Show your own roses, and see more than 100 others, at the 75th Annual WNY Rose Society Rose Show
Story and photos by guest writer Eileen Koteras Elibol
It’s time to fall in love with roses all over again. Do you remember the beauties that your grandma used to grow in her garden? Or the lingering old rose scent of a gorgeous rose that captivated you?
“Whether it’s a rose with a spectacular color, or exquisite fragrance, come experience and celebrate the beauty of roses, our national flower,” says Eileen Koteras Elibol, chairman of the 75 annual Rose Show being hosted by the Western New York Rose Society. The show is entitled: “A Celebration of Roses.”
“Some people may still think that it’s hard to grow roses, but with today’s newer varieties it really is not that daunting, Koteras Elibol says. “Hybridizers are developing more and more disease-resistant roses and are bringing back roses with more fragrance. There are so many newer and easier-to-grow varieties on the market these days, and roses that can handle our WNY winters.”
The Rose Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 13 at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. It’s included in admission. It takes place in the separate administration building to the right of the main conservatory. Look for the green sign that says “Rose Show” in the parking lot. You can buy your tickets at the main entrance to the Conservatory, or at the show itself.
“We’re not your grandma’s rose society any more! We have men and women of all ages, from their 20’s on up, all delightful, friendly people and passionate gardeners.” —Eileen Koteras Elibol, WNY Rose Society
“This year we’ve added some new categories,” says Koteras Elibol. “In addition to various species of roses, we will also have rose arrangement and rose photography competitions. All will be judged by certified rose horticulture judges. While most of the entries will be from the WNY Rose Society, you can enter your own rose as well!”
Take your rose to the show well before 10:45 a.m. on the day of the show; that is the deadline to have your entry tag filled out and placed on the table along with your rose.
The judging will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vases will be provided. You must know the name of your rose. (If you don’t, you can enter the unnamed rose section.) You can even win a ribbon.
There will be something for everyone, including activities for kids. Children can make their own butterfly designs or they can enjoy other fun activities. The rose society tied the activities to the Botanical Gardens’ Butterfly Experience in the Tropical Orchard, which features hundreds of butterflies fluttering about the greenhouse.
Guests and judges (far right) ogle beautiful blooms at the 2025 WNY Rose Society Rose Show.
At the rose show there will also be a special category to determine the most fragrant rose. “Roses don’t all smell the same,” Koteras Elibol said. “Some are fruity or spicy or sweet or musky.” Another popular category is roses arranged in picture frames. “There will also be a photo op area where folks can take photos beneath an arch of roses.” You can show everyone their motto sticker: “I stopped to smell the roses!”
Tip: The WNY Rose Society will discuss how to enter and enjoy a rose show at its meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10 at St. Stephens-Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 750 Wehrle Dr., Williamsville. Novices are especially welcomed and encouraged.
Local rosarians will be ready to answer any questions you may have about roses, and help resolve any issues you may be having. While you’re at the Rose Show, you can buy the WNY Rose Society’s own Organic Rose and Plant Food. The society is also open to new members.
“We’re not your grandma’s rose society any more! We have men and women of all ages, from their 20’s on up, all delightful, friendly people and passionate gardeners,” adds Koteras Elibol.
Eileen Koteras Elibol is a longtime rosarian and marketing coordinator for the WNY Rose Society.
