Every weekend I spend judging at the Biltmore International Rose Trials is a weekend immersed in beauty at every turn…
Beautiful friends.
Beautiful roses.
Beautiful place.
And, Beautiful Hats!
George Vanderbilt was serious about hospitality and horticulture and his legacy continues. It is the perfect place for such an event!
Friday evening we have a chance to meet new friends and renew cherished friendships in the rose garden … sipping wine and enjoying yummy food.
THE BEAUTIFUL “WORK”
Saturday morning we begin our “work”… with a delicious cup of coffee as we watch the enchanting fog lift over the garden. Then with clip boards in hand, we are up closed and personal with the roses.
THE WINNERS
Biltmore Winners 2018 Awards Day
Roses Entered in 2016
Oso Easy Urban Legend (R.’ChewPatout’)
Chris Warner – Spring Meadow Nursery
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Lord Burleigh Award for Best Disease Resistance
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Chauncey Beadle Award for Best Shrub Rose
- Purchase this rose here.
Princesse Charlene De Monaco (Meidysouk)
House of Meilland – Star Roses & Plants
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- Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil Award for Most Fragrant Rose
- George and Edith Vanderbilt Award for Most Outstanding Rose
- Pauline Merrell Award for Best Hybrid Tea
Highwire Flyer (Radwire)
William Radler – Star Roses and Plants
- Gilded Age Award for Climbing Rose
- William Cecil Award for Best Growth Habit
Shining Moment (Radshining)
William Radler – Star Roses and Plants
- Edith Wharton Award for Best Floribunda
THANK YOU…
Paul Zimmerman:
Sending special thanks to Paul Zimmerman for his vision and his hard work as Coordinator of the Biltmore rose trials.
- Because of his work, both professional and amateur hybridizers have a greater chance for their creations to be known.
- Because of his work, the backyard gardener has more beautiful options for their gardens!
- Because of his wonderful work, ARS President Pat Shanley awarded him a Presidential Citation for a job well done.
Congratulations Paul!

Parker Andes:
Pat gave another much deserved Presidential Citation to Parker Andes, Director of Horticulture , for his work and dedication to this project. Parker and his teams ensure the Biltmore gardens are at their best and stay true to the Vanderbilt vision.
And, special thanks to David Pike, CEO of Witherspoon Rose Culture and John Beaty of Beaty Fertilizers for sponsoring our cocktail party and awards luncheon. We sure appreciate you!
MORE FUN!!

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!