This January feels a bit different. Yes, we have had cold, we have had snow, but for some reason, the garden has not felt so far away as it usually does. Perhaps it is the temperature fluctuations. We have warmer-than-usual temperatures mixed in with extreme cold, making routine walks in the garden more common. Or, perhaps it the fact that we don’t have snow and ice everywhere! 🤷🏼♀️
This week has moved to extreme cold. No measurable snow but yes that biting cold sure feels like January!
POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS:
In January I am more than grateful for my Potting Shed. Oh how this tiny space adds to my quality of life. 😅 And I’m not going to lie… I am particularly crazy about this String of Pearls.
SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS
Right now it’s all about seeds and seedlings. My seed supply has been organized and new seeds have been purchased.
NEW SEED VARIETIES I’M TRYING
Celosia: Celway Terracotta
Gomphrena: Audray Pink / Strawberry Fields
Verbena: Vanity
Coneflower: Green Twister
Paper Flower/Immortella
Balloon Flower (Seeds from a friend)
So far here is what I am winter sowing…
All the above +
Foxglove: Dalmatian Purple & Peach
Marigold: Queen Sophia
Strawflower: Vintage White & Apricot Mix
Onion: Yellow of Parma
APRIL “WINTER” SOWING
Tomatoes
Zinnias: Benary’s Giant Salmon Rose & Wine, Linen, Zydeco White & Queeny Lime Orange
Holy Basil
Boxwood Basil
Yes, January is the time to start! I have sent the first brave starts outside this week to get all the cold they need to be their best selves! They will have neighbors soon.
WINTER SOWING NOTES
If you are new to Winter Sowing, here is a previous article I wrote that has detailed instructions. (LINK)
BOXWOOD BASIL
Have you tried Boxwood Basil? It has become one of my favorite things to grow. Instead of culinary purposes, I use it for borders and garden accents! See below… Doesn’t it look like lush boxwood?
Winter Sowing StartHerb Garden BorderAccents around roses
Love how it looks in the herb garden particularly.
If you need a bit of green… here’s a Short YouTube Video of the Herb Garden from last August when the Boxwood was showing off. (LINK)
If you want to see other videos from my garden. Here’s a link to the YouTube channel. (LINK) Most of my videos are short and sweet. Many I do under the umbrella of Bloom Thyme Minute!
PLANTED!
These are planted and under grow lights in the Potting Shed… 🥳
Lisianthus: Lavender F1
Lisianthus: Light Apricot F1
MultiBloom Red Geraniums
LISIANTHUS
Lisianthus is a slow grower, so even though I won’t plant her out until late April or early May, she has to be started now to be more than a tiny babe by that time. Here is a gallery of lisianthus taking her sweet time reaching her glory. But oh, she does! I do “support” my Lisianthus, and have found a grid trellis that works well. I have tried many grid “systems”; this really is the best, and it’s black, so it practically disappears in pictures. (See in gallery below.) (GRID TRELLIS LINK)
Lisianthus Time Machine for those I grew in 2024…
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMay: Black Grid TrellisJune
INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY
If you are local, it’s time to take a look at the wonderful roses that are a part of our annual rose sale. It is a fabulous list. Remember, place orders now for April delivery. It is first come / first serve and there are limited supplies!
While we are on holiday, you can find the past shows HERE.
The most recent podcast was an important one. If you haven’t had a chance to listen you can do so here.
TODAY…
As I look out today snow is gently falling in that snow globe way. Not stacking up but giving everything in the garden a special sparkle – reminding me of the scripture…
The whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:3
NEXT UP
Now that seeds are underway, my planning is now moving to the roses and making final decisions on what I will add this year. There are so many great ones out there! We’ll talk about that next time.
Yes, January is a wonderful time for planning and for looking back…
It’s that time of year when we have a clean slate and are ready to write a new story while we reflect on where we have been! YIPPEE How I love a fresh start!
LOOKING BACK
I know I complained a lot about the heat and drought of last summer, but now most of what I think of is how pretty things were. 🙄 That is helped in great measure by the fact that Mr. G added more drip irrigation to the garden last fall!
Some of my favorite garden images from 2025…
LOOKING AHEAD
MY WORD OF THE YEAR
This year my word is PACE. One definition that spoke to me was “to manage your speed and energy.” I want my PACE to be slower. Since my natural tendency is more to “accelerate,” Mr. G is silently laughing but also very excited about my choice. 😄 I suspect he will have to remind me of my “word of the year” from time to time.
In reality, I want to hone in on what I have and love and be much more selective in what I add. While at first look that sounds a bit boring, it has me all kinds of excited.
RESOLUTIONS
Even though I don’t have resolutions for myself, I DO have 2026 resolutions for the garden.
