National Rose Month recognizes that June has long been considered an ideal month for roses. Not only are they in season, but they are a popular choice weddings – another event in season this month.

Roses come in more than 150 species across the Northern Hemisphere and even more around the globe. Because their beauty and fragrance speak to lovers, the rose has long been the symbol of poets and artists.

Both wild and domesticated roses grow in the United States. Five states even make the rose their state flower. While New York’s official rose is one of any color or combination, North Dakota and Iowa named the Prairie Rose as their state flower. Georgia’s state flower is the Cherokee Rose. The Oklahoma Rose is the state flower of its namesake.

First Lady Ellen Wilson started the White House Rose Garden in 1913. Before becoming a garden, part of the property where the Rose Garden grows was allocated to the White House stables, horses and coaches. Don’t let the name fool you, though. There are more than just roses in the White House Rose Garden.

HISTORY

National Rose Month was first observed in 1959 when efforts were made to pass a bill to designate the rose as the national flower. Arlene Hennessey of Bayonne, New Jersey was crowned Rose Queen in honor of the month that year. However, the rose wasn’t made the national flower until 1986 when President Ronald Reagan made it official.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy the beauty of roses. Visit a botanical garden or send a bouquet to yourself. Learn how to arrange flowers or how to grow roses. Find out which ones grow best in your soil and climate. For some ideas visit www.bobvila.com and use #NationalRoseMonth to share on social media.