In 1962, Henry and Helen McGill opened the garden to the public for the first time on Mother’s Day. In 1975 the city purchased the property. Henry helped with the garden until his death, at 103 years old in 2007.

In 1996, the McGill Rose Garden, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation, was formed to fulfill Henry and Helen’s dream of keeping the garden alive for visitors to enjoy in the future.

Today, the McGill Rose Garden operates through its Board of Directors and through the generous support of individuals, garden and civic clubs, many foundations, and friends. The garden counts on this financial support to grow and thrive.