Beyond the Bloom - Living Tales of the Rose: Created, Imagined, Retold

A day to celebrate the rose and support denentia care
Theme: Convergence

Our Day of the Rose brings together some of the finest voices on the rose from the worlds of science and the arts. From heritage and modern rose breeding to symbolism and culture - botany to Shakespeare — it’s all happening for the rose. With such variety and depth, our speakers promise to take you well Beyond the Bloom..

Why CLAY FOR DEMENTIA ?

A natural partnership. Beyond the Bloom unites the sciences and the arts through Nature herself. At the Garden Museum, art, nature and medical science beautifully intertwine.

Whether shaping clay or tending soil, both call for the hands — an earthy, sensory and intuitive connection. Working with clay encourages expression and helps minds reawaken. Tending the rose, meanwhile, is an act of guardianship; its beauty is a tribute to the Earth, and a promise of renewal.

Be part of History in the Making

Blossom your rose knowledge in the very room where Charles Darwin gave his legendary lecture that preceded On the Origins of the Species.

The Linnean Society of London now opens its historic theatre to o welcome a new generation of thinkers, as leading UK rose experts take to the stage..

Part 1 THE ROSE IN CREATION

With a heritage rooted in the nineteenth century, both Harkness Roses (1879) and the Historic Roses Group share ties with Darwin’s era.

• Philip Harkness — acclaimed rose breeder and Chair of Harkness Roses
• Michael Marriott — world-renowned rosarian, author, RHS rose specialist, and Chair of the Historic Roses Group

Together, they will illuminate the fascinating science behind the rose.

• Rosebie Morton, founder of The Real Flower Company, will reveal how her sustainable flower business keeps the rose at its heart.
• Martin Stott, co-editor of the World Federation of Rose Societies journal By Any Other Name and author of The Storyteller Garden, brings tales, myths and memories from rose lovers everywhere — perhaps even yours.

Part 2 THE ROSE IN IMAGINATION

Leading voices from the arts will explore the rose in culture and imagination:

• Dr Christie Carson — Shakespeare scholar and author, revealing new insights into roses in performance.
• Dr Aysu Dincer — historian of medieval and Renaissance life, opening the rose-filled medicine cabinets of the past.
• Laura Taylor — artist and maker, on the sacred rose in art, and withinher remarkable Sacred Garden painting created with hand-ground pigments.

In addition, we’ll share a few foraged and cultivated rose recipes — old and new — to bring flavour to our discoveries.

Part 3 ROSES RETOLD

By special request, the Linnean have researched their archives for botanical illustrations and manuscripts relating to historic roses. Within our day, the famous Library will be closed to the public for guest access only. This is a very privileged opportunity to enjoy these very historic, beautiful and functional documents of their day to inform the world of science.

From heritage to horticulture, symbolism to scent, this is a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding of the rose — in gardens, homes and imagination alike.
Each time you breathe in a rose or plant one anew next spring, may the discoveries of this day bring lasting pleasure.

Your ticket helps to support the dementia therapy programme at the Garden Museum — a project where creativity, nature and care meet. Through your participation, you’ll be passing on the gift of memory and connection.

You may choose your seat from our selection of special Roses Tickets.

HYBRID TEA ticket includes the rose whose scent inspired a journey— Rosa Frühlingsduft (The Scent of Spring, 1949, Kordes*) with a donation from R.V. Roger to Clay for Dementia.
(Limited supply: This ticket ensures your rose is reserved, as well as a light lunch,amorning refreshments and your donation secured with your premium seat)

FLORIBUNDA ticket reserves lunch and morning refreshments and excellent seating

HERITAGE includes your programme, charity donation and very good seat choice.

CANARY BIRD is web access only access.

EARLY BIRD choices available from now on all until Tuesday 4th November 11.00 pm

Come, listen and share in a day devoted to the world’s most storied flower.
Meet the legends, learn their secrets and celebrate the rose in all its meanings — past, present and beyond. And share your own..

Send in Your Own Rose Memory

Part 4 ROSES REMBMBERED

Use the Eventbrite form and give a few lines of a meaningful rose memory to you. If you have an accompanying image you'd like to oshare- let us know . Our personal memory recall of roses bring immense pleasure, and all our experts would love to see and hear about your favourites. You can let us know from as soon as you order your ticket..

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Linnean Society of London, Piccadilly, London, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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