An Introduction from our Chairman - Bob Webster 

Welcome and thank you for visiting The Amateur Rose Breeders Association website. 

Breeding roses is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that very often gives those taking part a feeling of real creative accomplishment. From the moment a breeder chooses the parent roses, until a few months later when the seedlings flower for the very first time, there is an exciting anticipation for each of these seedlings will have individual and unique characteristics - the creation of the hybridiser. Many of our members have had national and international success with many of their roses being commercially available.

The objects of our association are to protect and promote the interests of its members and to advance the status, knowledge and skill of Amateur Rose Breeders.  We are affiliated to the Royal National Rose Society and we offer help and advice via our 'Name a Rose' service giving an opportunity to purchase and name a unique rose for a loved one. (Please see the link below) ARBA members are dedicated to developing new varieties that bring improved health, perfume and novelty to all types of roses.

A Management Committee runs the affairs of the Association and organises regular meetings and events.  One of  our annual highlights is our show where members are invited to display their new rose seedlings which can be seen by the public for the very first time. In 2011 we held our show as part of the Great Autumn Flower Show at the Harrogate showground which is staged by the North of England Horticultural Society. 2011 is the centenary of the foundation of NEHS and we were all delighted to win a gold medal for our display upon our very first visit to this show which is arguably the best Autumn show in Europe. You can see a report of the show and some photographs under our 'Events' item.

In 2011 the Association opened a new Trial Ground located at the Nurseries of R V Roger, Pickering, North Yorkshire where members' roses undergo a two or three year trial, (Dependent upon the type of rose). Throughout the trial period they are independently judged against set criteria and at the end of the trial prizes are awarded for the winners.

ARBA produces a very informative Annual along with regular newsletters and other publications. Details of these can be seen at Publications.

Have you ever wanted to give a loved one a truly individual and unique present by naming a rose for them? You can if you go to Name a rose.

If you have a question on any aspect of rose breeding then why not email your query to David Wilce, our website editor, under contact us and we will endeavour to reply to you within seven working days.

If you wish to become a member and enjoy the benefits of membership please visit Join us.

Once again thank you for visiting our website and I hope that you will be inspired by what you have seen and join a very friendly and rewarding organisation.  

Kind Regards

Robert Webster