Garden Resolutions…
RECORD KEEPING RESOLUTIONS:
There are few things I want more of, but one thing is …MORE GARDEN JOURNALING: Include short notes on weather, what’s blooming, favorites, concerns / take more photos / short videos. I have done well in years past, but last year when the heat came in the summer… I pretty much stopped recording anything.
Very glad I took pictures and videos. They bring me such pleasure in the off-season and are very helpful in the planning season. So I’ll take more of those!
PLANT RESOLUTIONS:
Fewer plants that need staking (sorry dahlias). While I love a flouncy rose… not so much in cut flowers.
More marigolds – grew for the first time last year and Mr. G loved them. Started Queen Sophia seeds on January 25 using the Winter Sowing methods and they were phenomenal. Easy/Breezy
Streamline winter sowing, which means growing more of what has worked well that I know I love.
Grow fewer flowers. I know I know, sounds like a crazy concept. But last year I actually had too many of several varieties.
No Cosmos. The critters love them and they didn’t bloom until very, VERY late. Sorry Mr. G.
Plant more Coleus. Easy, breezy, and beautiful. And, there are so many fantastic ones.
TIME RESOLUTION:
Take more slow walks in the garden. PACE myself.
VERSE OF THE YEAR
I also choose a Bible verse of the year. This year it is the same one as several years in the past: Isaiah 43:18-19 Yes, He is always doing new things!!
ROSE CHAT
Rose Chat will resume in February. First up will be Paul Zimmerman, and we will be chatting about …… A Global Perspective on Roses! Doesn’t that sound exciting!
While we are waiting, you can find many wonderful past podcasts at ROSECHATPODCAST.COM
Our first meeting of the year is via ZOOM Tues, January 13 , 6:30 pm / EST
PROGRAM: Fragrance in Roses SPEAKER: Carolyn Elgar
Carolyn will share with us the history of rose fragrance and talk about roses that are noted for their fragrance as well as factors that influence the release of rose fragrance.
Grab some hot chocolate, tea, or a glass of wine and make plans to join us in the new year — invite friends too. They can join us from wherever they are via their phones, tablets, or computers.
Additional details, including the Zoom sign-in information, can be found HERE.
POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS
GETTING TO KNOW YOU WALL
Yesterday I removed all the pictures and notes from last year’s “Getting to Know You” wall to make room for this year’s additions. (FYI: Using this “wall” is my way of getting to know the new things I’m adding and making decisions about them … like deciding where to put them in my somewhat crowded garden.)
2025 Wall
SEED STARTING
I will be starting my early seeds very soon. This year’s “early” seeds are lisianthus, geraniums, and violas and pansies (first time for these). AND, I have to get back to seed packet organization before I go much further!
VARIETIES…
Lavender F1 Lisianthus
Light Apricot F1 Lisianthus
Imperial Antique Shades Fl Violas\
Rococo Frilled Mix F1 Violas
FULL DISCLOSURE
Speaking of seed packet organization, I have a long way to go. I have stuffed them into baskets, my seed tool boxes and they are strewn about. I can assure you that my Word of the Year will probably not be extended to seed acquisition … but I’ll try. 🤷🏼♀️ There’s just something about seeds to me!! #paceyourselfgirl
🌱🌱 All together on the potting bench they look organized but oh they are NOT.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Happy New Year, friends! May your year be filled with joy, love, good health, and of course, beautiful gardens!
Let’s take the gift of the slower gardening pace of winter and prepare to get back at it in about 75 days! Give or take a day. xo
What a wonder-filled season this has been. We’ve been traveling, and our time with family has been so very special. While we are grateful for all the gifts of modern communication, this was a year we had all the in-person hugging!
From the English Countryside to the foot of the White Mountians in New England … we have been with wonderful people and have seen some amazing places.
THE BRIGHT…
Is it cold where you are? Are you snow-covered? My word! This week we woke up to -4 degrees after a day with 5″ of snow! Yes, December has been quite a jolt. If it’s going to be winter, snow sure helps! It sure makes the winter garden look beautiful and bright!
Looking for the bright inside, we went with loads of pine cones, twinkle lights, candles and gardeny ornaments we bought in England.
GARDENING…
My biggest tasks these days are potting up bulbs. I decided to plant some of my amaryllis and paper whites in glass containers with pebbles and water. First time to try this. These join my orchid and a few other things in my most sunny window! If all goes well we should have blooms for a good long while.
POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS…
My time in the Potting Shed now mostly consists of cleaning, organizing, and the glorious task of going through my seeds. Awww seeds. I’ve already placed a few orders but my plan is to be more judicious about how many seeds I buy and start this year. Sounds like a good plan, we’ll see how that goes! 😉 The longer winter goes – the longer my wish list gets.
