1947 was a memorable year— just ask singer Elton John or author Stephen King who both turn seventy this year. Those who believe in strange occurrences may recall the Roswell, New Mexico UFO incident or the price of gas being twenty-three cents a gallon. In 1947 the Denver Rose Society was formed and is still dedicated to America’s favorite national floral emblem, the rose. The first meeting was held on July 10, 1947 with twelve members in attendance, dues were one dollar per calendar year. The mission was simple - “encourage interest in and cultivation of the rose, to be affiliated with the American Rose Society and to spread the love of the rose wherever and whenever possible.”
The mission remains the same except the membership has grown to close to two hundred while yearly dues have gone up nineteen dollars. The Denver Rose Society has a long and respected reputation for welcoming rose growers and lovers of hybrid teas, old garden roses, rugosas, shrubs, climbers and miniatures. Rose are simply delightful—in a range of eighteen living colors (except true blue) with a variety of blooms— classic high centered, quartered, single or cabbage-like old fashioned forms. Try inhaling the essential oils (fragrance) from these popular roses—notes of fruity lemon— ‘Lady Emma Hamilton’ shrub rose, sweet licorice—‘Julia Child’ floribunda rose and honey violet—‘Fragrant Cloud’ hybrid tea rose. The Denver Rose Society meets monthly except in November, December and January at Denver Botanic Gardens in the Plant Society Building. Summer meetings often include a potluck dinner and garden tour at a member home. Guests and visitors are always welcome to attend the meetings held at Denver Botanic Gardens. Three special events are held yearly including the educational SymROSEium, usually in late March or early April, the First Bloom Rose Display in June and the Rose Show in August. Every four years the DRS hosts the Rocky Mountain District Rose Show. For dates, times and all the community outreach classes and events, check the calendar page on the website— www.denverrosesociety.org.
