It all started when…

Henry McGill purchased the Avant Fuel & Ice Company in 1950. In an attempt to beautify the urban and industrial plot of land, Henry’s wife Helen shared her love for gardening and started planting rose bushes along the fence line.

Over the years, more than 500 rose bushes were planted and the garden became a spectacle to behold.

On Mother’s Day, 1967, the McGill Rose Garden opened to the public as a space for the community to enjoy the roses, greenery, and nature in an otherwise urban area. To this day, Mother’s Day is still a popular day for the community to visit and enjoy the spring blooms.

In 1976, the Avant Fuel & Ice Company closed its doors, and the garden was sold to the City of Charlotte. The McGill Rose Garden then became a public city park, available for all to enjoy.

In addition to the variety of plants and hidden paths you’ll find in the garden, you’ll also spot a large train car parked right in the middle. The Seaboard Railroad Company donated the 34-ton coal hopper, in memory of Helen McGill. The train car is a staple, a conversation piece, and a reminder of the beauty she contributed to the area.

now…

The McGill Rose Garden has welcomed the community and hosted weddings, photoshoots, baby showers, and various events for years. The little brick building on site has also been home to a variety of businesses including Rosie’s sister company, Nectar, a boutique floral studio now located in Plaza Midwood. Rosie's Coffee & Wine Garden opened in 2019 serving coffee, beer, and wine and extending the hours of the park for the public to enjoy. Enjoy sipping your beverage of choice under the twinkle lights and explore the paths of the garden. Or come join us for trivia, food trucks, and live music. It's a classic Charlotte date night spot, so we hear. We welcome any folks who just want to stop by to enjoy the serenity of the garden.

There’s a lot of love and joy growing here in the garden, and it all started with a few rose bushes.