Fall’s here, but roses linger, brightening the landscape as leaves start to turn. Here are two reasons to get motivated and experience these sweet scented blooms at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden this week.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 3 and 4, Richmond’s own Boxwood Garden Club — part of the Garden Club of Virginia — is hosting their 74th Annual Rose Show. It’s free, running from 2 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 3 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 4.

The Boxwood Club, when talking about the show, likes to quote a Chinese proverb: “The world is a rose ... smell it and pass it along to a friend.” And it’s friends they encourage you to gather and bring so that you may enjoy the beautiful roses as a group. It would make for a great girlfriends’ afternoon excursion or even a fun lunch outing from work on Friday.

Here’s what you can expect. The show has two parts, both of which include judged entries from across the state. Category one is horticulture (with participants presenting single stems or sprays), and the second highlights artistic arrangements. Within horticulture, the classes are many and varied, ranging from climbing and shrub roses to miniatures, Granidfloras and hybrid teas.

Artistic arrangements fall into classes, as well. I'm most excited to see “Dining with Roses,” in which entries, must be in a Phoenix shape and designed to fit on a 30-inch table that’s dressed in a white tablecloth and set before a black niche. What colors and roses will they use? I can’t wait to see.

“It’s such a beautiful show,” says Ann Heller, who handles communications for the Garden Club of Virginia. “Ladies and gentleman from across the state have put so much work into their rose displays.” She knows you won’t be disappointed.

To further celebrate this fragrant, treasured flower, Lewis Ginter is hosting a Rose Fest on Saturday, Oct. 6, from noon to 3 p.m. This is a must-see as well. The botanical garden has 1,800 roses planted along its meandering paths, ready for you to enjoy.