I’ll report back in January when the first seeds are sown. I’ll start with Lisianthus. It takes a long, long time for them. If you want to grow them – buy seeds now! I have always bought mine from Johnny’s. They have a nice selection. (Check them out here.)
RECENt ROSE CHAT PODCASTS…
A BLOOMING FUTURE FOR ARS & ARC Carrie Bergs, American Rose Society Vice President Marilyn Wellan, American Rose Center Committee Chairman
There was much to chat about on this one! We talked about the upcoming separation of the American Rose Society and the American Rose Center and the vision to ensure a strong foundation for both. If you’ve heard bits and pieces of what’s going on and have questions, this will provide the answers. LISTEN HERE
LANDSCAPING WITH ANTIQUE ROSES Mike Shoup LISTEN HERE
PLANT HYBRIDIZATION: ROSES & MORE Dr. David Zlesak (What an impressive career!) LISTEN HERE
Rose Chat is on holiday / planning break. I am happy to report I have several guests ready to go. Some are repeat favorites and some are brand new. It is shaping up to be a very rosy year! So stay tuned. While you’re waiting, there are so many great ones recorded and just waiting for you on our website… RoseChatPodcast.com.
Merry Christmas Friends
I pray that this season you are surrounded by those you love and filled with joy as we celebrate the birth of the child that came to “fit us for heaven”.
“Fit us for Heaven” is taken from one of my favorite Christmas Carols – “Away in a Manger”. I think of all the times I’ve heard young children sing this song at their nativity programs. Is there anything more precious than a child’s nativity program?
This song’s Biblical basis is Luke 2:4-7 and is often considered a lullaby. It is sure soothing to me.
Lyrics…
Away in a manger, No crib for a bed The little Lord Jesus, Laid down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky, Looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus, Asleep on the hay The cattle are lowing, The Baby awakes But little Lord Jesus, No crying He makes l love You, Lord Jesus, Look down from the sky And stay by my side, Until morning is nigh Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask You to stay Close by me forever, And love me I pray Bless all the dear children, In Your tender care And fit us for heaven, To live with You there
Well, I made it. I made it through that September transition that has me saying things like, “I hate fall.” I really don’t, I just hate the “realization period” where I know the growing season is coming to an end – and just when the weather is getting so much better!!! Those of you in the south probably don’t have Septemberitis. Luckily by the 3rd week of September I am “righted” again and start embracing the changes, start seed collecting, drying flowers and move to the creative process of assessment and planning for the next season.
Another thing that helps me adjust to fall is something I picked up after my first visit to England I adopted their use of the word Autumn and all things Autumnal. Autumnal… what a beautiful word.
Autumn is Mr. G’s favorite season so, this year he is providing me with a Fun Fall To Do list. For all my friends who are SPRING and SUMMER lovers, it is nice to have someone in your life pointing out all the wonderful Autumnal things so we don’t miss them. Notably trips to the orchard! Then there’s all the seasonal flavors in drinks and pastries. Leaf shapes and colors. Hot chocolate. And pinecones. I do love pinecones!
COMING IN … AND OUT FAST
Is it me or was this growing season the fastest ever! Even with the rains of spring and the drought and heat of summer, it was a wonderful season of coffee on the patio, dinners outside by the Mother of Pearl Roses, morning garden walks to see what was blooming, little boys playing in the garden, bokay making, friends in the garden, butterflies dancing and birds. I will miss all those things when Indiana turns dark and cold. Good thing I have loads of pictures.
While I’m still enjoying all the garden has to offer, I’m ready to take a “real” look at this growing season. We had a few challenges like rain, drought, and raccoons but the biggest challenge was …
ROSE MIDGE
About mid summer I noticed fewer and fewer blooms on some of my roses. Others seemed to be fine. Then I saw it.. that unmistakeable sign of Rose Midge – what looks like a burnt match stick where a bloom should be. If you have ever dealt with midge I know you are sighing with me now. It is the worst. It is a bloom thief and it will ravish your rose garden leaving it with no blooms if you don’t take action. As a rule I don’t spray for insects in my garden. UNLESS there is something horrible going on and this year we had the most horrible ROSE MIDGE come to call. It requires action and treatment. Rose expert John Hefner wrote a great article on midge and the treatment. Read that article here. If you are dealing with midge, I am so very sorry and all the best!! And, if you have found a way of dealing with this horror not mentioned in John’s artilcle please let me know!
I have been growing dahlias for about 5 years and the first 3 years were fantastic. The past two not so much. Many of the dahlias I have received were not the ones I ordered. Very frustrating. This year the dahlias have been so slow to bloom. I started my dahlias inside early and set out large plants in mid May. Maybe they didn’t like the heat. I get it … I know I didn’t either. Now that the cooler weather is here they are starting to do that massive flower thing and are blooming like crazy! And that’s a good thing because I I was beginning to question whether or not I would plant any next year. I have grown as many as 20. This year 12. But, next year .. I don’t know. Who am I kidding… I’m not done with them YET. I already have some on order. 😏 Hope springs eternal for gardeners. I am very interested is shorter ones for bokays. Any suggestions?
