How are your roses doing this year? After the recent rains they’re flourishing in our garden.

We’re very excited about the upcoming 34th Annual Celebration of Old Roses, our favorite El Cerrito event. The Celebration is always held the Sunday after Mother’s Day; this year it’s on May 18th, from 11:00 to 3:30 pm. Sponsored by the Heritage Rose Group Bay Area , it’s at the El Cerrito Community Center, several blocks east of San Pablo Ave, at 7007 Moeser Lane (cross is Ashbury Ave). All are welcome; the event and parking are free, and it’s wheelchair-accessible.

The heart of the Celebration is an overflowing 100-foot display of all kinds of roses. Everyone from expert cultivators to casual gardeners bring cut roses to share and show off. The roses are arranged by type, so just by cruising the collection you’ll get a great education.

Along with the roses there are wonderful arts and crafts and flower-related products for you to enjoy – a don’t-miss chance to stock up on gifts for those rose and nature-lovers in your life. We’ve had a table at the Celebration for the past nine years. Heidi brings the things she makes from her original photos, rose and flower-related, including jewelry, scarves, decorated boxes, purses, cards, prints, and much more!

George brings his wonderful handmade soap and all-natural beeswax candles from our beehives. And for the first time we’ll have La Ferme Melliferalle honey for you to sample and buy.

If you can’t wait until the Celebration, you can buy our honey at Biofuel Oasis in Berkeley.

Mark May 18th down on your calendar — go to smell the intoxicating roses and then stop by our table to say hello. If you have any questions, please email Heidi at HeidiRand@gmail.com