History of Ault Park's Rose Garden

The Ault Park Rose Garden is a special place. Aside from the countless weddings held here, visitors can walk through this peaceful area to observe a variety of roses, some old and some new. The Rose Garden has had its ups and downs, but it is now well-maintained and cared for and looks as beautiful as ever. Read more below on the history of the gardens. 

The Rose Garden was dedicated in November of 1958 with an initial rose planting made possible by donations from the Civic Garden Center, Greater Cincinnati Rose Association, Cincinnati Rose Association and the Federated Garden Clubs of Cincinnati and Vicinity. In 1964 Miss Blanche McAvoy donated her lifetime collection of old fashioned roses to the park, immediately upgrading the garden to an extensive haven for the plant loved by so many.

Then, through the 1970's, Ault Park experienced some decline. The historic pavilion was damaged and the gardens became overgrown as funds for proper maintenance were lacking. However, in the 1980’s, things were looking up for the state of Cincinnati Parks. In Ault Park, the Adopt-A-Plot gardens were established and the Hilda Rothschild Memorial Old Fashioned Rose Garden in 1985. The remaining McAvoy roses were rejuvenated and an additional 200 roses were planted in the memorial garden.

The Rose Garden received a new look in the mid 1990’s when a new florist took over care of the garden, planting hundreds of different species of perennials and annuals among the remaining roses. This garden was featured in American Gardener Magazine in 2007 for its stunning colors and lush design, inspiring many plant lovers and gardeners.

In 2020, the Park Board received a permanent endowment from a local family to fund the restoration and maintenance of the Garden of Old Roses. The process began with perennial bed clean up, bed clearing for new rose plantings, and rose selection and documentation. Part time horticultural staff was delegated to help with the completion of these tasks, and continue to look after the garden today. Recent additions to the garden include 150 new roses, a newly constructed arbor, hundreds of new perennials, and updated plant labels throughout the garden. The new roses were supplied by J&J Rose Production located in Delhi and include Hybrid Tea, Floribunda, Grandiflora, Old Fashioned, and shrub roses. More of these beautiful roses can be found in the Gardner Family Rose Garden at Smale Riverfront Park.

Written By Julie Cole of the Greater Cincinnati Rose Association