Royal Rosarian Garden Contest The Madeleine Parish & School rose garden, at 3123 NE 24th Avenue, won the 2019 Frank E. Beach Visibility Award in the commercial/public agency category in the 81st annual Royal Rosarian Garden Contest. (Samantha Swindler/Samantha Swindler)
It’s time for the annual call to arms for the City of Roses: Sign-ups are underway for the 88th annual Royal Rosarian Rose Garden Contest.
Any garden within a 20-mile radius of Pioneer Courthouse Square and with at least 12 rose bushes is eligible. There is no cost to enter.
Gardeners can compete in 12 divisions, including categories for seniors, first-time entrants, professionally maintained gardens, and business or civic organizations.
Royal Rosarian Garden Contest Kimberly Bown, High Lord Chancellor with the Royal Rosarians, inspects a Peace Rose during judging of the 2019 Royal Rosarian Garden Contest. (Samantha Swindler/Samantha Swindler)
Teams of Royal Rosarians and Portland Rose Society member judges will visit each garden May 31 and provide written feedback. They will evaluate design and layout, soil condition, pruning, plant vigor, bloom quality, and overall maintenance.
The deadline to enter is Friday, May 22.
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and reception at 6:30 p.m. June 16 at the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park.
The Royal Rosarian Rose Garden Contest was established in 1938 as the first sponsored, citywide event to honor the rose, known as the “Queen of Flowers.” Its popularity quickly made it an annual tradition.
Founded in 1912, the Royal Rosarians are a fraternal organization whose members serve as Portland’s official greeters and goodwill ambassadors. While roses are part of the organization’s identity, members are not necessarily experienced gardeners. For the contest, Rosarians are paired with members of the Portland Rose Society.
Royal Rosarian Garden Contest The Madeleine Parish & School rose garden, at 3123 NE 24th Avenue, won the 2019 Frank E. Beach Visibility Award in the commercial/public agency category in the 81st annual Royal Rosarian Garden Contest. (Samantha Swindler/Samantha Swindler)
The Portland Rose Society, founded in 1889, is the country’s oldest and largest rose society. It was established by Georgiana Pittock, of the “Pittock Mansion” family.
The goal of the Royal Rosarian Rose Garden Contest is to encourage more people to grow roses and to preserve Portland’s identity as the City of Roses.
After all, the signature, century-old Royal Rosarian slogan is, “For You a Rose in Portland Grows!”
For more information or to enter the contest, visit royalrosarians.com.
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