FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 4, 2026
UPDATED AND MORE ACCESSIBLE ROSE GARDEN BLOOMS AT JULIA DAVIS PARK
BOISE – City of Boise leaders and project partners gathered at the beloved Julia Davis Park Rose Garden today, August 4, to dedicate the new and improved community space. After cutting a ceremonial ribbon, attendees explored the accessible pathways, more modern layout, and improved irrigation that will keep the garden blooming for generations to come.
“For decades, Boiseans have enjoyed this special rose garden in the heart of downtown,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “Thank you to the Idaho Rose Society volunteers and the Boise Parks and Recreation team for the care and dedication you’ve given this garden over the years. And thank you to the Davis family and Diane Davis Myklegard, for your continued commitment to honoring the legacy of Boise’s oldest park through these updates.”
The gazebo on site, which has hosted hundreds of weddings and events, has been carefully preserved and a paved walkway added around the perimeter of the garden, which is located inside Julia Davis Park just north of Zoo Boise. A new metal entryway was also constructed in place of the aging wooden trellis, developed to match the metal entry on the south side of the site. The department worked closely with the Idaho Rose Society to catalog and relocate all existing memorials in the refreshed garden.
Meanwhile, volunteers helped park staff carefully remove and replant the rose beds from a mosaic to a linear layout for easier access, reducing overwatering and the potential for future rose diseases to spread. Additionally, trees inside the garden were preserved and a children’s roses area developed with pollinator plantings to invite more visitors to the treasured space.
“State capitals across the country are home to iconic rose gardens that reflect the unique character of their communities,” added Boise Parks and Recreation Director Sara Arkle. “This restoration honors Boise’s rich history while demonstrating what is possible when volunteers, nonprofit partners, donors and our community come together to preserve and enhance the places we cherish. Together, we’re creating a lasting legacy for generations to enjoy.”
The budget for garden improvements was approximately $300,000 funded by the City of Boise and private donations.
“This garden is a living, breathing testament to the willingness of community members to come together, get their hands dirty, and create a space that provides peace and beauty for all who visit,” said Diane Davis Myklegard, great-granddaughter of Tom and Julia Davis. “We didn’t just update the garden’s pathways and layout; we renewed the promise of this space. These roses stand as a vibrant reminder that with a little time, patience, and love, the best version of Boise will continue to bloom and grow.”
Myklegard also shared her gratitude for everyone who has supported updates and additions to Julia Davis Park over the last 25 years, adding that the improvements to the Rose Garden mark the final project of a community-driven effort to revitalize Boise’s oldest park.
Park + Rose Garden History
Julia Davis Park 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 Efforts
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.
Please visit the City of Boise’s website to learn more about Julia Davis Park.
###
