Considered the Dean of American Rose Growers, E.G. Hill spent a lifetime with roses. Born during the days of the Civil War, Hill became highly respected both in the United States and abroad for his rose-growing knowledge.
In 1937, the E.G. Hill Memorial Garden was established in Richmond, Ind., where Hill lived for 63 years. The garden is located in Glen Miller Park, which also houses the All America Rose Garden and the Friendship Garden.
Since the early 1970s, Richmond has considered itself the ‘Rose City’ because it is home to Hills Rose Growers, a company that sells millions of roses annually throughout the world. Wanting to honor the area’s rose heritage, the city decided to establish a public rose garden.
In 1985, the Rose Garden Project Committee was formed, and committee members traveled to Germany, Indiana, Ohio and Texas to obtain ideas for the garden.
Finally, in June 1987, the first roses were planted in the All-America Rose Garden. Today, the garden displays more than 100 varieties of roses, many of which are All-America Rose Selection winners. The All-America Rose Garden combines European and Victorian design, and there are evergreens and ornamental trees planted as well to add interest and texture.
The Friendship Garden was established in 1991 to honor the relationship between Richmond and Zweibruchen, Germany. It features German roses as well as American roses. There is also a sculpture, by the Magaws, of Boston, Ind., which is a symbol of true friendship.
