Rare Roses Bloom Again

November 4, 2009

Heritage roses--old varieties with mellifluous names like “Alister Stella Greys” and “Windermeres”—are making a comeback.   On October 24, 2009, the nation’s first Heritage Rose District was established in a ceremony at Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum.

Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum is situated in the heart of the new district, which encompasses the western half of Manhattan from 135th Street to 163rd Street.  The idea for a Heritage Rose District developed after Stephen Scaniello of the Heritage Rose Foundation visited the Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum to plant Harrison’s Yellow roses on the grave of its breeder, George Folliott Harrison. 

The Heritage Rose District will showcase rare varieties of roses in public spaces, including neighborhood parks, road medians, planters and front yards. 

Feature photo courtesy of Spotrick via Flickr.

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