Raleighnc.gov logo
Thank you for printing this page from the City of Raleigh's Official Website (www.raleighnc.gov)
https://raleighnc.gov/parks/content/ParksRec/Articles/Projects/RoseGardenStormwaterImprovements.html
10/12/2023 11:34 am

A close up of the plants in a bioretention area at Raleigh Rose Garden

Raleigh Rose Garden Stormwater Improvements

Providing water quality benefits

Updated: Oct 12, 2023

The Rose Garden location is topographically located within a depression and subject to stormwater flooding and wet soils. Water issues affect the usability of the site and the health of the roses and other garden plants. 

To mitigate these concerns, a planted bioretention area was constructed in Summer 2020 to redirect and absorb stormwater runoff while providing water quality benefits. The planted bioretention area was designed to fit into the existing landscape and not deter from the beauty of the rose beds.

Project Details

 
Type:
Parks
Contractors:
SEPI Engineering and Construction, Inc.

Contact

 

Gary Claiborne
Engineering Supervisor
gary.claiborne@raleighnc.gov
919-996-2677

Lead Department:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Participating Department:
Engineering Services
Service Unit:
Stormwater

Subscribe

 

This project supports

Raleigh's Climate Plan in Action

Planning

This phase is complete.

Design

This phase is complete.

Construction

Stormwater improvements construction commenced in April 2020 and continued into late Summer 2020. While the Rose Garden is now fully open to the public, please do not enter the bioretention area. This will help protect the plants and stormwater infrastructure. 

New Bioretention Area

The new bioretention area collects and cleans rainwater coming from paved surfaces, like nearby roads and buildings. The plants and soil in the garden slow down the water and filter out pollution before it reaches Beaverdam Creek. Plants in the bioretention area are a mix of native, ornamental grasses and pollinator-friendly flowering perennials and low shrubs. 

Construction also included re-configuration and expansion to the existing stormwater system in the area.

A planted area at Raleigh Rose Garden that helps protect Beaverdam Creek from water pollution.

A planted bioretention area at Raleigh Rose Garden that helps protect Beaverdam Creek from water pollution. 

Complete

Re-establishing Rose Beds

Several rose beds were temporarily removed in advance of construction. Roses were stored in an off-site area and maintained by Parks horticultural staff. The rose beds were re-established in Spring 2021. The roses were installed in new planting media and spaced to allow for better air circulation between the individual plants.

History

Constructed in the late 1940s, the Raleigh Rose Garden is a historic and unique space in the Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department. The garden has more than 60 types of roses and a wealth of perennial and woody specimen plantings. The Rose Garden is open to the public and hosts weddings and special events. 

Funding for this project is jointly provided by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department and the Stormwater Management Division.

Schedule

Date Activity
Fall 2018 - Summer 2019 Design and Permitting
Fall 2019 Bidding
Spring - Summer 2020 Construction
Fall 2020 Bio-retention Area Planting
Spring 2021 Rose Bed Establishment and Planting

Learn More

 

Park and Greenway Planning Projects

Park Development and Communications Division