ZINNIAS
My word there are some amazing zinnias out there these days with blooms that rival dahlias!
It has been a “different” year with my roses. For the first time many of them had drip irrigation and we were working to get that just right. Then there was the horrible heat! Several of my roses went to sleep. Then we were invaded by Ms. Midge. But many of them were outstanding!
Here are some of my 2025 favorites (Some are new to the garden some have been here for years!)
Elizabeth (DA) (Favorite David Austin)
Mother of Pearl (She never stops!)
Moonlight Romantica (The fragrance!)
Sweet Mademoiselle (2nd year was outstanding – that color!)
Bolero (Love Love Love everything about this one.)
Therese Bugnet (Often the first to greet me in spring with beauty and fragrance!)
SavannahSweet Mademoiselle Mother of PearlBoleroElizabethThe FawnMoonlight RomanticaVeranda CreamAll roses QuietnessPlum PerfectTherese Bugnet & neightobrs in May
ROSE CHAT PODCAST
It has been such a special Rose Chat year. I have had the pleasure of chatting with so many of my favorites! If you’ve missed any of the episodes, they are all online at RoseChatPodcast.com. Typically, there are two each month and are released on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. I’ve already started making plans for 2026. Do you have suggestions for guests you’d enjoy? Email me!
RECENT PODCASTS
RESTORATION ROSE Susan Lyell Young, Grower and Maker Listen Here.
Dr. WALTER VAN FLEET: From Medicine to Roses Connie Hilker, Heritage Rose Foundation Trustee Listen Here
TIME TO DOWNSIZE MY GARDEN Dee Nash, Gardener, Writer, Podcaster, Garden Coach Listen Here
I hope you are enjoying all that autumn has to give us as the work of the garden slows and the hues intensify.
Presently we are enjoying the tiny Honey Locust leaves falling like snow out our window while we eat breakfast. Yes we don’t want to miss a thing. While it won’t ever be my favorite, I’m here for all those Autumnal vibes.
A few weeks ago I started this post but it began very differently. There were sighs, laments and serious whining about the heat! This week all that changed! Highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s … with one night dipping down to 49. Oooooo That is a little low for me this time of year. 😳 Around here we are advocates for long, long autumns where the roses get to have a beautiful fall flush. And we pick flowers for months. More weather trauma… oh how we need rain!! Things are getting scary dry. I am even fearful for some of our large trees. 😕 Soooo very glad we added some irrigation this spring for some of the areas and are adding more this fall!
As you turn the page on the calendar and it says SEPTEMBER, are you shaking your head and saying, “where did the summer go?!? If you are you are not alone. It was a fast one. And, if you don’t talk about weather, around here it was a fabulous one! A summer of family, friends, travel, flowers and loads of fun.
I have moved to that gardening stage of ‘reflecting and taking note’ that comes with the end of summer. Deciding what worked and should be repeated AND what didn’t work and what areas need a tweak! I’m taking loads of pictures so I don’t forget the details. I will print those pictures and use them when I get down to serious planning. Those physical pictures are a great help! If you aren’t aware, WalMart does photo printing that is so easy, cheap and fast. I print a ton of pictures!
In an upcoming post I’ll talk about the Hits and Misses for this growing season, but for now…
LET’S TALK ABOUT ROSES
While walking through the garden this week it occurred to me that many of the roses I can’t stop talking about because they are bringing me such joy this year are Meilland Roses and Kordes Roses.
MEILLAND ROSES I GROW…
(To see the rose, click the link. The number beside the name indicates how many I have – if I have multiples.)
As many of your know Meilland Roses is a French company with a rich history. Starting in 1850. They have given us iconic roses like the Peace Rose (Link to Article about Peace), the popular Eden Rose, the gorgeous Francis Meilland Rose, the Romantica Series, the Drift series and so many of the modern roses that I am falling in love with.
To see the complete list of Meilland Roses sold through Star Roses and Plants, read on here.
KORDES ROSES
The Kordes Company is an award winning German rose company known for hardy, disease-resistant roses. They are one of the first companies to stop spraying their rose fields to find the most disease resistant roses. They did so more than 30 years ago. I do find them to be more disease resistant and winter hardy for our growing zone (6a). I have grown so many beautiful ones through the years!
KORDES ROSES I GROW…
(To see the rose, click the link. The number beside the name indicates how many I have – if I have multiples.)
There are other roses from other growers that are big winners too and I’ll talk about them next time.
