The 2016 Biltmore International Rose Trials got underway on Saturday in the walled rose garden at the magnificent Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
Esteemed Rose Judges – A right an proper chapeau is required to protect one’s head whilst judging roses
Judges from around the country converged on the garden for one final review of the entries before the winners are announced.
Dr. & Mrs. Keith Zary hard at work judging roses at the 2016 Biltmore International Rose Trials
Roses in the trial are grown in no spray conditions for three years and are evaluated by a permanent jury of judges multiple times per year. The roses are judged on various criteria ranging from overall garden presentation to disease resistance and the presence of fragrance.
Tall hybrid tea roses in the walled garden of Biltmore Estate
The culmination of these efforts are realized as the results are tabulated and the winners are announced and I was honored to be among this years judges.
Tina & I ready for a day of judging roses!
THE WINNERS:
‘Polar Express by Kordes’ Photo Credit: New Flora
Edith Wharton Award
Best Floribunda
‘Polar Express’ by Kordes
William Cecil Award
Best Growth Habit
‘Polar Express’ by Kordes
George and Edith Vanderbilt Award
Most Outstanding Rose
‘Polar Express’ by Kordes
‘Honeymoon’ by Kordes. Photo Credit: New Flora
Lord Burleigh Award
Best Disease Resistant Rose
‘Honeymoon’ by Kordes
Congratulations to the winners. The Biltmore International Rose Trials is an ongoing effort and is coordinated by Paul Zimmerman. The staff at Biltmore Estate are to be commended on continuing the horticultural legacy of George Vanderbilt that began in 1889.
Hybridizers from around the globe submit roses to the trial each year an is open to all amateur and professional hybridizers.
The Redneck Rosarian 
How lovely to witness such beautiful blooms. Thank you for sharing them.
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Wow. Kordes hits it out of the park again. Where there any runner ups or honerable mentions?
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Chris looks like u had fun at the Biltmore ! We would love to have your wife Tina join us at garden club on Wednesday! Let me know do we get a lunch for her ! So looking forward to hearing u!
Dorie King
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She would love to come. Thank you!
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Hi Chris, it looks like a great day out for all involved. Were there only the five categories this year or are you drip feeding us? Thanks for the post. Mike Athy
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Hey Mike, we had a great time. All categories were in place these were the only roses to meet the scoring criteria for awards.
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A great event where backyard gardeners will be the ultimate big winners!
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So very true
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