The Clontarf Gardening Society (‘CGS’) was established in 1955 and is one of the oldest gardening societies in Dublin.  One of its founding members, Leslie Mitchell, was instrumental in creating the famous Rose Garden in St Anne’s Park. 

In 2005, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Society a tree was planted in the centre of the Rose Garden which, thankfully, is there for all to see today, along with a commemorative plaque honouring the vision of both Leslie Mitchell and Jim Shannon, the Parks Superintendent, in creating the Rose Garden.