WHERE TO FIND ROSES
If you cannot find these roses locally, here is a list of where you can also look… (Link)
RECENT ROSE CHATS
This summer I have had some super fun and interesting guests! If you’ve missed an episode, here are recent ones. For others go to RoseChatPodcast.com.
PLAYING FAVORITES GUEST: Kimberley Dean, The Rose Geek LISTEN HERE
MINIATURE ROSES GUEST: Matt Douglas of High Country Roses LISTEN HERE
TIME TO DOWNSIZE MY GARDEN GUEST: Dee Nash LISTEN HERE
BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK
Mother of PearlPetite PeachRaspberry CupcakeLove Me Loves Me NotKoko LokoPomponellaClematis & one The Generous Gardener on topRugosa HipBee sleeping on ZinniaButterfly Loves ZinniasHerb Garden EntranceRaspberry Cupcake Up CloseBokay in Grandmothers Pitcher
SEASONS
As the seasons change let’s remember the true Master Gardener and His gifts to us…
Genesis 1: 14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the sky to separate day from night. These lights will be used for signs, seasons, days, and years.
Let’s talk about the weather. Around here we went from flooding to heat wave in what seemed like a split second. June turned into August and watering was the name of the game. … and critters! Since we garden lovers water the objects of our garden affections. … the water deprived critters come calling. In our case this year it is been tons of raccoons. Our critter cam is filled with their antics. On one frame there are five! They are rototillers! Making a mess. They have torn through the cottage borders, breaking down blooms, broken limbs out of trees and scratched through the meticulously laid mulch. You know the drill.
BUT, that was NOT the most horrifying heat related experience I’ve had in the garden. One beautiful morning before it got tooooo hot I decided to do a mini photo shoot of my work area – THYME OUT. I took videos and stills and zoomed in on particular little areas. As I worked in this area I noticed something moving in my cute bird house Mr. G made for me. So I went to check it out… were there baby birds????? On closer inspection I found that no … there were NO cute baby birds but a snake! …. INSERT SOFT SCREAMS MR. GGGGGGG HELP!!! I “know” in my head that snakes do good things and are mostly harmless but that does NOT make me like them more or fear them less. Friends, this is the kind of “garden surprise” that could drive someone to put a FOR SALE sign in the yard. Well, not really but you get the picture. G came and poked about in the birdhouse and got him to come out a little bit but he was not leaving his “shady” house. Everyone and everything is trying to beat the heat.
How did this end? G and I hurried back inside to the air conditioning. We have no idea what happened to the slinky creature. I sincerely hope he found another home that offers more of what he wants and there aren’t any more such surprises for a while! I’ll be on my guard. 🫣
While we are talking about THYME OUT, here a few of the pictures I took before the terror began.
Snake Spa !!
PERFECT TIMING
Mr. G is truly the hero of the day (every day) but especially in this “heat” as he finalized the irrigation to several of our garden areas. So with the press of a button or using the iPhone app … all those babies get watered!
BEATING THE HEAT
LILIES
The lilies have been fantastic through the heat! They must have loved all the water because they are huge! I have felt like melting but the lilies continue on.
Here are some of the show offs this week. Many more to come!
INVINCIBELLE LACE HYDRANGEA
Invincibelle Lace is knocking it out of the park! This is a big surprise to me. I planted two of them in the dappled shade of a Sweet Bay Magnolia thinking they most likely would not get enough light to be as pretty as I wanted them to be next to our sun porch. But that was not the case. Look at them! This is one of the amazing hydrangeas from Proven Winners.
SUMMER HAIR CUT
The roses are through their first flush and I have given them their summer hair cuts so not too many blooming right now. But, there’s always a few to enjoy!
BLOOM THYME…
Earth Angel not stopping!The first! Miss Manners ❣️Herb Garden SavannahNiobe clematisBoleroCathedral BellsBlue Angel & Jackmanii ClematisPhlox
ROSE CHAT PODCAST
I have had some fabulous guests on Rose Chat! Here are two of the latest…
IMAGE
CRITTERS & CRUD: Crown Gall & Chili Thrips Gaye Hammond, Master Rosarian LISTEN HERE
CERTIFIED NURSERIES Justin Valdez Director of Rose Research and Development LISTEN HERE
🎙️Coming up next … Natalie Carmolli of Proven Winners and Kimberley Dean, The Rose Geek! Stay tuned.
🌹As always with the podcast please share with those on your social media sites and in your newsletters! Help us get all the rosy info out!
Friends, let’s Grab some iced coffee or tea, and safely enjoy our summer garden season! For me right now … it’s early in the morning and late in the evening and very little in between!
“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability” – Sam Keen
June is National Rose Month. What a perfect time to celebrate our National Floral Emblem!
Roses have a long and colorful history. Through the years they have been symbols of love, beauty, war and politics. Their beauty, romance, history and versatility is unmatched. She is the Queen of Flowers.
