On a warm August evening in 1946, a group of rose enthusiasts gathered to form the Memphis and Shelby County Rose Society, electing Dr. Neumon Taylor as its first president. From the start, they set ambitious goals—affiliating with the American Rose Society, partnering with the Park Commission to create a public rose garden in Overton Park, and launching a bulletin by November.

Their passion quickly took root. Members donated 27 rose bushes to the Rose Bowl, some sponsoring entire beds. That first year, they hosted a rose show, later delivering the blooms to Kennedy Veterans Hospital. In 1952, the group became the Memphis Rose Society, and by 1955, they were petitioning Congress to name the rose the national flower. Their dedication led to hosting the American Rose Society Convention in 1971.

Today, the Memphis Rose Society remains dedicated to cultivating knowledge and sharing the beauty of roses with the community.