History of the Riverside Rose Society

At one time Riverside County was one of the largest and finest rose-growing areas in the country. The Southern California Rose Grower’s Association held an annual competition at the Mission Inn in Riverside called “Fashions in Roses” that was attended by thousands of rose enthusiasts. Although Riverside was at the center of this rich, rose-growing area, it had no local rose society. In February of 1958, a meeting was held for those interested in forming a local affiliate of the American Rose Society. The following month, Helen Carswell, then-Director of the Pacific Southwest District for the American Rose Society, Zelda Lloyd of Riverside, and twenty-one others formed “The Riverside Rose Society.” On March 5, 1958, the first official meeting of the new Riverside Rose Society was held at the Riverside Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Lloyd was elected the Society’s first president.

Every year thereafter for thirty-eight years the Riverside Rose Society hosted its own rose show, with the last one being held in 1995. In the years that followed, the Society participated in the Riverside Flower Show and sponsored the Rose Division of that show. In 2005, however, in addition to its involvement with the Riverside Flower Show, the Society resumed hosting its own rose show. This year the Society will be hosting its 40th annual rose show and it will be a charity event, with the proceeds being used to buy roses to help restore the gardens of the survivors of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Society is also implementing a youth program this year to open up the world of roses to young people.

Over the last forty-eight years, the Riverside Rose Society has participated in many community projects such as the rose gardens at UCR’s Botanic Gardens, Fairmount Park, Riverside Public Library, and Rose Garden Village. It has also donated gifts of roses to other local beautification projects and currently holds pruning demonstrations each January at several locations. In addition, Consulting Rosarians from the Society are available to speak to local organizations and share their knowledge as a public service. The Society’s main objectives are to broaden the field of study and appreciation of roses, and teach members and the public how to select, grow, groom and exhibit roses.

The president of the Riverside Rose Society, Bonnie Brokaw, and its members, cordially invite all visitors and newcomers to join them at their meetings which consist of an educational program followed by refreshments. The meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. in the Conference Room of the Botanic Gardens on the campus of the University of California, Riverside.

Happy rose growing to you!