What is the Heritage Rose District of NYC?

The Heritage Rose District of NYC, the first and only rose district in the country, is a project of the Office of Manhattan Borough President and the Heritage Rose Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1986 devoted to the preservation of old roses. The Foundation's mission is to preserve heritage roses and promote their culture, establish gardens where these roses may be grown and displayed and foster public knowledge and appreciation of heritage roses and their preservation.
Click here to read the goals of the foundation
The Heritage Rose District generally encompasses the western portion of Northern Manhattan between West 130th and West 162nd streets, with Broadway and Trinity Cemetery at its nexus. The neighborhoods of West Harlem and Washington Heights – both with ample open spaces and a rich history – provide a perfect setting for growing and displaying roses, especially when plantings are inspired by local heritage. In each instance, all of the roses being planted are varieties that once grew in Manhattan during the 18th and 19th centuries. In fact, many of the roses were originally grown in gardens located in Northern Manhattan. The roses planted in the Heritage Rose District have been donated by nurseries across the country, from as far away as California.
Office of Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer • 212.669.8300
1 Centre Street, 19th Floor • New York, NY 10007 • © Copyright 2006
The Manhattan Borough President’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
