World Federation of Rose Societies

The World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS) is an umbrella association of (as of 2015) 39-member countries' national rose societies.[1]

Although founded in 1968[2] in London by 8 constituent countries' rose societies,[3] the WFRS did not have a first meeting until 1971, held in New Zealand.[4]

The WFRS maintains or oversees: a Rose Hall of Fame as well as an Old Rose Hall of Fame (an entry in which has been characterised as an honour "as coveted as Michelin's four stars" for rose aficionados[5]); a World Rose directory; a Rose Locator Database targeting the location of rose cultivars; a Breeder's Club; a "garden of excellence" award;[6] the selection of "world's favourite rose" by vote of delegates of its member-countries;[7] a World Rose Show held every three years;[8] and collects world news on the subject of roses.[1] It also publishes an annual Rose Directory and a bi-annual World Rose News bulletin.[3]

  1. ^ a b "WFRS Homepage". World Federation of Rose Societies. Archived from the original on 3 May 2015. Retrieved 14 May 2015.
  2. ^ Cairns, Thomas; McKinley, Michael D. (2007). All About Roses. Des Moines, Iowa: Meredith Books. p. 122. ISBN 978-0-696-23217-6.
  3. ^ a b "WFRS About page". World Federation of Rose Societies. Retrieved 14 May 2015.
  4. ^ Hessayon, D. G. (1988). The Rose Expert. Herts, England: Waltham Cross. p. 141. ISBN 978-0-903505-47-5.
  5. ^ Brenner, Douglas; Scanniello, Stephen (2009). "Gloire de Dijon". A Rose by Any Name. Chapel Hill, N.C.: Algonquin Books. p. 129. ISBN 978-1-56512-518-6.
  6. ^ Ashby-Coventry, Esther (12 May 2013). "City Proud of a Rose Among Gardens". The Timaru Herald.
  7. ^ O'Neill, Dermot (4 October 2014). "Everything's Coming Up Roses: Enjoy This Lovely Bloom". Irish Independent.
  8. ^ Montgomery, Kay (26 January 2011). "Month of Destiny for your Roses". The Independent.