Clare and Miles Mills enjoyed a longstanding mutual interest in roses, which they cultivated in their beautiful and extensive home garden. Together they earned two awards from the Garden Club of America, for horticultural merit and achievement. Those accolades were bestowed in recognition of their work in Greenwood Park, where they helped redesign the rose garden and select thousands of new plants. In 2002, the City Council voted to rename the garden the Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden. After Clare's death that year, Miles continued to support the rose garden with his expertise, advice and tireless enthusiasm.


Family has requested that gifts be made to the Friends of Des Moines Parks in support of the Clare and Miles Mills Rose Garden. Private donations are critical in maintaining the rose collection. Your gift makes a big difference.