Spotlight: Antique Rose Emporium

A highly recommended ride through the Texas countryside, and a side-trip from the route covered in this issue, is Scenic Highway FM 390. From at Burton, take Hwy 390 to Independence. This 20-mile stretch of the Texas Independence Trail showcases vast, beautiful valleys and hilltops, dotted with sprawling cattle and horse ranches and lined with lazy, sprawling gnarled oaks. The area feels untouched and preserved, a delicately balanced marriage of past and present, and is a treat not to be denied any Texas biker.

A pleasant destination at the end of this trail is the Antique Rose Emporium. At Independence turn onto FM 50, the Emporium is just a few hundred yards on the left.

Whether or not your interests tend toward the botanical a casual walk through the gardens will rejuvenate your senses (and maybe inspire a new tattoo design!).

From the minute you step under the archway constructed entirely of terra cotta planters, you are surrounded by acres of flowers. Enjoy not only roses, but also many other native Texas plants and shrubs.

The Emporium was started in the early 80’s after its founder and his staff began noticing that native rose plants throughout the Texas countryside seemed to grow at will and thrive with little or no tending. From that time it has been their mission to not only find, harvest and perpetuate these rose varieties, but to research their origins and identities.

Many varieties were introduced to the United States in the early 19th century. Some even dating back as early as the 1700’s came from places as far away as China.

These antique roses come in a vast variety of colors, shapes and sizes and are showcased beautifully at the Emporium. A walk through the gardens takes you by flower beds a-bloom and a-buzz with busy pollinators of every kind, arbors draped in towering, flowering plants, water gardens and statuary, and gift shops housed in out-buildings erected on the original homestead in the mid 1800’s. This is not your typical home and garden center.

Although it may not be possible to purchase your rose plants and transport them home on two wheels, shipping is available. All rose plants are the same price, $15.95, and all are shipped only from October through April. Fall and winter are the best seasons for planting.

The gardens and other facilities on the property are also available for weddings and other special gatherings and events. See the website for rental information. The Antique Rose Emporium is the perfect Texas-sized reminder for all of us to – that’s right—stop and smell the roses!

You can also order roses online at www.antiqueroseemporium.com. Get answers to your questions or order a catalog by calling 800-441-0002.