Syracuse Rose Society

The Dr. E.M. Mills Rose Garden is located in Thornden Park, Syracuse, NY near the campus of Syracuse University. (See map below)

Directions to Mills Garden: 
From North, South, or West: approach on Rt. 81. Exit at Adams St.; go east on Adams through University area to its dead-end at Ostrom Ave. Turn right, go one block to the first left turn, and turn left into the Mills Garden.

From East: From E. Genesee St. in Dewitt, approach on 481 South to its junction with Rt. 81. Go north on 81 to Adams St. exit. Proceed as above.

The Mills Garden is beautiful any time of year. The Mills Garden includes more than 3,000 rose bushes and offers visitors many unique varieties. The Lawrence Johnston climbers and David Austin roses are spectacular when in bloom (usually in June). Many artists and photographers visit the garden and capture the beauty of the flowers in their pictures. 


We need you!

Volunteers maintain the garden every Wednesday morning from April until November. Volunteers are welcome to come to the garden and help between 8 a.m. and noon on Wednesdays. No gardening experience is necessary! Come join us.


Photo above: Mills Rose Garden circa 1924

Here's some addition background on the Mills Garden

History of the E.M. Mills Rose Garden and Thornden Park

Edmund Mills' New York Legacy 


This plaque, located near the water fountain at the Mills Rose Garden, is in recognition on the 90th anniversary of the Parks Department in 2007 for service and contributions to the history of Syracuse Park System.

 Overhead photo of Mills Rose Garden by Joe Gibson.