Central Florida Rose Society History

Photo by Elaine Pawlikowski

The vision of the Central Florida Rose Society began with six enthusiastic rosarians talking in a parking lot. It was March of 1986. Charles “Doc” & Ada Allcott, Bill & Dee Dunham and Ron & Shirley Kast, applied for a society charter from the American Rose Society, rounded up their rose buddies and held the first meeting. There were 12 in attendance at the original garden house at Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens.

During that first meeting the Central Florida Rose Society set its goals. In addition to sharing the “Love of The Rose”, the newly formed society wanted to host at annual rose show, produce an award winning newsletter, host a Deep South District Mid-Winter Meeting, host a Deep South District Convention, and someday, yes someday, host an American Rose Society National Convention. Big goals for a new society!

It’s been seventeen years since that first meeting. Central Florida Rose Society has grown, now having over 300 members. We now meet at the “Big Garden House” at Leu Gardens.

All the original goals set by the society have been met. Countless members have been brought into the fold, and they in turn taught others how to grow beautiful roses. Our membership has not only produced numerous fine rosarians, but also many knowledgeable Consulting Rosarians and accredited American Rose Society Judges.

The Central Florida Rose Society has a memorable past and an exciting future. There are still many beautiful roses to be grown … friends to be made, and fun to be had …all for “The Love of the Rose”.

CFRS

2007 Executive Board

2007 Directors