About us
The Antique Rose Emporium was founded in 1983 in the historic town of Independence. It was founded on the idea of preserving the Old Garden Roses. We now offer over 300 different and unique varieties of roses, there is definitely a rose for everyone!
We believe the rose is the ultimate garden flower. Presenting a variety of colors, shapes, and fragrances, they can be used for many different landscapes and styles of gardens.
Roses have maintained a reputation of being ‘fussy’ and ‘high-maintenance,’ and while this is true for some varieties, it is not a representation of all roses! We strive to educate gardeners on the true ease of care and best care practices for many varieties.
We want to share our passion and love of roses with you and inspire you to bring the “Queen of Flowers’ into your garden!
Come experience the tranquility of roses in the garden for yourself! Visit our Nursery and Display Gardens, also located in Independence, Texas, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Learn more about our Nursery and Display Gardens here.
About the Family
The Keeters purchased the Antique Rose Emporium from the founder, Mike Shoup, in December of 2022. Jim and Kim have known and loved the Antique Rose Emporium for many years. When the opportunity to carry on the legacy created by Mike and Jean, they jumped at it. They feel like they were destined to take it over, it’s not just a business, it’s a calling.
Kim’s parents were avid rosarians who build a private display garden in Fredericksburg with hundreds of varieties. Jim’s father was a renowned landscape architect and sourced roses for many projects from the Antique Rose Emporium.
The Keeter’s daughter and son-in-law, Mackenzie and Nathan Knutson, have dovetailed their careers into the operation. Even Jim and Kim’s 11 year old son, Tres, pitches in at the Nursery! He loves visiting with customers and working with the plants.
We are so excited to be on this journey and cannot wait to see what the future will bring here at the Antique Rose Emporium.
