Centuries ago, the red and white roses of Lancaster and York symbolized a fierce struggle for power. But at Summer at the Schmidt, we’re rewriting that story!

This time, the “War of the Roses” isn’t about conflict — it’s about community. And music!

Our very own “Rose Doctor,” Gary Ritchie, has hand-picked four stunning rose varietals to compete for your affection: three modern roses — Waiheke, Escapade, and Elina — and one beautiful heritage rose, Sidonie. Each one is a contender for the title of Victor of the Roses — and you decide the winner.

The campaign begins Friday, July 11 and culminates at our Summer at the Schmidt event on Saturday, August 9.

Here’s how it works:

A $10 donation to the Tumwater Youth Music Fund (through the Olympia Tumwater Foundation) counts as one vote. Click the donate button and make sure the correct rose is selected!
The rose with the most votes by August 9 will be crowned the winner.
Every vote also enters you into a raffle for the War of the Roses Grand Prize:
Happy Hour for 4 in the Centennial Rose Garden with Gary Ritchie.
You’ll enjoy two bottles of wine, a fresh-picked rose bouquet, and Gary’s signature storytelling and rose expertise.

Your vote helps crown a rose, supports youth music in Tumwater, and could win you an unforgettable evening in full bloom.

SEE BELOW FOR ROSE DETAILS:

Waiheke’ (vote!)
- Introduction Date: 1999
- Type: Grandiflora
- Breeder: Sam McGredy IV (New Zealand)
- Parentage: 'Joyfulness' x 'New Zealand'
- Fragrance: Moderate
‘Escapade’ (vote!)
- Introduction Date: 1967
- Type: Floribunda
- Breeder: Jack L. Harkness (United Kingdom)
- Parentage: 'Pink Parfait' x 'Baby Faurax'
- Fragrance: Light (usually described as lightly fragrant or spicy

‘Elina’ (vote!)
- Introduction Date: 1983
- Type: Hybrid Tea
- Breeder: Patrick Dickson, Dickson Nurseries (United Kingdom)
- Parentage: 'Nana Mouskouri' x 'Lolita'
- Fragrance: Light to Moderate (some sources say mild, others lightly fragrant; generally, not considered a strong perfumer)

Sidonie (vote!)
- Introduction Date: 1847
- Type: Primarily classified as a Hybrid Perpetual, but often also listed as a Damask Perpetual or a blend of both characteristics. This highlights the transitional nature of roses from this period.
- Breeder: Jean-Pierre Vibert (France).
- Parentage: Unknown. Like many roses from this era, specific parentage records were not always kept or have been lost to time.
- Fragrance: It is consistently described as being very fragrant, adding to its appeal for gardeners who prioritize scent.

War of the Roses!

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