The Hershey Gardens has been a tourist attraction known for its extravagant flower arrangements and events for several years. The gardens show a breathtaking assortment of flowers and shrubs, a stately collection of rare, signature trees, and various programs designed to delight visitors of all ages.
The Hershey Gardens has been around since 1937 at the request of town founder Milton Hershey. More than 85 years later, they are sitting on 25 acres of land with many beautiful flower arrangements around the property.
The garden has always taken pride in its rose garden. They have an assortment of 3,000 roses and over 115 variations of roses from a mixture of heights, forms, and colors. This past year, They were awarded the AARS (All-American Rose selection).
The 3,300-square-foot Rose Garden Pavilion, located on the east end of the Milton and Catherine Conservatory, will replace the seasonal tent, which is mainly used in the summer.
This will help the garden expand its flower shows and give them bigger spaces to host school groups and educational events. It will also include a terrace for guests to enjoy the view of Milton Hershey’s original rose garden. The décor will include 10 handmade stained-glass windows and flower-shaped light pendants to add a new feel.
Don Papson, executive director of Hershey Gardens, says this will overlook the largest and most important part of the Hershey Gardens. Papson says this might be the final major expansion for Hershey Gardens as it gives them the all-year-round space that looks good, increases guest flow, and decreases the clumping of large guests in the summer.
With this $3.5 million expansion plan, Hershey Gardens has launched a capital campaign to raise funds for this project. Donors who give $5,000 or more will be acknowledged on their future donor wall. The new Rose Garden Pavilion is slated to open in fall 2026.
