On Saturday, June 14, rose lovers from across Central Ohio gathered at Oakland Nursery for the 2025 Columbus Rose Club Rose Show—a joyful celebration of beauty, competition, and community.
From fragrant hybrid teas to cheerful floribundas and graceful miniatures, the show benches were bursting with color and variety. It was a wonderful day of fellowship and friendly rivalry, with many familiar names showing their best blooms — and a few surprises along the way.
This year’s Best in Show went to Night Owl, a striking large-flowered climber shown by Mark & Terri Miller. Their garden also earned top honors across multiple categories, including Hybrid Tea Queen (Hot Princess), Floribunda Queen (Monkey Business), and Miniflora Prince (Coral Sunrise), among others.
Other standout achievements include:
- Jim & Anne Hering, whose elegant Moonstone claimed Hybrid Tea King, and whose entries in Miniature and Shrub classes continued to impress.
- Dave Starner, who impressed with a trio of winning classics: Veteran’s Honor, Dr. John Dickman, and Edisto—each one beautifully grown and expertly exhibited.
- Corky Thacker & Jeff Sommer, whose thoughtful entries like High Voltage and Photogenic stood out in the Modern Shrub and Hi-Lo Challenge classes.
- Elton Smith, a legend in the rose world, brought award-winning entries with Dainty Bess (Single Hybrid Tea) and Chessie’s Favorite (Miniature Queen). His bold arrangement, National Champions, paid tribute to the Ohio State Buckeyes — and earned top honors in the Large Flowered category.
- Ann Smith, whose stunning arrangement, Strawberry Moon, charmed judges in the Small Flowered category.
- Charlie Knerr, whose photograph of Peace captured the timeless beauty of the rose through a lens.
We’re incredibly proud of all who entered, volunteered, and supported this event. These shows take time, effort, and plenty of teamwork — and they remind us why we grow roses in the first place: for beauty, joy, and connection.
Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you for making this year’s show a success.
🌹 [Click here to download the full list of winners.]
