I have had the privilege to be in rose fairyland. Nestled in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the side lawn of the majestic Biltmore estate, the Biltmore rose garden was in perfect form for the second annual Biltmore International Rose Trials. A big shout out to Lucas Jack, Biltmore Rosarian & his crew and to Paul Zimmerman for his leadership and direction in establishing these trials.
The Garden…
THE WINNERS…
Amidst a flurry of amazing blooms, these roses emerged as the winners:
Frances Meilland / Meilland / Star Roses & Plants
Pauline Merrell Award for Best Hybrid Tea
Tequila Supreme / Meilland / Star Roses & Plants
Edith Wharton Award for Best Floribunda
Bejazzo / Kordes
Gilded Age Award for Best Climbing Rose
Honorine de Brabant / Award of Excellence for Best Established Rose
Sweet Drift / Meilland
The Frederick Law Olmsted Award for Best Groundcover
Pookah / Polyantha / James Delahanty
The Honorable John Cecil Award for Open Group
Munstead Wood / David Austin Roses
Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil Award for Most Fragrant
AND, THE BIG WINNER…
Miracle on the Hudson / Robert Neil Rippetoe
Chauncey Beadle Award for Best Shrub
William Cecil Award for Best Growth Habit
Lord Burleigh Award for Most Disease Resistant
George & Edith Vanderbilt Award for Most Outstanding Rose (Best in Show)
None of these roses were grown with any special attention and no chemical sprays were used. The idea is to grow these roses in conditions that mimic that of a novice backyard gardener.
It was my pleasure to be up-close and personal with these lovely roses, and to join with some of my very favorite rose friends to be a part of a process that will result in more beautiful and sustainable roses for our gardens.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS!
More Pictures…
For more on the Biltmore rose trials, read on.