“Stop and Tend the Roses” was the headline of a recently published article in the Columbus Dispatch. The subject was our own Paul Gibson, who has been a volunteer for 23 years. It was part of the newspaper’s series entitled The Good Life which profiles central Ohioans whose actions make the world a better place. You can read the entire article here.

The roses are getting ready for visitors. The first heritage roses have already opened, and thousands more will be blooming early next month. “June is the first peak bloom season, but there will be roses flowering from now until a hard freeze in late fall.” said Nancy Walsh, development officer for the Columbus Park of Roses Foundation. “Many people don’t know there is a second peak bloom in early September.” Visitors interested in a self-guided tour are invited to download a garden map and current list of rose varieties – all 473 of them.

Late May also marks the return of another annual event in the Park- the Civitan Club of North Columbus’ free summer concert series. The performances are held in the historic bandstand near the main rose garden. Concerts begin at 7:00 pm on Sunday evenings. In case of inclement weather, concerts are moved into the shelter house. For more information, call (614)268-3567.

Columbus is the site of the 2015 American Rose Society Spring and Miniature National Conference, June 11-14. The 4 day event is hosted by the Columbus Rose Club, the Delaware Area Rose Society and the Lancaster Rose Club. Conference attendees  will visit the park for a tour by staff and volunteer guides. More information on the conference schedule and registration is available.

The Park of Roses is featured in a new cooking and travel book entitled “Eat and Explore Ohio.” A double page spread highlights features in each of gardens. Recipes from volunteers are scattered throughout the pages. The $18.95 paperback book can be purchased in major bookstores, in retail outlets like Sam’s Club, Costco and Walmart, online at Amazon or directly from Great American Publishers. It makes a great gift for local gardeners or out of town visitors.