Bloom Thyme Friday: Friends and Roses Part 2

In most of my garden “rooms” you will find roses hybridized by this rose friend – Dr. David Zlesak.

DAY JOB: David is a Professor of Horticulture at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. For the past 11 years, David has been teaching undergraduate horticulture students.

HOBBY: As a kid growing up in Milwaukee, David loved being outside and gardening – especially with his grandparents who had a small farm nearby.

FUN STORY:  When David was 13 he read in the Sunday paper gardening section about Will Radler’s rose breeding hobby. So he wrote to Will for more information. Will (breeder of the Knock Out family of roses) got him connected to the Rose Hybridizers Association and with his love of art, science and roses, he was off onto a hobby that would bring him and all of us much joy in the roses that he has created.

FRIENDSHIP: I met David through American Rose Society events and we have become great friends. Actually, it is hard NOT to become friends with David as he is truly one of the nicest guys around! He is always willing to share his vast knowledge with those interested!

DAVID’S ROSES IN MY GARDEN

Petit Pink (10 of those!) (Lovely sweetheart blooms!)

Above and Beyond (Gorgeous spring-blooming climber)

The newly released Pretty Polly Lavender (Sweetest blooms and fragrant too)

The newly released Pretty Polly (So prolific and great in arrangements)

PODCAST:

Recently I spoke to David on the Rose Chat Podcast about a project that he is also very passionate about — The Clean Plant Network and the very important work they are doing. Listen in HERE.

BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK

THYME OUT…

‘Thyme Out’ is the name for my new outdoor working space and this space is coming together very nicely. Gone are the horrible vines, roots, and trunks of the invasive Japanese Honeysuckle (if you missed that post, read on HERE.

This space has always included a potting bench but Mr. G gave the potting bench a facelift and then surprised me with a beautiful work table. After a few days of seeing me work in the space, he said, “I’m making you another table.” Seriously, I said I don’t need another one it would be tooooo excessive.” He said, “I’m making you another table.” And, he did. And, guess what? I am so glad he did! I have room to spread out! I am spending so much time in this space.

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. G is the best. 

To say that he ”gets” me would be an understatement.
To say that he is a craftsman, would be an understatement.
To say that he is a leader and mentor, would be an understatement.
To say that I love him would be an understatement.

And, to say that he is the very best at being a dad and papa … would be an understatement.

HAPPY FATHER’S (& PAPA) DAY, MR. G.

BLOOMING THIS WEEK…

The roses are on steroids this week and so are many other things. Here are a few pics. For more pictures and videos go to my Instagram page HERE.

 

Jasmina from Kordes
My Girl – Easy Elegance Collection
Blue Angel Clematis
Blue Angel and Etoile Violette Clematis
Bokay Makers
‘You Know Who’ can’t be stopped!
Flamenco Rosita
The Faun

 

Friends, thanks for dropping by.

I hope your world is filled to the brim with friends and with beautiful blooms too!  😘

 

Bloom Thyme Friday: SPRING HAS SPRUNG

To say that I am excited that spring is here would be a grand understatement!

Today we have beautiful sunshine to celebrate even though the temps are cold. I’ll take it. I know we are on the right track.

Today I have pansies and violas to plant! These little beauties can take the cold and keep smiling.

As soon as I see the forsythia blooming, I will be pruning and starting garden clean up! To read my top tips for spring care for roses, read on here. Until then, I’m making lists and checking them twice — and running to garden centers any chance I get!

BLOOM THYME…

Let’s look back to Spring 2018 and remember the kind of things we have to look forward to…

ROSE CONFERENCE…

As the ARS District Director of Illinois and Indiana ( https://illinoisindianadistrict.org ), I cordially invite you to attend a one-day conference to learn and grow.

Sat, March 30 in Logansport, IN

SPEAKERS

Dr. Mark Windham, Plant Pathology / University of Tennessee, will present three programs on diseases, insects and pesticide safety.

Curtis Aumiller, ARS Chairman of Photography, will share tips and tricks of rose photography and help us better prepare for entering photography in rose shows.

For additional information on this event, including a registration form… read on.

These programs are approved for Master Gardener Education hours and Consulting Rosarian credit.

Wishing you a wonderful week blooming wherever you are planted!😘

ROSE BUZZ: A Redneck Rosarian. A Campaign. An Endorsement.

There is definitely a buzz taking place in the rose world. 2018 will be the American Rose Society’s election year. If you are a full member, you have a vote!

Every three years we elect a Vice President who will serve three years and then advance to President for another three years.

THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY…

The ARS was founded in 1892, making it the oldest single plant horticultural society in America. The ARS is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to the cultivation and enjoyment of roses. ARS supports its members by providing educational programs, resourceful publications, and continuing research.

