The Bartlett Arboretum is joining with the Manhattan Rose Society for a decidedly different and fun program on July 19, 2025 at the Bartlett, 151 Brookdale Road, Stamford. Members of the Manhattan Rose Society will be on site to peruse the new American Garden Rose Selections Trial Garden, its first in the area, now installed at the Bartlett. The trial garden includes several rose varieties being evaluated for vigor, hardiness, blooming habit, growth habit and disease resistance among other factors.

Pat Shanley, chairman of AGRS and past-president of The American Rose Society, will present a talk on the AGRS rose trials, and the resulting “winners.” The AGRS trials help gardeners choose roses that are easy to grow and beautiful.

Toni Simonetti, an Advanced Master Gardener trained right here at the Bartlett, and a Consulting Rosarian will present a short program for beginners on growing roses without a fuss. The newest roses on the market can bring a summer full of color and wonder with minimal maintenance.

Bartlett CEO Tracy Kay will provide an overview of the Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens, including plans for a new Horticultural Complex now underway.

Finally we will enjoy a short tour of the trial rose garden, and the Bartlett’s other gardens cultivated by volunteers and Master Gardeners, including a sensory garden, herb garden, fern allee, perennial border, cottage garden, tropical plantings and more!

The program begins at 11 a.m. and will run to approximately 3 p.m. The program is free to members of the Manhattan Rose Society and the Bartlett Arboretum. A box lunch will be served for a fee of $10. And there will be roses given away to a couple of lucky winners! Space is limited so please register early!