On June 6, members gathered at Oakland Nursery for the Columbus Rose Club’s Annual Rose Show — a day of serious competition, strong blooms, and a new addition that brought some welcome looseness to the proceedings.
This year’s Best in Show went to Mark Miller for South Africa, taking top horticultural honors. Miller’s garden was well represented across the board, with wins including HT/Gr Open Bloom (Grande Amore), Miniflora Queen (RBG), and the Climber, Large Flowered class (America).
Jim & Anne Hering had a standout year, claiming wins across nearly every category — HT/Gr Princess (Folklore), Miniature Queen and King (Edisto, Chelsea Belle), Rose Bowl (Marlons Day), and Best in Show for Photography with Renegade. Their range, from formal blooms to the photography table, was hard to miss.
Elton Smith continued his run as one of the show’s most consistent exhibitors, taking HT/Gr King (Marlon’s Day), Single HT (Dainty Bess), and strong showings in the Miniflora and Challenge classes, including the Miniflora Challenge with a five-rose entry anchored by Cooper and Dr. John Dickman.
Other notable wins:
- David Starner — HT/Gr Prince (Crescendo) and a win in the Miniature/Miniflora Open Blooms class with Bees Knees.
- Randy Lady — HT/Gr Queen (Ring of Fire) and Modern Shrub King (Darcey Bussell).
- Lorraine Hilfer — Victorian Award (Roger Lambelin) and the Rose Bowl for Miniature/Miniflora (Minnie Pearl).
- Marian Wyman — Floribunda 1 BPS (Hannah Gordon) and the Judges’ Class for HT, F and Gr (Folklore).
Full results here.
New this year, the show introduced a Members’ Favorites section — a space for members to bring roses they genuinely loved, rather than what would score well on the bench. The formal, competitive classes were still in full swing, but this gave newer and longtime members alike a chance to show something different. Turnout was excellent, and it added a nice counterpoint to the precision of the main show.
Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone who entered, judged, and helped put the day together.