American Rose Society

Overview

The American Rose Society (ARS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the culture, preservation, and appreciation of roses in the United States. Established in 1892, it serves as a central body for rose enthusiasts, growers, researchers, and educators across the country. The ARS aims to enhance the standard of excellence in rose growing through education and research.

Mission

The society's mission encompasses several key areas:

• Promotion and Preservation: It works to promote and preserve roses by supporting rose growers, researchers, and educators.
• Education: The organization provides educational resources and programs, including webinars and workshops, to help members improve their rose-growing skills.
• Research: The ARS supports research in rose cultivation and development, contributing to the international community's understanding and advancement in the field.

Membership and Benefits

Membership in the ARS offers several benefits:

• Publications: Members receive six issues of the award-winning American Rose magazine, which features informative articles and high-quality photography.
• Resources: Access to the Handbook for Selecting Roses, which evaluates over 3,000 rose varieties, and online access to archival publications.
• Discounts: Members enjoy discounts of up to 20% at various rose nurseries and supply merchants.
• Garden Access: Free or reduced admission to over 350 botanical gardens across the U.S. through the Reciprocal Garden program.
• Expert Advice: Members can receive free advice from experienced Consulting Rosarians.

Local Rose Societies

The ARS supports over 200 local rose societies throughout the U.S., providing resources and guidance to these grassroots organizations. The Local Rose Society Advisory Committee (LRSAC) serves as a liaison between the ARS and local societies, offering programming resources, membership support, leadership guidance, and fundraising ideas to help local societies thrive.

Rose Registration

As an appointed International Cultivar Registration Authority for Roses (ICRA) by the International Society for Horticultural Sciences, the ARS manages a comprehensive database of rose registrations. The Modern Roses database contains over 37,000 registered rose cultivars, serving as a global reference for rose growers and researchers.

Leadership

The ARS is led by a president and executive committee, which includes regional directors and other officers. Diane Sommers is the current president, overseeing initiatives such as the LRSAC and other projects aimed at enhancing the society's impact.

Community Engagement

Through rose shows, educational events, and community projects, the ARS fosters a vibrant community of rose enthusiasts. It encourages participation in local rose displays and informal shows, which can serve as both educational activities and fundraisers for local societies.

[1] https://rose.org/friends-of-the-gardens/ [2] https://rose.org/join-renew/ [3] https://rose.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Attachment-Leadership-8_American-Rose-Article_Leadership-and-Loc-Local-Fundraising.pdf [4] https://rose.org/local-rose-societies-resources/ [5] https://rose.org/roses-in-review/