned to address accessibility and known maintenance issues that impact the longevity and health of the roses. Additional project elements include:
- Replacement of brick walkways with wider, smoother concrete paths
- Preservation of the gazebo
- The addition of a secondary walkway around the perimeter of the garden
- Updating the location of the rose beds from a mosaic to a liner layout for easier access reducing irrigation overwatering and potential for future rose diseases
- Removal of the aging fountains
- Preservation of trees in the garden
- The addition of a children’s roses and pollinator plantings to the garden
- Replacement of the aging wooden trellis with a new metal entryway on the garden’s north side similar in style to the metal entry on the south side
- The park design team is working closely with the Rose Society to relocate all existing memorials in the refreshed garden
View Rose Garden Improvements Design Renderings (PDF)
The project budget is approximately $300,000 and consists of City of Boise funding and donations.
Rose Preservation and Care
Our goal is to ensure the long-term health and beauty of the roses in the garden and to preserve this special place for generations to come. Starting this fall, park maintenance staff and members of the Idaho Rose Society will work together to remove and preserve roses from the garden ahead of construction.
This process will entail cutting back the roses in mid to late October and removing and storing them in early November until they can be replanted in the spring. Please rest assured that the city and project partners are committed to caring for the roses and ensuring their continued success in Julia Davis Park.
Project Timeline
Preservation and removal of the roses is expected to start this fall (2025), with construction of the rose garden and associated improvements starting in winter/spring 2026. Completion of the new and improved space is anticipated in spring of 2026. Boise Parks and Recreation will share progress updates as they are available.
Rose Garden History
Julia Davis Park is the oldest park in the City of Boise. It was established in 1907 through a 43-acre donation by Thomas Davis to the city in honor of his beloved wife, Julia.
The idea for a Rose Garden in the park originated with H.C. Schuppel in 1935 – he was chairman of a men’s garden club called the “Cut Worms” at the time.
Tom McLeod, a club member and then Park Superintendent, initially planned the layout of the garden. During the first phase in 1939, the group received 300 roses from Jackson & Perkins and 1,500 more came from Villa Nurseries in Portland, Oregon. Another 1,000 roses were planted that same year, and the Rose Garden was officially dedicated.
In 1979, the Memorial Rose Fund was created to help fund memorials in the garden. The Rose Garden later received its Public Rose Garden accreditation in 1992. Today, the garden features more than 240 varieties of roses for the public to enjoy with thousands of blooms brightening the park annually. It is a reservable location and has been the site of many wedding ceremonies and events.
Volunteer Spotlight
Since 1935, volunteers have dedicated their time to keeping the Julia Davis Park Rose Garden blooming. The opportunity attracts gardeners of varying levels of expertise who all share a passion for roses. Today, dozens gather at the garden on Friday mornings during the growing season (April through October) to care for the roses and complete necessary maintenance tasks including weeding, deadheading, trash and debris removal and more. They work closely with Boise Parks and Recreation staff to support the flowers annually.
Get Involved
The Julia Davis Park Rose Garden has always been a labor of love by and for the people of Boise, and you can help us keep the tradition alive by volunteering one morning each week through the summer and early fall. Garden care includes tasks such as weeding, deadheading, fence painting, trash and debris removal, and other tasks as needed.
On Friday mornings, from April through October, Boise Parks & Recreation holds weekly work sessions. In the spring and fall, work sessions are from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Work sessions get bumped to 8 - 11 a.m. in July and August, due to the heat.
All skills and knowledge levels are welcome. Our professional staff will provide direction and training for anyone who is interested in lending a hand. Click here to visit the City of Boise’s Better Impact volunteer page to learn more and fill out an application.
Want to learn more about this project or engage with the garden improvements planning team? Email us to connect with Boise Parks and Recreation staff.
Send a Message to Parks and Rec
For other after hours park related emergencies (i.e. irrigation issues, restrooms), please call (208) 489-6640.