Parks and Recreation | Gage Park | Gardens
Reinisch Rose GardenThe Reinisch Rose Garden in Topeka is located in Gage Park. It features more than 6,500 plants and 400 varieties of roses. The flowers are in bloom from May to October each year. Specifically, the Tulip blooms fill the rock garden the second and third weeks of April. Adjacent is the Logan Test Garden, a reflecting pool and the Doran Rock Garden. The annual flowers in the Rock Garden are at their best June through August.
The rose garden began as an idea of the city's first landscape architect and horticulturist, E. F. A. Reinisch, in 1926. However, the project was delayed because of funding issues. After Reinisch's death in 1929, Topeka Horticulture Society members established the garden, which was dedicated in June 1930. Its total cost came to $30,000, all privately donated. One of the largest contributors was Topeka attorney Thomas F. Doran, who served as chairman of the rose garden committee under Dr. Karl Menninger, founder of the Menninger Clinic and president of the Horticultural Society. The garden was designed by Chicago landscape architect Emmett Hill and landscape gardener L. R. Quinlan of the Kansas State Agriculture College.
Not only can you visit and enjoy the gardens in Gage Park, but you can make it apart of your lifetime memories. The rose garden is a popular location for weddings between May and October, when the roses are in full bloom.
Rose/Rock Garden Weddings
Imagine the romantic beauty of your wedding in the Reinisch Rose Garden or the Doran Rock Garden. The price is $93.75 or $75 for Topeka residents to reserve the gardens for two hours. The peak blooming times for the 6,000 roses is late May into early June, and in early to mid-September. Doran Rock Garden blooms with tulips early to mid-April and annual flowers during the summer months. Seating is available for 150 people. Schedule your special day by calling 368-3838.
Von Rohr Victorian Gardens
Victorian gardens surround a pond in the Hazel M. Von Rohr Victorian Gardens. In the center of the pond, a galaxy fountain makes a great focal point. It's very relaxing to stroll around the garden paths, looking at the beautiful scenery.
