Rose Garden
P.O. Box 3558
Chapel Hill, NC 27515-3558
Strowd Roses, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The garden is open to the public and may also be reserved free of charge for small gatherings or recitals.
Reservations are handled by Keith Dodson, Recreation Supervisor with TOCH Parks and Recreation. He can be reached at (919) 969-5543 or kdodson@townofchapelhill.org.
Requests to reserve the garden are honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants should be 21 or older (if the reservation is for an activity primarily involving persons, under 18, the adult signing the reservation agreement will be responsible for providing at least one adult chaperone for every ten participants under the age of 18).
Neither the Town of Chapel Hill nor Strowd Roses, Inc. assumes any liability for renters using the facility or for their guests.
Haunted Hill in the Garden
Frequently Asked Questions
Expand the sections below for more information.
When are the roses in bloom?
The roses are typically blooming between mid-May and the end of November, though this may vary depending on weather and temperatures.
What are the reservation fees?
No fees are charged for reserving the garden but a refundable $100 damage deposit is required. The deposit will be refunded within 2-3 weeks if no damage has occurred and the area is left in a clean and orderly condition. Reservations will not be confirmed until the damage deposit has been received.
What is the maximum occupancy?
This depends upon seated vs. standing room only events. An estimated 50 people could be seated without visual or noise obstruction of the gazebo. A maximum of 100 people could be accommodated for a standing room only event.
Is catering allowed?
Yes; however, no alcohol or tobacco products are permitted.
Is parking available?
While there is parking available, you cannot reserve parking spots. The parking lot in front of the community center is used by everyone visiting the community center, the playground, and the basketball court, and is often crowded, especially on the weekends. It is advised that your guests plan to park and carpool from a public lot or that you hire a shuttle bus or van to transport guests.
Is music allowed?
Yes, acoustic music is permissible. There is no access to an electrical outlet to accommodate amplified music or microphones.
Is the garden wheelchair and walker accessible?
Yes, the garden is wheelchair and walker accessible. The front gate is accessible, however the back gate is not wheelchair or walker accessible because of the slope of the walkway. Persons needing an accessible entrance should use the front gate. At times, there may be loose bricks or debris on the walkways as often happens in outside environments. Persons using the garden should exercise reasonable caution.
May we rent tables and chairs?
Neither the Parks and Rec Department nor Strowd Roses can provide chairs or tables. However, you are welcome to rent from an outside vendor. The renter is responsible for identifying a vendor and being on-site for delivery, pickup and setup. Rentals must be delivered and picked up on the day of the event within the reserved time.
May we set up tents?
No.
May we hang decorations or signs?
If you would like to hang or display materials, please discuss appropriate display methods with one of the Parks and Rec staff. Please do not use staples, nails or tacks to hang signs or decorations. Any items that you hang must be removed at the end of your event.
May we use candles or fireworks? What about balloons? Can we throw rice?
No open flames can be used in the garden. Battery or solar operated candles are allowed.
Balloons may not be released from the garden. This is to protect our natural environment as balloon releases can be harmful to birds and other animals.
Rice may not be thrown as it can make the walkways slippery and thus dangerous to walk on.
What hotels are nearby?
The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau provides this great list of local accommodations:
http://www.visitchapelhill.org/plan-a-visit/accommodations/c/hotels-and-motels
What else should we consider?
No rose bushes or perennial flowers may be cut for flower arrangements. No benches or garden signage can be moved or removed. Consider an alternative plan for inclement weather and reserving an additional day or time for professional photography sessions.
You also may not prohibit entrance to the garden by other visitors who may wish to walk through at the time you are having your event, though you may ask people to be quiet and not interfere with your event or ceremony.
Please also be aware that other activities may well be going on at the same time as your event, including children playing on the playground, walkers and bikers using the trail behind the garden, and people playing on the nearby basketball court, all of which may generate noise.