Don’t Miss: Rose Show at Tower Hill Father’s Day Weekend

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

The Rose is America's favorite flower.

The Rose, often considered the "Queen of Flowers," and the U.S. National Flower, will be the subject of a colorful and fragrant one-day exhibit at Tower Hill Botanic Garden on Sunday, June 16, when the Yankee District of the American Rose Society presents its annual summer show. As the Rose Show coincides with Father's Day Weekend, all Dads are admitted free this weekend, June 15-16.

A huge variety of roses will be on display, including Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Climbers, Grandifloras, and Miniatures. In addition, there will be an "Arrangements" division, showcasing flower arrangements that make use of roses. The show is judged in the morning hours, and then open to the public from approximately 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. The roses are judged for Form, Color, Substance, Stem & Foliage, Balance & Proportion, and Size. There is also a division for the most fragrant rose.

"The purpose of The Rose Show is to encourage people to grow roses, and help to build confidence in rose growers, a friendly competition raises all boats, so to speak, and sparks engagement. The show also helps to teach people about the different types of roses available, and how to grow them," remarks Michael Arnum, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Tower Hill Botanic Garden.

The Yankee District of the ARS has been active since 1940, and is an official chapter of the American Rose Society, which is "dedicated to the enjoyment, enhancement, and promotion of the rose, our National Floral Emblem." More information about the NERS can be found at www.arsyankee.org.

All Lovers of Roses Welcome

"Anyone who loves roses or flowers should attend!" says Arnum.

"The rose is the US national flower, and has long been held in esteem by growers everywhere, partly perhaps because of the rose’s reputation for being difficult to grow. In recent years, the introduction of so-called “landscape roses” that require less maintenance has made rose growing much easier and accessible for more people who have less time to garden. Even so, once hooked with the easy care roses, we hope people will become entranced and want to grow some of the more challenging Hybrid Teas. With proper care and maintenance, anyone can grow roses."

The Rose Show is included with admission to Tower Hill Botanic Garden; free for Fathers, $12 Adults, $9 Seniors and $7 Youth aged 6-18, Children under 6 and Tower Hill members are free. WOO Card holders save $2 on admission and earn points toward prizes. Tower Hill is located at 11 French Drive, Boylston, exit 24 off Interstate 290. For more information, call (508) 869-6111 or log on to www.towerhillbg.org.