Jayantrao Tilak Rose Garden

They say, “Roses are red, violets are blue.” However, in a garden in the middle of a residential neighbourhood in Pune, they might say, “Roses come in all colours.”

Jayantrao Tilak Rose Garden, in the area of Sahakar Nagar near Parvati Hill, is a treasure trove for rose enthusiasts. It was named after Jayantrao Tilak, the grandson of Lokmanya Tilak. Mr. Jayantrao Tilak founded the Rose Society of Pune in 1962 along with a few other like-minded individuals who shared their admiration of roses.

The society was started with the motto of popularizing this beautiful flower and taking it to the masses. According to the society authorities, the Rose Society of Pune had a significant role in making Pune the rose capital of India. What originally started as a hobby club gradually grew into a large society focused on developing new gardening techniques related to roses.

In the garden, one can find around 400 different varieties of roses. A lot of the plants have most interesting names given to them. According to the garden authorities, the people who planted the roses gave them these names, which have been displayed on plaques next to the plants. Some fascinating names displayed on the plaques are: Blue Moon, Ace of Hearts, Milky Way, Song & Dance, Old Timer, Gladiator, Enchanted, Pride of England, American Home, Madam Violet, Peace.

The garden is used by the Rose Society of Pune for conducting their research on roses. Apart from these activities, the society also conducts meetings, seminars and lectures on topics associated with this flower.

Along with its wonderful rose collection, the garden also has a jogging track, a gazebo in the centre and lots of benches spread across the premises. People of all ages visit this place to relax and socialize.