Inaugural Sonoran International Rose Trials judging at MCC

MESA, Arizona — Nov. 21, 2018 — The Rose Garden at Mesa Community College, the largest rose garden in the Southwest, is hosting the inaugural Sonoran International Rose Trials on Nov. 23 and 24 at the Southern and Dobson Campus. The garden at MCC is the only test garden in the world that is located in a desert. The results will provide valuable information for professional growers as well as amateur gardeners about which roses grow successfully in the desert.

The trials mark the end of a two-year growing period beginning with 26 trial plants in the MCC Rose Garden from two main introducers representing five hybridizers.

Trial roses will be judged for qualities such as health, floriferousness (bearing flowers), novelty and scent. The Mesa-East Valley Rose Society, consisting of 75 members, has invited 50-60 growers, breeders, landscape architects and members of rose organizations at home and abroad to participate in the trials at MCC, joining the 12 local judges from the permanent panel. The permanent judging panel, which serves throughout the two-year period, is appointed by garden curators to represent a wide spectrum of rose knowledge and experience.

After the trials, in December of this year, rosarians will plant the varieties for the 2019-20 season. There are three test gardens in the Rose Garden at MCC: The American Rose Garden Association, The Award of Excellence Garden and The International Test Garden.

On Saturday, Nov. 24, beginning at 9 a.m., judges will evaluate the roses and turn in their scores. Awards will be announced the same day, at a 6 p.m. awards dinner. The rose garden is at 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa.

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Contact: Dawn Zimmer, (480) 461-7892, Dawn.Zimmer@mesacc.edu

Mesa Community Collegeis nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.

The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

Source Details

Publication Date: 
Wednesday, November 21, 2018