A FASCINATING JOURNEY
It took some time to find just the right flower to be our National Floral Emblem!
In 1901 President William McKinley sponsored the red carnation! While we don’t know too much about that, we do know quite a bit about the fight for the marigold!
On January 12, 1959, the president of the W. Atlee Burpee Co., David Burpee, wrote newly-elected Senate Minority Leader Everett M. Dirksen, proclaiming the virtues of the marigold and calling it “the flower of the people.” David Burpee was vigilant in the fight. He was known for using PT Barnum’s model for promotion and advertising — just like his dad! For nearly 10 years Burpee and Dirksen campaigned for the marigold. Ten years is dedication!
Many other flowers were considered too … there were even those who strongly suggested the corn tassel be our national flower. What?
A ROSE IS A ROSE IS A ROSE
While the debate went on for at least 85 years, we are so pleased with the final decision.
In 1986 President Ronald Reagan signed a resolution making the rose the national floral emblem at a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden…
“Americans have always loved the flowers with which God decorates our land. More often than any other flower, we hold the rose dear as the symbol of life and love and devotion, of beauty and eternity. For the love of man and woman, for the love of mankind and God, for the love of country, Americans who would speak the language of the heart do so with a rose.
We see proof of this everywhere. The study of fossils reveals that the rose has existed in America for age upon age. We have always cultivated roses in our gardens. Our first President, George Washington, bred roses, and a variety he named after his mother is still grown today. The White House itself boasts a beautiful Rose Garden. We grow roses in all our fifty States. We find roses throughout our art, music, and literature. We decorate our celebrations and parades with roses. Most of all, we present roses to those we love, and we lavish them on our altars, our civil shrines, and the final resting places of our honored dead.
The American people have long held a special place in their hearts for roses. Let us continue to cherish them, to honor the love and devotion they represent, and to bestow them on all we love just as God has bestowed them on us.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 159 has designated the rose as the National Floral Emblem of the United States and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation declaring this fact.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the rose as the National Floral emblem of the United States of America.”
Thank you President Regan. It is our pleasure to continue to represent all aspects of the rose. Yes, the rose is in good hands with the American Rose Society and our local societies.
WHAT A PERFECT TIME TO… Join a local socia societyl and the American Rose Society.
IF YOU ARE LOCAL…
My local society is the INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY where I am a past president and currently serve as the Website and Social Media chair.
🌹This is a fun, thriving society filled with rose growers of all ages and stages of growing. 🌹We have members growing a few roses and members growing hundreds! 🌹We have members who are just getting started and members who have been growing for more than 50 years. 🌹Our meeting are open to the public – except for some special events like member garden tours etc and those are reserved for members BUT they will be clearly marked as such! 🌹For $25 a year you get ALL the benefits.| 🌹Membership details HERE.
Great programs, good food, door prizes and plenty of rose talk! We end each meeting with a “round table” discussion where you can share your successes, failures, ask questions and experience help through the experience of others!
OUR IRS MEETING NEXT TUESDAY…
Click onto our website HEREand find out all the details about what to bring and how to RSVP. I know you’ll have the best time! 🎉
AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY
For less than the price of a dozen beautiful vased roses, you can become of member of the American Rose Society and open up a world of history, education, projects, rose reviews, growing tips and so much more! And one of the very best things is the beautiful, award winning magazine AMERICAN ROSE that you can chose to receive either digitally or print. Details here.
We are so fortunate to have a historical organization looking out for the interest of the rose and those who grow her. The ARS’s rose roots run deep and wide!
EASY BREEZY… You can very qucikly sign up for the ARS free E-Newletter, The Fragrant Rose HERE. Do check it out!
ROSE CHAT PODCASTS
I have been having all kinds of fun talking to some of our leading rose experts! If you have ideas for future programs, please let me know! HERE
On this podcast I went back to the basics with Suzanne Gilbert, Past President of the Houston Rose Society and currently serving as secretary for the South-Central District of the American Rose Society. Today is the day for basic information that will be helpful to new rose growers as well as a refresher to those who have been growing for awhile. From choosing the right rose, to rose care and where to get ongoing information, Suzanne is the perfect person to speak to these basics as someone who began growing roses as a child and has grown roses is several growing zones.
In this episode I’m joined by Robin Jennings of Heirloom Roses. Join us as we dive into the beauty and versatility of climbing roses. From climbing roses’ rich history and how they’ve evolved, to tips on planting, pruning, and training, we cover everything you need to know to grow climbers successfully. We also touch on trending varieties, this year’s most popular rose colors, and what’s new at Heirloom Roses this season.