A CANDIDATE…
From his social media bio you will learn that my friend, Chris VanCleave, the Redneck Rosarian, is a “tireless advocate of the rose.” No one knows that better than I. Five years ago I received a call asking what I thought about doing a Twitter chat and then a podcast to be called—Rose Chat. The rest is history. Chris and I have worked together to encourage the rose community and rose growers in all phases of rose culture through Rose Chat. The podcast alone now has more than 750,000 downloads.

Add together his tireless advocacy and love of the rose, his progressive thinking, his leadership, his energy and you have an excellent candidate. But, it doesn’t stop there, one of the qualities that makes him an extraordinary candidate is his tireless advocacy and love of all people.

In his own words, “they’re no people like rose people” and I believe there is no one more qualified to assume leadership in the American Rose Society. The American Rose Society will be in very good hands. He enthusiastically has my vote and I hope he has yours!

Go to iGrowRose.org to learn what this excellent candidate has been up to! Grab a cup of coffee, he’s been busy!

 

 


MEMBERSHIP…
Since only members can vote in the election, this is an excellent time to join the American Rose Society.

  • Trial membership is ONLY $10 (Can’t vote but this is a great bargain with great benefits.)
  • Full membership is $49 (Gives you voter rights!)
  • E-Membership (This one is free and a great way to check us out!)
 You’ll find all the details here.

LOCAL…
While I love most plants and shrubs, roses are at the top of the list. History teaches us I am not alone. Roses have been at the top of many plant lists 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! The rose is also our National Floral Emblem. See, there is so much to love and learn!

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” for our health!

I serve as President and am Chairman for website and social media for the Indianapolis Rose Society and you have my personal invitation to come join us.

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 to join our family anytime!

This year we have members coming from as far as Marion, Kokomo, Bloomington, and most of the surrounding burgs!

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 2017 looked like for us. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

 

 

Rose Display, Workshops and Much More!

The Indianapolis Rose Society invites you to ROSEFEST 2017. Something for every gardener from flavoring food with roses, flower arranging to all facets of rose care. Details below.

Our special guest, who will speak at 11 am, Pat Shanley, American Rose Society President, is a no chemical gardener.  Pat literally travels the world representing the American Rose Society and has a wealth of information to share with us. She has an amazing garden in New York and no chemicals are used! Her book, The Sustainable Rose Garden, will be available too.

Also note… 

If you have roses blooming and want to enter them in the ROSE DISPLAY (to be judged by guests), bring them to the 4H Fairgrounds in the morning! Awards will be given out!

If you have  rose pest that is bugging you, bring a sample and we will find a solution for you! (See more below)

Mark your calendars! It is going to the a fun day! This event is free and open to the pubic, so invite others to join you!

SAT / JUNE 10 / 9:30 – 3 pm

FREE / OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Hamilton Co. Fairground / 2003 Pleasant Street / Noblesville, IN

A day filled with beautiful roses in the garden and on display. Workshops to help you take your rose gardening experience to the next level. Yes, even in Indiana, you can have the rose garden of your dreams! And, a delightful and knowledgeable speaker who will teach and inspire us all!


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SPEAKER:
Pat Shanley
American Rose Society President
Chairman, American Garden Rose Selections

PROGRAM:
Sustainable Rose Growing

Pat Shanley’s first experience growing roses wasn’t rosy. She was frustrated to find her roses needed to be chemically treated to survive. Seeking help, she sought out advice from her local rose society. And the rest is rose history.

Since that fateful day, she has slowly risen to the top of the national rose scene. She has held numerous esteemed positions in the rose world and has much to teach us about growing roses sustainably.


ACTIVITIES

  • Tour the lovely HCMGA Rose Garden and enjoy the 3rd Annual Tea in the Rose Garden  Tea in the Rose Garden will be from 9:30 – 11:30
  • Rose Display: See hundreds of IRS member grown roses Roses will be on display from 9:30 am – 3 pm. (Public is invited to bring roses to display also!) Voting will be done by guests to the show. Prizes will be awarded at 2 pm.
  • Workshops  Small group workshops will repeat throughout the morning and early afternoon. (see workshop description below)

SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY

9:30: ROSE DISPLAY OPENS (Public will vote on entries)

10:00 & 10:30: WORKSHOP ROTATION

11:00: SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER:
Pat Shanley, President of the American Rose Society
Progam: Growing Roses Sustainably
Pat’s book, The Sustainable Rose Garden, will be available.

1:00 & 1:30: REPEAT WORKSHOP ROTATION

2:00: Awards announced

WORKSHOPS:

  • Flower Arranging
  • The Incredible Edible Rose
  • Soil Prep, Planting & Fertilizing
  • Rose Types / Choosing the Right Rose for Your Garden
  • Pruning Roses
  • What’s Best Against My Pest

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Small group workshops will repeat through the morning and early afternoon.

