What Membership Benefits Does the American Rose Society Offer?

The American Rose Society (ARS), founded in 1892 and headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana, offers a free E-Membership that gives rose growers access to educational content, a monthly webinar series, and connections to local rose societies across the country. If you want structured rose-growing guidance and a community of growers without paying for a traditional membership, the free E-Membership is the entry point described on rose.org.

What the Free E-Membership Includes

According to rose.org, the FREE E-Membership is positioned as a no-cost way to sample the society's rose-growing information. The site presents it alongside the society's broader educational offerings rather than as a separate premium tier.

The main benefits tied to membership on the site are:

  • Monthly webinars — ARS runs educational webinars on a range of rose topics, with speakers from around the world. The site states these webinars are provided free of charge for all American Rose Society members.
  • The Fragrant Rose e-newsletter — described as an e-newsletter for people interested in roses, "chock-full of rose growing tips and information," delivered free to your inbox.
  • Local rose society connections — the site frames local societies as a way to "grow roses, & grow friendships," and provides resources for finding one in your area, managing your own group, and running a successful organization (including insurance and other operational resources).
  • Educational library — rose.org organizes content into categories such as Basic Rose Care, Advanced Rose Growing, Arranging, Exhibiting, Fragrance, Hybridizing and Breeders, New Rose Intros, Pests & Diseases, and Types of Roses.

How to Decide If It's Worth Joining

The free E-Membership makes sense if your goal is to learn rose care and stay informed without a financial commitment. The webinars and newsletter give you recurring, practical content, and the local society directory helps you find in-person growers near you.

A paid or full membership becomes more relevant if you want deeper involvement — for example, exhibiting at rose shows, participating in national events, or supporting the society's research and garden mission. The site notes the ARS mission is to promote the culture, preservation, and appreciation of the rose and improve its standard of excellence through education and research, with over 14,000 members nationwide.

National Events and the Garden

Beyond digital benefits, ARS hosts national gatherings. The 2026 ARS National Convention & Rose Show, themed "Medley of Roses," is scheduled for October 2–5, 2026, hosted by the ARS Nashville Rose Society at the Sheraton Music City Nashville Airport Hotel in Nashville, TN.

The society's headquarters in Shreveport sits on 118 acres that include America's Rose Garden, featuring thousands of roses, an International rose trial garden, and what the site describes as the largest collection of Rambler Roses in the United States. The gardens and facilities also host events and weddings throughout the year.

Practical Next Step

Start with the free E-Membership to receive The Fragrant Rose and webinar access, then use the Local Rose Society Resources section to find a group near you. If your interest grows toward exhibiting or national events, check the convention page and the society's news section for current details.

rose.org