Hats Off To Roses
Saturday, June 7th (Rain date Sunday, June 8th)
By Betty Powers
Friends of Boothe Park
The Friends of Boothe Park gifted the present Boothe Memorial Park Rose Garden to the town of Stratford on June 13, 1991. When the Park was opened, the chairperson at the time, Joan Brazzell, thanked the volunteers for their many hours of work creating the “Wedding Rose Garden,” which consists of two sixty-foot squares.
An original rose garden was created by David and Stephen Boothe, and was just a little northeast of where the garden graces the grounds of Boothe Park today. After 34 years, the garden still thrives, thanks to the dedicated volunteers who care for more than 450 roses, many from Jackson & Perkins Rose Growers. The roses for the current garden were chosen for scent as well as beauty. Plantings also include other flowers so that the garden blooms from April to November. Purple iris, which was saved from the original Boothe brother’s garden, flanks the present garden. There is also a beautifully restored fountain, which belonged to the Boothe brothers.
It is very pleasurable to sit and reminisce with Frank Kecko, who now oversees the garden with his own dedicated volunteers. Frank came by his love for nature, and especially roses, from his travels through Europe and the United States with a nature photographer, photographing gardens and wildflowers in the mountains and deserts. Upon his retirement, he joined The Friends of Boothe Park three years after the garden’s dedication. Frank is turning 95 this month and still spends many hours planning, watching over, and getting his hands dirty in the rose garden.
Frank received a proclamation for his service to the Town on September 15, 2023. He says that while he loves all the roses, some of his favorites are Mother of Pearl, Garden Delight, and Wedding Bells. Frank especially enjoys a Rosa rugosa variety that was developed in the 1800’s, and is the oldest plant in the garden. Frank is always looking for volunteer gardeners with all levels of skill, from novice to expert. If you stop by the garden on a Tuesday or Friday morning you may find Frank resting on a bench, and he’ll gladly share his roses with you.
Each year The Friends of Boothe Park celebrate the rose garden, but also Frank and his band of volunteers who nurture this beautifully thriving space. The event is called “Hats Off To Roses.” This year the gathering will be held on Saturday, June 7th from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the park. Light appetizers and wine will be served and music will filter through the garden as you enjoy the scented roses. The Friends highly recommend the wearing of lovely hats. Pre-sale tickets are on sale now for $15 or $20 at the door.
