Morcom Amphitheater of Roses, Oakland

I found this online, and walked over to see it. Coming as I do from New Orleans (FLAT!) the hills themselves were amazing to me; finding this enchanted grot in the middle of folded suburbia was a very pleasent surprise. Locals walked up and down the stairs and past the roses; children ran about, oldsters ambled or were rolled from flower to flower. Granted, I went in late May just after the peak time for roses in the area (I'm told there is a big Mother's Day celebration held there each year) but it really was lovely. To have such beauty in such an obviously public area is a blessing to Oakland; another blessing is having citizens who respect it and treat it with the care it deserves. I saw no vandalism at all. This spot is also useful to persons who (like me!) become enamoured of certain cultivars from photos. It was a revelation to see how certain plants (despite care!) died outright and others were ramping into the oaks on either side. There were some ducks in the pool, and other animals seemed to like the plantings as well. The amphitheater is flanked by classic porticos and large oaks encircle the outskirts of the rose levels. Roses large (I saw Mermaid there!) and small (Avandel and several other miniatures too!) ruled surpreme.
Even in the off season, it must be an excellent greenspace, and a good spot for some quiet time. I will go back if I can.