1996 City of Thomasville, "The Big Oak"

The Big Oak

Thomasville's identification as the City of Roses began in the last century, when P.J. Hjort founded his nursery. The family has continued in the tradition, and since the first annual Rose Show and Festival of 1922, this has been a regular spring event. The public All-American Rose Test Gardens, with more than 2,000 bushes, is one of two dozens so officially designated in the United States. Open from Mid-April to Mid-November, Admission is Free. Roses line the streets of Thomasville, frame buildings, even convenience stores, with as many as 25,000 in bloom at once.