We live in a society that champions speed and
efficiency. Smartphones make it easy to
communicate without verbal communication and almost eliminate the need for face
to face contact. These advances in
technology, frequency of relocation, and busier schedules have all contributed
to an overall sense of isolation in our society. We truly have to work to be a part of a
community, but it is a refreshing experience to be a part of something larger
than ourselves. Gene Strowd was a man who
championed community, and over four hundred and fifty roses stand as a
testament to that fact in the Gene Strowd Community Garden in Chapel Hill,
NC.
Gene Strowd was a rosarian on the national level, but his heart
was obviously dedicated to his home community of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Mr. Strowd used roses as a way of engaging
with people and bringing beauty into the lives of those he came in contact
with daily. In 1987, he proposed the idea of a
community rose garden where everyone was welcome to come and experience the
beauty that only roses can provide. Gene
Strowd, along with the Chapel Hill Rose Society and the Chapel Hill Parks and
Recreation Department, designed the layout of the garden and construction began
in 1988.
Climbing Iceberg
As you walk into the garden, you get a sense of what Gene
Strowd hoped to accomplish by planting a rose garden in the middle of Chapel
Hill. There are benches around the
garden where you can sit and have a face to face conversation with friends. You will hear joyful giggles from the
playground that is located directly adjacent to the garden, and if you take time to sit in the gazebo at the back of garden you will see how many
people from the community take time to stop and smell the roses. The copper fountain in the center of the
garden provides a soundtrack to the rose garden with soothing sounds of trickling
water, and the brick pathways lead you
through the fragrant beds of roses that encourage you to take time out of your
busy day to enjoy pure beauty.
Raised Brick Bed
Both Gene and his beautiful bride, Irene, have passed on
from this world, but through Strowd Roses, Inc their commitment to the
community of Chapel Hill and Carrboro continues on to this day. Not only does Strowd Roses, Inc fund the
maintenance of the Gene Strowd Garden, they also provide funding for community
organizations that improve the quality of life for the community of Chapel Hill
and Carrboro.
Living in a society where speed and efficiency are often championed
over personal connection, it is refreshing to step into a world of beauty where
we can slow down and enjoy the people around us. Gene Strowd and his wife Irene dedicated
their lives and their money to promote a community where helping one another
and enjoying togetherness was advocated for above all else.
Witherspoon also provides professional rose care services. We offer preventative and corrective spraying for pests and diseases, fertilizing, pruning, mulching, and planting.
Give us a call at 1-800-643-0315 to request a FREE onsite estimate.
