ROCHESTER, N.Y. — ​Rochester’s Lilac Festival continues this weekend and next at Highland Park. The park got its start in 1888 thanks to horticulturalist George Ellwanger who, along with his partner Patrick Barry, donated 20 acres of land, trees and plants to create the park.

The Ellwanger Estate on Mt. Hope Avenue is now a bed-and-breakfast. The Landmark Society owns and maintains the garden there and is inviting the community to see it during the festival. The garden is a stroll through Rochester‘s horticulture history.

What You Need To Know

  • The Ellwanger Garden is owned and maintained by the Landmark Society of Western New York

  • It's history dates back to 1867

  • The garden is only open to the public a couple of times a year

“Right now is the perfect time,” said Cindy Boyer from the Landmark Society of Western New York. “It is the garden of possibilities because there are many things that are just about to burst into bloom. One of the things that people are most excited to see is the fern leaf peony."

A few of the trees and lilacs were enjoyed by Ellwanger and his family for more than a century. Landmark Society volunteers care for the garden. It’s open to the public each year during the Lilac Festival. 

“We hope when people come here they have that feeling of family enjoyment of the space,” she said. “It helps us remember that Rochester really is a green city and it gives you an opportunity to look back and see about the times when the Ellwanger’s were here.”

Ellwanger Garden is open to the public this weekend and next from 12 to 3 p.m. and again June 11 & 12 during the Rose & Peony Festival. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated to help maintain the garden. Ellwanger Garden is located at 625 Mt. Hope Ave.