It is no surprise to you that gardening is one of my passions. Digging in the dirt is practically a magical experience for me. And, watching my garden spring back to life is almost cause for dancing in the streets. 💃
This week it has officially started for me and I don’t even want to sleep. Now if the weatherman would just get the memo and bring us more sun! Don’t you agree weekends should always be sunny!
While I love most plants and shrubs, roses are at the top of the list. History teaches us I am not lone. Roses have been at the top of many plant list and have become the world’s most beloved flower. The rose is steeped in history (I have roses that date back to the 1500s in my garden and they have some stories to tell!) and the rose is our National Floral Emblem. Personally, I think everyone would be happier to have roses to pick from their own gardens or patio containers! We are always encouraged to “stop and smell the roses.”
Today I want to tell you about two organizations that have contributed to my joy of growing roses and most definitely to my knowledge!
THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY
Through the American Rose Society (ARS), I have rose friends from all over the country that enrich my rose hobby. This society exists to promote the culture and appreciation of the rose, through education and research to members, to local rose societies and their members and to the public.
MEMBERSHIP…
Most ARS members are home gardeners who enjoy growing roses and want to expand their knowledge of rose culture. Starting now gives you all winter for learning and getting ready for spring! If you are not ready to take on a full membership, give it a try with the cost effective TRIAL MEMBERSHIP and see what you think.
FOUR-MONTH TRIAL MEMBERS RECEIVE:
Free advice from Consulting Rosarians.
Free or reduced garden admissions, a $25 value after just 3 uses.
Free online access to five quarterly bulletins, a $45 value.
2 issues of American Rose magazine, $16 value.
Discounts of up to 30% at merchant partners.
A four-month trial membership is valued at $86 for only $10!
For FULL MEMBERS, one of my fav ARS member benefits currently is the monthly newsletter. I am the editor! To see a sample of the newsletter, read on here.
SIGN UP TODAY! For the trial membership or a yearly membership, complete the online form or call 800-637-6534.
OUR LOCAL SOCIETY … INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY
I serve as 1st Vice President and Chairman for website and social media. Check out our website at IndianapolisRoseSociety.com and join us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
In this organization I have met wonderful people of all ages. We are all at different stages of the gardening experience and have different passions. Some are into just growing while others with the competitive spirit, enter the most amazing blooms and arrangements in competitions! Some members have 1 rose and some have 500 roses. One of the greatest perks is getting to visit member’s gardens. This group has some amazing gardens!
But it is so much more…
We spend time enjoying all things “rose” together. We learn, we laugh, we celebrate successes and we deal with failures & issues together. It’s not just roses that keep us together, over the years–we have become family and you are welcome anytime!
This year we have members coming from Marion, Kokomo, Bloomington and most of the surrounding burgs!
Our 2017 year started off with a bang in March, as Dr. Mark Windham gave a program on getting our gardens off to a good start and gave us the latest on his research with Rose Rosette.
You can keep up with what’s going on by subscribing to our blog at INDIANAPOLISROSESOCIETY.COM. Most of our meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Sullivan Munce Center in charming Zionsville. HERE’S WHAT’S COMING UP FOR 2017.
NEXT MEETING:
TIME / PLACE:
Tuesday, April 11, 6:30 pm
Sullivan Munce Center / 225 W Hawthorne St / Zionsville
The program will be on Fertilizers and Soil Amendments, presented by our panel of experts, John Hefner, Mark Nolen and Humberto DeLuca.
What kind? How often? Organic? Inorganic? Too much? Too Little?
Bring all your questions! This panel will have the answers!
NOTE: The rose in the graphic above is the award winning Easy Does It.
This is a picture my daughter took from her garden! I don’t know if this rose will be available locally, but it is available online from Edmunds Roses here.
EASY DOES IT…
- Recommended Growing Zones: 5 – 10
- 3-4″ Height
- Bushy Growth Habit
- Fruity Fragrance
- Disease Resistant
Wishing you a wonderful spring!
I don’t want to sleep either and grumble when the rain gets too steady here! I applaud your dedication and service to the ARS and your local rose society.
Elena, you are the best and one of the reasons I love these societies so!
That is so kind of you, dear Teresa.
Happy Spring Teresa! So looking forward to witnessing what your garden does this year, and it is my dream one day to walk through your beautiful garden gate!
Do have any tips on growing roses from cuttings? I have been successful with a few attempts, but not all.
I have not done much with cuttings. It is on my to do list!! 😀