A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME … The Tyler Rose Garden Center

Hello all!  I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend. It’s been gorgeous here in already beautiful East Tennessee.

 

As I was admiring the last of the roses in Renaissance Man’s garden, I remembered a field trip I’d already intended to share with you.  But … it’s not too late yet.  In fact, it turns out that the timing is perfect because this Thursday is the start of the 78th Annual Texas Rose Festival.  Another Rose Queen’s lavish gown will be added to the collection that began in 1933.

Tyler, Texas holds the title of “Rose Capital of the Nation” and is home to the United States’ largest rose garden.  What once was “nothing special” land is now 14 acres where over 38,000 rose bushes of 500+ varieties are grown amidst beautiful reflecting pools, walkways, and fountains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You’ll see everything from the ever-popular Pink Double Knock Out roses to an entire section of 300 different David Austin English garden roses that was added in 2003.

 

There really is a Tyler Rose, too. It’s really prettier than this, but in late May when I was enjoying the garden, some rose varieties were past their prime.  The Tyler Rose was one of them.

 

 

I had a lot of favorites …

Rio Samba

 

Tamora

 

Yes, I know this was has seen prettier days, but I still think it’s a gorgeous rose.  The soft pink of this Kathryn Morley rose was amazing in person!

 

All-America Rose Selection
Grandiflora – 2007
Strike It Rich 

 

Cherry Kay, this one’s for you …  I know how you love
Tess of the d’Urbervilles

 

Mary Magdalene

 

Crocus Rose
A beautiful soft apricot to cream color …

 

Does it get any more fun than this?

 

Purple Tiger

 

Dolly Parton
Here in East Tennessee we have a special place in our hearts for Dolly.  In fact, an entire Met Monday post could be done about the way her big heart and generous spirit have transformed the “neck of the woods” where she grew up.

 

Tahitian Sunset

 

Spartan

 

Nacogdoches

 

I had a little trouble capturing the true chartreuse white of this Lime Sublime.

 

Oklahoma

 

All-America Rose Selection
Floribunda – 2011
Walking on Sunshine

 

Finally, since the field trip’s about over, let’s go out in a
Blaze of Glory

 

I’m joining Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.

 

Rose trivia:  Did you know …
For over 200 years, the United States had no official “national floral emblem.”  It wasn’t until October 7, 1986 that President Ronald Reagan signed the “Rose Bill” into law in a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden.  (Where else?!!!)  Critics have complained that a single variety of rose was not chosen, but I kind of like that it wasn’t.  How about you?

 

If you could name a rose, what color would it be — and what name would you choose?

 

Did you like this garden tour?  Check out these, too!

 

Comments

  1. I love that Tahitian Sunset one as my favorite. I love that color. If I could create one myself, though, it would probably have more yellowy orange at the tip to look like a vibrant night sky.

  2. Always the diplomat, Regan was one of our smartest presidents!

  3. What a fantastic Post with amazing photography. As a Texas Gal, I’m familiar with Tyler as the Rose Capital. I’ve been to Tyler, but not to the Rose Gardens. After seeing your photos, it’s sure a place I’d like to see in person. My favorite color of rose has already been named, and I can’t think of any thing better than ‘The Yellow Rose of Texas’.

  4. Forget the tablescapes, look at that gown!! Sigh…no words, which is very odd for me don’t you know. 😉

    Love this post.