Join PRS for the 3rd Annual Run for the Roses with Rose & Jon Gazarek:
PEAK BLOOM SEASON STARTS HERE!
We hope that you will join PRS on Saturday, May 2, from 2–4 pm at the stunning Southern Maryland garden of Rose and Jon Gazarek, where they cultivate over 150 varieties of roses across ⅙ of an acre of companion plantings. From espaliered fruit trees to native plants, clematis, and a garden designed for all-season beauty, almost every tree features a rose climbing toward the sky — a true feast for the senses.
This organic, chemical-free garden uses pine fines instead of peat, incorporates Pennsylvania fieldstone and reclaimed bricks, and thrives despite blackspot challenges in the Coastal Plain eco-region near the Potomac. Recognized as a Monarch Waystation, a Certified Wildlife Habitat, and Bay-Wise Certified—and the recipient of the 2025 Prince George's County Beautification and Sustainability Award— it’s a haven for both roses and pollinators. Rose and Jon are proud Master Gardeners and ARS Consulting Rosarians; follow their seasonal updates on Instagram @rosegazarek and @dmvgardener.
As luck would have it, our rose season kickoff coincides with the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, affectionately called “The Run for the Roses,” where a lush blanket of red roses has crowned the winner since 1883. In the spirit of this iconic race, we’re inviting you to wear your finest Derby-style hat!— with prizes for the best hats and best overall Derby flair!
Rose & Jon welcoming guests with a bespoke wreath featuring David Austin Wedding Roses.
Enjoy light refreshments while wandering through a garden that truly lives up to the “Run for the Roses” name. Registration remains open through April 30, and directions will be provided to all registrants in advance.
Don’t miss this perfect spring celebration of roses, community, and Kentucky Derby flair!
Consulting Rosarians will earn one continuing education credit for attending this event.
Photos courtesy of Jon Gazarek: 1. 'Marianne' 2. Zéphirine Drouhin 3. "Laguna" at sunset 4. "Jasmina"
