This year's show entitled "Restoring Roses To Southern Gardens" is the first charity rose show in Riverside Rose Society's history. Indeed, all proceeds from the show, less expenses, will go to purchase roses for the survivors of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, whose gardens were destroyed by the storms.
The 2006 Riverside Rose Society Rose Show promises to be visually stunning...with hundreds of breath-taking blooms adorning the tables of the Grand Valley Ballroom of the brand new Moreno Valley Conference & Recreation Center, and the southern theme evident throughout the exhibition and patio area. During the "Judges' Luncheon" and at other afternoon activities that day -- including the awards presentation of dozens of beautiful crystal "trophies" -- a number of society members will be dressed in antebellum attire to carry out the theme of the show. In addition, non-alcoholic Mint Juleps will be available for visitors to purchase as they stroll around the scent-filled grounds. Various growers, nurseries and florists will be on hand as well, with potted roses and other related products available for sale.
A bank teller displays her new rose bush from the Restoring Roses to Southern Gardens project
Interestingly, the rose show is just one facet of the "Restoring Roses To Southern Gardens" project. Throughout the year, the Riverside Rose Society will be participating in a number of activities...all intended to raise funds for the project, while raising the public's awareness of the destruction of southern gardens by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Among these are a Victorian Garden Tea, an Art Auction and a "New Orleans Night". Plans are also in the works to participate in the Old Riverside Foundation Tour of Vintage Homes in Riverside, as a way of advancing the cause of "Restoring Roses To Southern Gardens".
As of March 10, 2006, the American Rose Society, Jackson & Perkins, and various Habitat for Humanity offices in the affected states, have committed to assist the Riverside Rose Society in this endeavor...which it is hoped, in time, will involve over 300 ARS-affiliated rose societies throughout the United States.
The "Restoring Roses To Southern Gardens" project launched by the Riverside Rose Society in January of this year, will be an on-going project...spanning years perhaps. As Riverside resident and chairperson of the project, Mrs. Lee Stevens, puts it, "We intend to restore beauty to the south...one rosebush at a time."
