Highland Park, Rochester, New York, Botanical garden in Rochester, United States
Highland Park is a botanical garden in Rochester covering 150 acres with over 1,200 lilac shrubs, Japanese maples, magnolias, and specialized garden areas. Winding paths guide visitors through the site's hills and valleys.
Two nurserymen, George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry, donated around 20 acres to Rochester in 1888, establishing one of the earliest municipal arboretums in the nation. This founding made the location a pioneer in public garden culture.
The site holds several memorials, including the Greater Rochester Vietnam Veterans Memorial and an AIDS Remembrance Garden, serving as spaces where the community gathers to reflect on shared experiences.
The grounds are accessible during daylight hours, and visitors can navigate between different garden areas using marked paths. The Lamberton Conservatory on the grounds features indoor tropical plant displays and programs throughout the year.
The site is known for an annual Lilac Festival each May, where hundreds of lilac varieties are displayed as part of a collection started by horticulturist John Dunbar in the 1890s. This seasonal flowering draws visitors from the region who come specifically for this event.
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