Saturday morning at Hershey Gardens: A Photoessay

Originally created in 1936 as “a nice garden of roses” where Milton S. Hershey, his wife, and the workers in his town could enjoy their time with friends and family, The Hershey Gardens has become one of the finest attractions in Hershey, PA. The garden opened on June 2, 1937 and was an instant success with the public. The original garden covered 3 ½ acres and was colored with more than 12,000 rose bushes in 112 varieties. New beds were added each year and, by 1941, the garden acquired farmland adjacent to the garden and it was expanded to 23 acres.

On the eve of the Second World War, the newly acquired farmland was planted with annuals, perennials, tulips and other bulbs, trees, and shrubs. The garden remained popular through the war and during the postwar years, but met with financial difficulty by the 1960s and 70s. In 1979, several theme gardens were added to spark interest in the gardens and the Hershey Rose Garden became the Hershey Gardens. More recently, the garden has undergone a revitalization project to renovate and restore the garden to its former glory.

 

Today, Hershey Gardens continues to delight visitors all year long with dazzling displays of color. Upon entering the garden visitors find themselves in a stand of tall oaks older than the garden itself. From the shade of these oaks, there is a breathtaking view of the fountain and rose gardens. In every direction, there is a striking splash of color. Roses in every shade imaginable can be found in these gardens, making this a rose lover’s heaven.

 A path through the rose gardens leads to the Children’s Garden. With its licorice fences and heart-shaped fountain, the Children’s Garden is a delightful experience for children of all ages.

Inside the Children’s Garden is a mesh-covered butterfly house where visitors can walk among the butterflies and witness every stage of a butterfly’s life. Several North American species can be seen fluttering among the brightly colored blossoms.

Other highlights of the Hershey Gardens include a Japanese garden, an herb garden with both culinary and dyeing herbs, ornamental grasses, a reproduction of Mrs. Hershey’s original rose garden at the Hershey Mansion, and seasonal flowers planted in a dazzling array of colors.

The garden is also a wonderful place to catch a glimpse of various wildlife, including birds, butterflies, squirrels, and frogs.