Ruth's Rose Garden
2014
Ruth's Rose Garden was dedicated in 2014 in honor of Ruth King Thrift, wife of former President Charles T. Thrift, Jr., and was given by the couple's daughters Nell Thrift, Helen Sue Thrift, and Mary Thrift Chambers as well as their son-in-law Carlile Chambers. Since its creation, Dr. Malcolm Manners, internationally renowned rosarian and Chair of Florida Southern's Citrus and Horticultural Science program, has utilized the garden as a hands-on learning opportunity for his students. The horticulture students are responsible for pruning, transplanting, mulching, fertilizing, and propagating the rose garden. Ruth's Rose Garden is home to approximately 350 rose plants from 250 varieties.
