The History of the Orlando Area
Historical Rose Society

Mrs. B.R. Cant from Pat & Carolyn Lamond's garden     February 23rd, 1997 marked the beginning of The Orlando Area Historical Rose Society. Founding members Peggy Coven, Ron and Elaine Ellman, Midge Mycoff, and George Williamson invited the community to become founding members, and enjoy a wonderful journey through the history of the rose.

    Our mission is to study the historical perspectives of old roses, and to encourage the growing and the preservation of their heritage in our gardens and landscapes. It is our hope that old roses will once again hold respectful places in our hearts, and be enjoyed today as our forefathers once enjoyed these roses. In the words of an old rose enthusiast, Will Tillotson, "new roses are for admiring ... old roses are for loving".

Clotilde Soupert from Pat & Carolyn Lamond's garden    We meet the first Sunday of the month, in the Garden House in the beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens . Not only do the gardens have a wealth of plants and trees from all over the world, but the rose garden has an impressive display of old garden roses.

    Our first speaker was Michael Shoup, author of "Landscaping with Antique Roses", and from that point on, news began to spread about the creative and educational programs, field trips to historical homes and gardens, and the annual Christmas Rose Tea.

    We invite the public to formal teas, and give presentations and slide shows of old garden roses. The society also promotes the preservation of old garden roses through community gardening projects at schools, public gardens, and historical landmarks.

Elaine Larry Kay Glendon Betty Midge Elaine Jimmerson Perkins Wilson Mycoff Ellman

Board of Founding Officers


		Elaine Ellman (President and Co-Founder)
		Midge Mycoff (V.P. and Co-Founder)
		Betty Wilson (secretary)
		Larry Jimmerson (treasurer)
		Kay Perkins (historian)
		Glendon Perkins (historian)
		Elaine Jimmerson