The Palmetto Garden Club of South Carolina will hold its 58th annual Old Rose Show Wednesday, October 8, 2008, at the SC State Fair. There is no preregistration. Participants should bring entries between 7:45 am and 10:15 am to the Ellison Building via Gate 11 on Bluff Road. All entries must be placed by 10:45 am. Judging will begin at 11 am. Awards and prizes will be given.

Old Garden Roses must have been introduced prior to 1950 or be of an undetermined introduction date. This annual competition of Old Garden Roses is meant to educate, encourage cultivation and preservation of these Old Roses. This is the oldest exhibit in the United States devoted exclusively to Old Roses.

An Old Garden Rose is one whose type was in existence prior to 1867. There are over 30 types of Old Garden Roses with a number of varieties of each type.

Of particular interest is the Champneys- type Noisette. John Champneys of Charleston, S.C., developed the first rose in 1811. These hardy Old Garden Roses have a long and interesting history in our Southern gardens. Most are disease resistant, have generous blooms from spring until frost, and a strong sweet fragrance. Well adapted to our climate they are often found in a cemetery, old gardens and even along the roadside.

The Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens has a wonderful Old Rose Garden, sponsored by the Palmetto Garden Club of South Carolina, whose roses will be on display for the exhibit. Entries may be brought to the Ellison Building via Gate 11, Bluff Road on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 between 7:45 and 10:15 am.

Exhibitors will prepare their specimens, along with the completed entry tag. All roses must be grown by the exhibitor and been introduced prior to 1950 or of an undetermined introduction date. Inexperienced exhibitors are welcome, and help will be on hand.

Roses Unlimited, Laurens, SC, growers of Old Roses, will join PGC in the five awards.

For information, visit http://72.167.34.80/competitive exhibits/flowers/oldrose. php. Questions should be directed to Mrs. William L. Cain (803) 799-0677.