The Rose Garden at MCC
My Happy Place
My Happy Place (The Rose Garden at MCC: 1833 W. Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202)
When life gets a little too hectic: a demanding job, strife between friends, bored of being at home, or relationship troubles, conventional wisdom tells us to imagine our happy place. Maybe it’s a beautiful beach, or a quiet cottage in the woods, or a luxurious resort. We’re encouraged to close our eyes and mentally transport ourselves to a calming environment. I can do one better, though—I don’t have to just imagine my happy place, because I can visit it in the real world whenever I want. I don’t even have to hop on a plane to a tropical island or some faraway paradise, because The Rose Garden at MCC, right near home in Mesa, is one of the most wonderful, tranquil places on this Earth. Established in 1997, MCC houses the oldest and largest rose garden in the entire Southwest. It has been recognized since 2000 as one of the 26 official rose test gardens in the whole of the country. Home to 9,000 roses of 300 different varieties, the rose garden never fails to brighten my mood and nourish my soul. Even spending just a few minutes there refreshes my energy and gives me strength enough to face anything.
The garden is free and open year-round, but my favorite season to visit is late spring. In April, May, and June, the roses are in full bloom around the park, and families and couples are scattered around the area taking photos for weddings or graduations. One of my most treasured memories is the time I visited as a wedding ceremony was taking place in the terrace of the West Garden. Orchestral music floated throughout the park, and a spirit of love and gratitude filled all of our hearts. Because the garden is free and so conveniently located, I eat lunch there at least once a week. I even have my own favorite spot, a bench under the shade right next to the Veterans Rose Garden, which honors past, present, and future members of the Armed Forces. The purple heart flowers are absolutely exquisite, and give me a special connection to my grandfather, who served honorably in World War II. This had me thinking of Mesa Grande Cultural Park for some reason.
Beyond just the beautiful scenery, the rose garden also holds practical purpose. All of the learning institutions in Mesa, from kindergarten to university, use the garden for botanical experiments, creating beautiful new hybrids and teaching the community about sustainable gardening. I make it a point every year to volunteer with the annual planting in January and February, and working with the Earth in that way is always a joy. In a hectic modern world filled with endless distractions, the garden reminds us all to take the time to stop and smell the roses!