Central Florida Rose Society History.
The vision of the CFRS began with six enthusiastic rosarians talking in a parking lot. It was March of 1986, Charles “Doc” and Ada Allcott, Bill & Dee Dunham, and Ron & Shirley Kast, applied for a society charter from the American Rose Society.
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!
30+ Years
It’s been over 30 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.
Goals Met
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.
Consulting Rosarians
Our membership has not only produced numerous
fine rosarians, but also many knowledgeable Consulting Rosarians and accredited
American Rose Society Judges.
Our Passion.
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.