In 2009, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer dreamed of creating a “Heritage Rose District” in Harlem.  To make that dream a reality, his office invited the Heritage Rose Foundation (HRF) to become involved.  In October of that year, the HRF accepted the challenge.  In the three years since, there have been numerous planting days in which many hundreds of donated roses have been planted around 30 sites in Harlem and Washington Heights. 

Because of Professor Malcolm Manners’s (FSC Horticultural Science Department) work with the Foundation, and the fact that Florida Southern College has a large collection of heritage roses, FSC quickly became involved as well and we have produced and delivered nearly 400 plants for the project. 

“FSC promotes ‘engaged learning’ in the classroom as well as service-learning opportunities, so this project fit beautifully with our horticulture program at the College,” said Professor Manners.  “My HRT 1000 Plants and Society and HRT 2100 Introduction to Horticultural Science classes have been heavily involved in propagating the roses, potting them, packing, and shipping them.”

On April 13-15, Dr. Manners, along with 11 FSC students returned to New York to plant more roses, as well as to do some pruning and maintenance in the existing gardens.  During their visit, the group visited and tended over 10 gardens, including the Harriet Tubman memorial; Alexander Hamilton's home, "The Grange," which is a national monument; City College of New York, where they did some light pruning and cleanup of several beds; and the High School of Environmental Studies, where some of their interested students gave up a day of their spring break to join them.