2025 Mid-Winter Meeting
~ Roses in Paradise ~
February 28 through March 2, 2025
Best Western Gateway Grand Hotel & Conference Center in Gainesville, FL
Want some winter excitement? Then come to Gainesville this Mid-Winter for a fun, tropical-themed educational conference the weekend of February 28 to March 2, 2025. Hosted by the Greater Palm Beach Rose Society.
MID-WINTER REGISTRATION IS OPEN
ONLINE: 2025 Mid-Winter REGISTRATION LINK.
REGISTRATION FORM: 2025 Mid-Winter Reservation Form
More Info links:
Mid-Winter Invitation Letter
Mid-Winter EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday afternoon, grab your secateurs and sign up for the Hands On! Florist Rose Propagation Workshop taught by Denise Abruzzese, CR. Afterward, Sandy Dixon, our beloved ARS Arrangement & Horticulture Judge, will teach us new whimsical tricks in Creating Fun Arrangements. Connect with friends and enjoy Friday night dinner at the eatery of your choice. After dinner, wander over to the Continental Mezzanine for Parrothead Snacks, Grog (beverages), and Key West styled Games – Rose Pong!
Saturday’s outstanding seminars include: “Color and Design: Companion Planting for Roses” with Victor Lazzari, Professional Landscape Designer; “Editing Tips & Tricks: Fantastic Rose Photography for Everyone” with Denise Domlesky, Photo Editor for People Magazine; and “Power Growing Roses the ‘Nelson Way’” with Clay Nelson, owner of Nelson’s Southern Roses. There will be a Deep South District Annual Meeting with Karen Prevatt, our Deep South District Director. AND wonderful raffle prizes! Winners announced after the Annual Meeting and you must be present to win.
Roses in Paradise Banquet: Enjoy an excellent Margaritaville-inspired plated dinner, cash bar, andan amazing line up of Rosarian Awards and tropical fun:Anita Smith Award, Bronze Merit Award Winners and even Tropical Paradise Awards. (Tropical banquet attire is suggested – your choice of tropical-themed, business casual to semi-formal attire.) Get creative! There are chances to win super prizes for Best Key West, Jimmy Buffet or Parrothead Attire or Costume.
Sunday morning is the Consulting Rosarian (CR) School for new or recertifying CRs, however anyone can attend who wishes to learn more about growing roses. New candidates need to apply at least 30 days ahead of time by contacting our Deep South District CR Chair, Janet Newburgh at: JanNewburgh@gmail.com
Angel Gardens Nursery
K & M Roses
Nelson’s Southern Roses
Purely Organic
Rose Petal Nursery
Angel Gardens, K&M Roses, Nelson’s Southern Roses and Rose Petal Nursery will delight us with a myriad of roses for sale on own root and Fortuniana rootstock. Purely Organics will also be there. Be sure to preorder your roses and amendments for the best selection. Most preorders for roses begin around January 15th. Vendor inventory/price lists will be emailed when available.
Best Western Gateway Grand Hotel & Conference Center
This Mediterranean styled hotel has great amenities including the Gators Den, the onsite restaurant and bar. Swim in the sparkling pool, soak in the hot tub and relax under a tropical cabana. There is a 24-hour Fitness Center, Business Center and Guest Laundry. The Massage Studio is available with advance reservation required. A hot American Breakfast Buffet is complimentary, with made to order omelets. Free parking with space for oversized vehicles.
Address: 4200 NW 97th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606. Directions: north side of Gainesville, FL just west of I-75, at the 39th Avenue/SR222 exit (Exit 390).
Mid-Winter Hotel Reservation Link: DSD Mid-Winter 2025 Conference – Hotel Rooms at BWGG
Funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County.
Kim Wendt, 2025 Mid-Winter Chair, Greater Palm Beach Rose Society
Cell: 561-436-8555, Email: kwendt.palmbeach@gmail.com