On this episode I’m joined by Gaye Hammond. Gaye will tackle two garden trouble makers, Crown Gall and Chili Thrips. It is hard to overstate the impact Gaye Hammond has had on the world of roses. Any time you have the opportunity to hear Gaye speak, we highly recommend you do! Roses and rose lovers have benefited greatly from the expertise and energy she gives every project … from her work with the Houston rose society – leading them into their becoming one of the largest and most active roses societies with a membership nearing 500 to RRD research, rose history, rose trials and more. Listen in as we benefit from the hours of research she puts into every project. Coming Sun, June 8 … HERE.
BLOOM THYME AROUND THE GARDEN…
We’ve had a rainy, cool season but blooms are coming! Over and over I am reminded of why I love spring so much. There is nothing like the fresh blooms and having an abundance to share.
Since I am still in the moving around some roses era, many are small and not making the garden impact they will in a year or two but each bloom reminds me why I added some new ones.
One rose that has completely stolen my heart is the oh so fragrant and beautiful Moonlight Romantica! Do you grow it. She’s new so time will tell how she does overall but her start is impressive.
The “companion” that grabbed my attention early on and still has it is the lupine you see in the image below that is paired with Moonlight Romantica and My Monet Weigela (Proven Winners)
Moonlight Romantica (Bloomable/Star)Sweet Drift BorderEustacia Vye (DA)Ghislaine de FeligondeEtile VioletteSweet WilliamQuietnessTiny Ghislane de Feligonde (I have 3)Plum Perfect, Vanessa Bell & QuietnessQuietnessMother of Pearl just getting startedPetite PeachVanessa Bell & QuietnessRainy DayCelsiana3rd Year Ghislaine & Dawlow’s EnigmaTherese BugnetAnother Petite PeachAt Last (Proven Winners)
Here the blooms are just getting started and there are many more to come!
May we bloom as the flowers and be an example of God’s grace to the world!
Yes, it is time for my annual award 🏆 proclaiming that I have indeed made it through the winter. When you live in a colder climate and are garden obsessed, these things are important.
There are plants in the garden that actually make me feel as though I have won a huge award for making it through another long winter.
MEET MY VOTING ACADEMY …
Mini Iris
Chocolate Chip Ajuga
Creeping Phlox
Dogwood blooms
I have all of these in several spots of the garden and every time I see them they make my heart sing! All of these on the list have a short blooming season but when they bloom they change the garden. Yes, the season has changed! So much garden bounty is coming.
While they have their place and are beautiful, tulips and daffodils just don’t say “you’ve made it” to me. They are a little too fond of winter for that. Especially daffodils.
DOGWOOD LEGEND
Have you heard the legend of the Dogwood tree? One of my first blog posts was about that legend… You can read the article HERE.
GARDEN GATE ARTICLE ON PEONIES
I love peonies and my peonies are all budded up!! Garden Gate has a great article in their newsletter on peonies. The article included many great tips on growing peonies and I especially like the information on how to save peony buds to have blooms later! HERE’S THE ARTICLE.
RECENT ROSE CHAT PODCASTS
BECOMING A BACKYARD ROSE HYBRIDIZER … Growing Roses from Seed Jeff Droullard, The Rose Dude
On this episode, I chat with Jeff Droullard, known on social media as The Rose Dude who has become a backyard rose hybridizer by growing roses from seed. Jeff is so enthusiastic about his hobby and is eager to inspire others! Growing roses from seeds is popular today and Jeff will take us step by step on how to be successful.
A ROSEY APPROACH TO TRENDS Rebecca Koraytem, David Austin U.S. Sales Executive
THIS PODCAST WILL BE RELEASED THIS WEEKEND …Sun, April 27
On this episode, I’m joined by Rebecca Koraytem of David Austin Roses. Rebecca shares with us how roses fit perfectly into the current home and garden trends. Trends are always a fun and fascinating subject especially anything rosy! It is always so fun to chat with Rebecca!
GARDENING FOR ALL AGES EVENT
If you are local… I’ll be at the Indianapolis Rose Society Booth tomorrow (4/26) selling Roses. Ohhhhh there are some beauties! DETAILS ABOUT GARDENING FOR ALL AGES HERE.
POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS
My babies are growing booth in the potting shed and in the “jugs” outside!
Potting Shed is a busy place!Potting Shed Porch
I planted Zinnias on April 14 and in two or three days they germinated and are steadily growing. Best of all, they don’t need any care from me!
The inside seedlings are on the inside / outside hardening off schedule.
First batch of gomphrena had a problem germinating and the new ones are going to need a boost to be ready for planting!
Purple Bell VineZinniaTiny Gomphrena Sugar /Spice marigolds
Onion Project
I love onions but have never had any luck with growing them. Garlic does well but onions – not so much.
