Master Rosarian Claude Graves has amassed the largest collection of rambler roses in the U.S., both in the Gardens and the nurseries at the American Rose Center. These are the once blooming climbing roses that graced the pergolas, arbors and walls of the world’s greatest public and private gardens at the turn of the 20th century.

As in every year for 43 consecutive years, the Gardens at the American Rose Center will be magically transformed into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights for Christmas in Roseland in December.

Under new leadership, we expect the Gardens to grow and thrive as a public garden, owned by the community, drawing visitors from across the nation and around the world, building on the extraordinary horticultural heritage already established on the property while broadening the ways people experience the Gardens.

It’s been a period of celebration! In 2025, the American Rose Center celebrated its 50th Anniversary; this year we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence and the 40th Anniversary of the Rose as our America’s Floral Emblem.

At the Rose Gardens of the American Rose Center, one of our newest stories has four paws, a beautiful coat of gold, black and brown, twinkling brown eyes, a gentle heart—and a name that fits her personality.
Her name is Rosie.

Visible for miles, it stands near Exit 5, which is the turn toward the Gardens of the American Rose Center on Jefferson Paige Road. The city’s giant new water tower rises above the treetops west of Shreveport along Interstate 20, between mile markers 5 and 8.