It seems like so long since I posted but it hasn’t been. However, I have been traveling and that warps my sense of time! So many fun things to tell you about.
AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY NATIONAL CONVENTION
I travelled to San Diego for the ARS National Convention as my friend and current president, Pat Shanley passed the gavel to incoming president Bob Martin. They have worked so well together and it was very special to see them honor one another. Diane Sommers was installed as Vice President by her good friend Andy Plasz of the IL-IN District. And, there was my own installation as IL-IN Director.
Then it was time for the Board Meeting … my first board meeting. As I looked around the table of other board members, I found I was in very good company with so much to learn! I am excited for this opportunity to learn from them as we serve our organization. I love people and I love roses and I am always happy to bring the two together.
And by the way, I was honored with an award, a presidential citation for my work as editor of the ARS member newsletter Roses & You. #blush
EDUCATION
There were so many opportunities to learn at this conference.
HYBRIDIZING
We heard from hybridizers, Tom Carruth and Ping Lim. Tom gave us a lesson on rose breeding — a walk through families of roses that led us to the ever popular and beautiful Julia Child rose.
As many of you know, Ping Lim is the hybridizer of the Easy Elegance Collection that I talk about quite often. Ping now has a NEW ROSE COLLECTION called TRUE BLOOM (details here). I had the pleasure of seeing many of them and can tell you we have so much to look forward too. I can’t wait to try them in my garden!
ROSE PRESERVATION by Connie Hilker of Hartwood Roses — one of my new best rose friends! We were all entranced as she shared her heart, stories and so much information about heirloom roses. So many of them are endangered.
It is no surprise that Incoming ARS President Bob Martin has named Connie the Chairman of the Committee for Rose Preservation. I can think of no one better suited. Yes, roses, especially those “who have been around for a long long time,” are in good hands with Connie. She and I recorded a Rose Chat while there that will include her entire program. Her Rose Chat will be released soon so watch social media.
I was also able to catch up with my good friend Wendy Tilley, owner of TheRoseGardener.com — a place for wonderful products for rose growers and all gardeners. Wendy and her husband Ryan recently moved from the Atlanta Area to Portland. That moved included moving a rose garden. And they don’t just grow a few.
PODCAST: While in San Diego Wendy and I chatted about the move and some tips she had for others. You can listen to our chat HERE.
ROSE SHOW…
Oh my word the roses!!! A National Convention Rose Show is so over the top! Each rose was eye candy!
BLOOM THYME…
We had the pleasure of touring 5 beautiful private gardens. Don’t you just love going on tours of private gardens. All are so unique. Seeing the style and personality of the ones who lovingly tend them makes them special — an honor to be invited behind the gates.
Bob and Dona Martin invited us to a President’s reception “FIESTA”. What a wonderful evening in a truly beautiful place. Take a look….
A beautiful entrance
Our entertainment. They were amazing.
Lavaglut
Didn’t get the name of this beauty!
Julia Child
A rose I had never seen before but totally fell in love with, Garden and Home.
Another shot of Garden and Home…
South Africa
PERFECT ENDING….
At the end of the convention I travelled by train north to visit with the grandboys and their parents. Truly a perfect ending to a big week. We only had a few days but they were filled to the brim with hugs, hand holding and trips to fun places.
Best greeting EVER!!!
He is the best hugger!
Making garden creations with Mr. H.
My grocery shopping partner!
And, that smile!
WHAT’S NEXT?
With all the travel I am a “bit” behind on putting the garden to bed. I have bulbs to plant and the potting shed is reeking of garlic since I have not gotten that planted yet either. Maybe tomorrow! 😳 I’ll need a warm coat and hat! LOL Did you plant bulbs this year?
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
HAPPY BLOOM THYME FRIDAY!
Teresa, such beautiful photos! Sorry I did not get to talk to you in person in San Diego, but I know you will enjoy serving on the board. Joan
It is not easy to keep up to date with all the new cultivars . . . so I don’t. I still prefer the old hybrid tea roses that were so trendy when I was a kid. No one wants to put that much work into roses anymore.