This year I saw that Steph from Hooked and Rooted (LINK) was starting onions from seed using the winter sowing method. In addition, she admitted she had not had much luck with growing onions until she found YELLOW OF PARMA onions. So I tried it! Aren’t they just the cutest things!!! Look at those roots! Steph and I are growing in different climates but I sure hope they do well. Yes, I saw the pictures of her beautiful onions from last year and had a full-on case of plant envy.
They are some of the first things to go into the HERB GARDEN but they’ll have plenty of neighbors soon.
DO WE TRUST IT?!?
Everyone is talking about the weather! With the temps so high and no cold snap in sight, we are all tempted to plant the tender things like tomatoes! — especially tomatoes! But should we trust it? I don’t know. I want to believe and I’d sure love a jump start but I’m filled with memories of days like this…
Peonies April 24 – Last Year
🍅 🍅 QUESTION 🍅 🍅
I only grew two types of tomatoes this year from seed (Pineapple and Gardener’s Delight) so we will buy 2 or 3 others. What are your favorite tomatoes of the more common varieties you can find at the garden centers?
‘TIL NEXT TIME …
Well friends, we are truly at the stage where every day something new is popping up in the garden! Cleanup is just about done and now planting thyme begins. I love this part!
And just so you know… I think this little guy feels like he won an award too … as he feasts on the Chocolate Chip Ajuga!
Seems that often a long winter is paired with a long list of rose orders. I didn’t think I had many on order. Last week when Mr. G asked how many roses were coming this spring, I said oh not too many but then I started to list them – out loud. His response, “ooooo, that sounds like quite a few.” Gotta love him!! I doubt much I would say about the garden would surprise him at this point.
NOTE: Many of these choices were made based on fragrance and rose health! And, of course their beauty!
HIGH COUNTRY ROSES
Summer Romance (Link) Loves Me, Loves Me Not (Link) Reine des Violette (Link)
On this episode of Rose Chat, host Teresa Byington is joined by the dynamic duo of roses, Paul Zimmerman and Michael Marriott. Paul and Michael will tackle the very important subject of growing roses sustainably. They will walk us through steps to take to have beautiful roses without adding chemicals to your garden.
STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM TO YOU Tyler Francis & Brian Rhodes / Co-CEO’s of April & Ashley
On this episode, I chat with Tyler Francis and Brian Rhodes of Francis Roses about their new venture as Co-CEO’s of April & Ashley – a new source bringing farm fresh roses straight to your door. Tyler and Brain will take us on the inside track to share about their partnerships, techniques and unique processes to bring the very best.
BECOMING A BACKYARD ROSE HYBRIDIZER … Growing Roses from Seed Jeff Droullard, The Rose Dude
RELEASE DATE: Sun, April 13
On this episode, I’ll chat with Jeff Droullard, known on social media as The Rose Dude who has become a backyard rose hybridizer by growing roses from seed. Jeff is so enthusiastic about his hobby and is eager to inspire others! Growing roses from seeds is extremely popular today and Jeff will take us step by step on how to be successful.
A ROSEY APPROACH TO TRENDS Rebecca Koraytem, David Austin U. S. Sales Executive
RELEASE DATE: Sun, April 27
On this episode, I’m joined by Rebecca Koraytem of David Austin Roses. Rebecca will share with us how roses fit perfectly into the current home and garden trends. Trends are always a fun and fascinating subject especially anything rosy!
NEW FROM THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY
The Fragrant Rose is an e-newsletter for folks interested in gardening and is chock-full of growing tips and information. Delivered FREE to your inbox!
I can tell you that as with all things “American Rose Society,” it is a beautiful and informative publication.
POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS
HEAD START ON DAHLIAS
Since our growing season is a bit short and I want dahlias as soon as possible, I start them EARLY! Some are already showing just the tiniest bit of green! 🌱 💚 🌱 💚 🌱
COSMOS
Same as with dahlias. If I don’t start early, we don’t get to enjoy Cosmos for very long and they are Mr. G’s favorites! 🌸 🌸 🌸
Baby CosmosBaby DahliaPurple Hyacinth BeanLate Bloomer in the Potting Shed
BIG PROJECT OF 2025: Front yard…
Removed 10 boxwoods (several had blight) and various others shrubs that were past their prime! The ugly, hard work is done and now the fun work begins.
SPRING THYME IS JUST THE BEST
A phrase that is heard often in our garden this time of year… “Oh come look at this!”
Every day in the garden I see something new. Sometimes it is something I “need” to do and sometimes it’s something just for my enjoyment! Like the Hellebores or Lenten Roses … Their name reminding us of the miraculous season ahead. A time to focus on the horror of the crucifixion, Christ’s love for us and the glorious joy and hope the resurrection brings. From Good Friday to Easter Sunday, we know a lot can happen in 3 days!
Friends, I hope this season is filled with moments of pure joy for you as we continue to have a front row seat to the many miracles of spring.
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