like those your grandmother grew, and species roses will be on display in the fourth circle. The Clockworks Gardens is the first of its kind to capture the history of one of the world’s most captivating plants in a living display.” Events and holiday wishes Open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Dec. 19, and nightly Dec. 20-23, Christmas in Roseland hosts special activities on select dates. Royalty visits on Sunday, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, and Dec. 12, when Princesses in the Gardens gives youngsters a chance to meet fairy-tale princesses. During Market Nights held Dec. 3-5, local artists and craftsmen offer an array of handmade items. “This is a perfect time to shop for that one-of-a-kind gift for the special people on your list,” says Corkern. “And remember to visit our two gift shops open during Christmas in Roseland: our seasonal Santa holiday store and the garden’s permanent gift shop.” The holiday celebration’s grand finale will be a candlelit sing-a-long with the old-time Southern string-and-percussion band Magnolia Mae. “We’ll be singing all the Christmas classics and holiday favorites,” says Corkern. “It’s one of the most popular nights of Christmas in Roseland.” Christmas in Roseland is featured on the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights, comprised of five locations throughout the Bayou State: Alexandria/Pineville, Minden, Monroe/West Monroe, Natchitoches, and Shreveport/Bossier City. The trail includes several community Christmas festivals, a tour of homes, shopping, and holiday foods. Admission to Christmas in Roseland is $5 per person or $20 per carload; ages 2 and younger are admitted free. “This is the only time each year that we charge admission to America’s Rose Garden,” says Corkern. “It’s our major fundraiser that allows us to provide free admission the rest of the year. Of course, donations are encouraged at any time.” rose.org Journalist and photographer Pamela A. Keene’s favorite flower is the hybrid tea rose. At her home, Rose Lane northeast of Atlanta, she grows 60 named varieties of long-stemmed fragrant hybrid tea roses.
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