The World Federation of Rose Societies is happy to present
Heritage rose conference
The 15th International
Under the High Patronage of SAR la Princesse Astrid de Belgique
Welcoming message by
Henrianne de Briey
WFRS President
Dear Rose Friends,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the 15th International Heritage Rose Conference in my country The Belgian Royal National Rose Society is more than honored to host this event under the auspices of the World Federation of Rose Societies (WFRS). The attachment that Belgium has for the Rose goes back to the time of Emperor Charlemagne (the father of Europe) because as around the 800's he encouraged the cultivation of the rose in our country and of course at that time only old species were available.
Belgium has a long old rose cultivar history. Parmentier, Crépin, van Houtte and Lens are famous names that have in the past made Belgium’s renown through the world. P.J. Redouté, born in Belgium was certainly the “Raphael” of the rose painters. He was a favorite of Marie- Antoinette and he tutored Empress Joséphine. Famous for his water paintings of old rose cultivars he gave a good picture of early rose breeding.
For all rose lovers, our organizing committee is preparing a beautiful event with speakers dedicated to the old rose family and their conservation along with exciting visits and Belgian cultural experiences. During the Pre and Post tours, participants will have the opportunity to see more historical places and gardens. I strongly encourage you to visit us in June 2023 for friendship around the rose .
To end I would like to say :“Roses from all over the world, let’s go and see again the cradle of your childhood because it is in the dew that pearls on the wild rose that the heart finds its morning and its freshness”.
With all my roseful regards,
President,
Henrianne de Briey,
Frans Thomas
President of Rosa Belgica
As president of the SRNB I am happy to welcome our Roses Friends and especially those who are passionate about old roses.
Our society was created in 1926 by Georges van Oost, who’s favorite Roses at the time included the Pernet-Dücher, Golden Sun 1900 and Souvenir de Claudius Pernet 1920 varieties, the first yellow varieties.
This success made him aware of the infinite possibilities offered by roses to perfect, through crossings, what breeders could achieve alongside nature in the evolution of roses. Through exhibitions, publications and conferences the Belgian Rose Society has raised the awareness of this evolution and encouraged the participation of its progress.
Since the very beginning Bagatelle’s jury member , Georges van Oost met the greatest roses specialists of his time with whom
he would collaborate with for their common goal: the glorious future of the rose. He was particularly happy and honored to encourage his great friend Victor Lens in his research and to publicize his successes.
Georges van Oost presided over our society until his death in 1957. His daughter Lily de Gerlache who took over from him, in turn maintained with Louis Lens (son of Victor) an extraordinary cooperation of 40 years promoting the rose in Belgium and in the world .
In 2003 it was with great joy that I accepted to take on the Presidency of the Society. We are proud to have a Belgian rose from Louis Lens’s named Pascali among the Hall of Fame.
Founding member of the WFRS in 1968, we also have 3 rose gardens which have obtained the label of ‘Garden of Excellence’ and that we are proud to add to the programme visits.
I am delighted to share my passion for our Belgian roses and pursue the dream of my predecessors to promote the Rose.
Welcome in Brussels in June 2023.
Frans Thomas,
President SRNB
With the support of:
Organized with:
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