Photos by official Delaware State Parks Volunteer Photographer Becca Mathias

Close your eyes and imagine what Wilmington, Delaware was like in the 19th century. During the 1930s, city officials wanted to find a way to give the people of Wilmington a sense of peace, so they created the Jasper Crane Rose Garden in Brandywine Park. 

In the 1930s, America was in the midst of the Great Depression. As a response to these trying times, the Public Works Administration created projects for local laborers. The Jasper Crane rose garden was one such project. It is named after Jasper Crane, the vice president of the DuPont Company, who donated 670 roses.

Between the 1940s and 1950s, the Jasper Crane Garden became known as one of the best gardens in the world. With over 1,000 species of roses and plants, people would travel from all over to witness this beautiful garden.

Today, the rose garden is managed by the Friends of Wilmington Parks. This group continues to supply Brandywine Park with a sense of peace for all its welcoming visitors.

Enjoy all the different types of roses that can be found throughout the Jasper Crane Rose Garden!

Plan your next trip to Jasper Crane Rose Garden