Central Business District in Lynchburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Mr. Elder’s Rose Garden

Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 9, 2011

1. Mr. Elder’s Rose Garden Marker

Inscription. Lawrence Lloyd Elder (1896-1964) was a valued employee of the City of Lynchburg for over 34 years. His special domain was gardening and his responsibility the greenhouses in Miller Park where the city’s flowers were raised for use in the parks. Later he was assigned the care of nearby municipal properties, including Monument Terrace, the Court House, the Post Office and the roses in the Confederate Cemetery.

In the adjoining remote area he also tended his personal garden of roses, which brought much pleasure to the many city employees in the area.

In 1986, twenty—two years after Mr. Elder’s death, the Blue Ride Rose Society, in cooperation with the City of Lynchburg, undertook the revitalization of the garden as a Bicentennial Project. The Garden now serves as a depository of old Lynchburg, Roses, all of which are known to have been grown and loved by the people of Lynchburg during its 200 year history.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1986.

Location. 37° 24.84′ N, 79° 8.622′ W. Marker is in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is in the Central Business District. Marker is at the intersection of Monument Terrace (9th Street) and Church Street, on the left when traveling west

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on Monument Terrace (9th Street). Monument Terrace is a stone staircase, with plaques and monuments on its many landings, that climbs between Church and Court Streets in place of 9th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lynchburg VA 24504, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. POW★MIA (here, next to this marker); Vietnam (a few steps from this marker); Korean War (a few steps from this marker); Lynchburg History (a few steps from this marker); World War II (a few steps from this marker); Purple Heart Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines of the Spanish American War (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Lynchburg History (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lynchburg.

Also see . . . A Repository Of Lynchburg's Rose Heritage. This page includes a list of roses found in the garden. “The concept of rejuvenating Mr. Elder’s Garden began with Carl Cato of Lynchburg, rose devotee and a founder of the National Heritage Roses Group. Many of the roses came from across the United States and Canada; others were rescued from neglect or oblivion in forgotten corners of neighborhoods in older parts of Lynchburg and transplanted to Mr. Elder's Garden. Members of the Blue Ridge Rose Society maintain

Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 9, 2011

2. Mr. Elder’s Rose Garden Marker

the roses in the garden, adding and replacing roses as needed.” (Submitted on August 25, 2011.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2011, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 786 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 25, 2011, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the rose garden in bloom • Can you help?