Oakland's Rose Garden

     Nestled in an out of the way spot and easy to overlook, Oakland's Morcom Rose Garden is a discovery worth making.
     In the sharp crook of Jean Street, just after it leaves Grand Avenue, the Rose Grden occupies an old rock quarry. Wide walkable paths and steep stairs make the site available to almost everybody,
     A devoted and energetic group of volunteers keeps the Garden in good shape and with the direction and assistance of City workers, is helping reclaim it from years of near neglect.  The ivy that overran flower beds for years is gradually being removed, large trees that were dead or dying have been taken out, hazardous paths have been replaced.
     The garden was developed in 1932, when Fred Morcom was mayor of Oakland,  It was designed by Arthur Cobbledick whose family house, now with a new owner, is a neighborhood attraction.  More on the Cobbledicks in an upcoming blog.  One can't help but wonder where the City got the money for this development in the depth of the Depression, but it was money well spent. The Rose Garen is used by people from all over Oakland.  Weddings take place there, runners use the stairs for conditioning, some people picnic, others read or meditate.  A romantic person might speculate that lovers use it as a meeting place.  It also provides a good shortcut between Grand Avenue and Oakland Avenue for pedestrians.
     And then, of course, there are the roses.  Accredited by the American Rose Society, the Oakland Rose Garden is consistently ranked among the top 10 most important rose gardens in the United States.  Just about every type and variety of rose has a representative growing there.  And every May a plaque inscribed with the name of Oakland's Mother of the Year is embedded in the walkway pavement by City officials.
      If you haven't already discovered this beautiful, historic place, you have a treat in store.  And if you're already familiar with it, maybe I'll see you there.