Here’s a little bit of personal history. I have lived in the Rose Garden Neighborhood since 1989. Our home was a very quaint 3 bedroom 1 bath bungalow style home–and with one toddler it fit perfect. But then another baby and then a set of twins–we needed a little bit of elbow room. We looked at moving but I kept coming back to how I loved this little house, how I loved my neighborhood and how I loved that park just down the street. So, we stayed and remodeled (… that’s a whole other story).
I have always adored this park, even though it was in disrepair for awhile.
My mother-in-law, Joan grew up in this neighborhood.I love the story she told me about how she remembers the day the fountain was installed. One of my favorite photos when I first decided to jump ship and become a photographer was taken at the fountain. This park has held so many memories for our family.
Every June about 7 high schools hold their graduation ceremonies at the park. I know the parking is a nightmare and quite often I’m picking up trash left over from my lawn–but to be honest with you–I wouldn’t trade it for one minute. We have parked our cars on the street to save parking for families we know who have a student graduating. The requests come in via my older kids–so and so’s “little sister is graduating on Tuesday—Mom who has the driveway”? This year our driveway was reserved on three different days and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love hearing the pomp and circumstance playing, the names being called and the cheers! I am anticipating the twins graduating in 3 years form this very spot! So here I am on bended knee—yes really on bended knee asking you to please vote for The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. I promise to hold my driveway any time you need it! I’m attaching a slideshow of some of my personal favorite photos I’ve taken of the Rose Garden and you need to check out the links to movies my kids have made at the park as well. What would I do without this wonderful space.
So, I am here with a shameless plug. Yes, I know what your thinking “how could she? This is blog-land darn-it full of honor, trust and no shameless plugs”. But it’s not like that–really!

Here’s the complete slideshow:
















Thanks for the sharing lovely photos…we will be soon moving from the Rose Garden and I will dearly miss the neighborhood and my own garden, especially now in their summertime glory
Jamie,
We will miss you in the neighborhood. Are you going far?
Hi Desiree,
These pictures are just “sensational” how about some prints we could purchase and mat and hang?? Also, I would love to use them on my web site…you are so talented! Look’s, personality, charm, big heart and a great photographer!
Desiree~I too love graduation week. While getting around our neighborhood can be somewhat of a challenge, I love hearing pomp and circumstance playing as my boys play in the back yard or sell lemonade to the guests & graduates attending. It’s truly a magical occasion for everyone!