FLOWER ARRANGING:
Teresa Byington, former florist, garden blogger, co-host of Rose Chat Podcast, Master Gardener and VP of Indianapolis Rose Society will share tips and tricks of floral design using roses, companion plants and greenery–most of which can be grown in your backyard!

THE INCREDIBLE EDIBLE ROSE
Eloisa Garza, our society secretary, Master Gardener and beekeeper extraordinaire, will share tips and history on cooking and flavoring with roses. Did you know that the rose is an herb? Bring your questions and your taste buds for sampling!

SOIL PREP, PLANTING & FERTILIZERS:
Mark Nolen, Past President of Indianapolis Rose Society, ARS Horticulture Judge and Master Rosarian, has been growing roses for 50 years. He grows more than 300 roses and is a winner of numerous awards. Mark has much to teach us about preparing the soil, planting and fertilizer use. Maybe award winning roses are in your future. Mark can help!

ROSE TYPES / CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROSE FOR MY GARDEN
Linda Kimmel, Indianapolis Rose Society President, writer for Indiana Gardening magazine and ARS Horticulture and Arrangements Judge will share rose types and a bit of the rose’s rich history. Did you know that roses have been around for millions of years. Just like the dinosaurs, there is fossil proof!

PRUNING ROSES:
John Hefner
 has been given almost every award the rose world has to offer. He is a world renowned rose grower. He has even created new roses that made their way to market! Regardless of the type of rose bush you have (and they are many). He will teach  you how to prune for maximum health and bloom of your rose.

WHAT’S BEST AGAINST MY ROSE PEST: Humberto DeLuca, Indianapolis Rose Society Vice President grows a variety of roses from David Austins to Hybrid Teas, Shrubs and Climbers in combination with hostas and companion plants. In every rose gardeners life come the undesirables – pests we want to “discourage.” Humberto will help you identify your problem and offer solutions to what’s bugging your plants!


There will be gorgeous roses and helpful rose products for sale!


American Rose Magazine: I’m in there!

I am honored to have my garden featured in the March /April edition of the American Rose Magazine. Seriously, this is an absolutely gorgeous magazine filled to the brim with beautiful roses, rose stories and rose information! American Rose is a benefit of membership (trial memberships are only $10) to the American Rose Society.

 

If you are not a member, you didn’t get to see the article so here it is. BUT, before you look, know 2 things … all the pictures were taken by me with my iPhone and the garden doesn’t look like this everyday. LOL  I was just walking around in the garden a few minutes ago and I can tell you for certain … she is ready to get going again! Bring it on!

So, here you go… A Gardener and Her Tidy Mess (that’s me!)

Growing Roses. Growing Friends.

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 TwitterFacebook 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!

Growing Roses & Growing Friends

THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY

Through the American Rose Society, 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.

Locally our rose growing season is coming to an end, but, like NYC, the American Rose Society is an organization that never sleeps. There will be something going on all winter long. If you are not a member, isn’t this a perfect time to join! So many rosey benefits!

ARS Year in Review 2016

Fun to see what’s going on in the world of the American Rose Society! Look closely, there might be a sighting of yours truly.😉

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.

IMG_1701

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.

New ARS Website coming soon!



OUR LOCAL SOCIETY … INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY

For this society I serve at 1st Vice President and Chairman for website and social media.

In this organization I have met  amazing 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! We have those who use chemicals and others who are all organic. Some members have 1 rose and some have 500 roses. One of the great perks is getting to visit members 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. 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. You will receive posts in your email as we “post” them. Most of our meetings are the second Tuesday at 6:30 pm at the Sullivan Munce Center in charming Zionsville. Get it on your calendar! HERE’S WHAT’S COMING UP FOR 2017.

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Come grow with us!

Dr. Buck’s Quietness Rose

I did a series of reviews from my garden for the American Rose Society and here is my review of the rose Quietness.

5 Exhibition Roses To Awaken The Exhibitor In You

The American Rose Society Vice President, Bob Martin, joined us recently on Rose Chat to chat about his top 5 exhibition roses and a few other things as well!

Exhibiting roses is a fun and rewarding hobby. We believe deep inside most every rose grower is an exhibitor waiting for an opportunity to show the world their blooms. This Top 5  list includes one rose that gets as big as a Volkswagen! Well, at least in Bob’s garden…

Click on the icon below to listen…

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Here are the roses Bob chatted about:

Click the links to view photo’s and purchase information for these roses from online retailers. 

Rose de Rescht – Old Garden Rose (OGR)
Joy – Miniature
Julia Child – Floribunda
Butter Cream – Miniflora
Dona Martin – Hybrid Tea

Bob's Julia Child ... Yes, maybe it is as big as a Volkswagen!
Bob’s Julia Child … Yes, maybe it is as big as a Volkswagen!


MORE ABOUT BOB:

Bob Martin is the current Vice President of the American Rose Society. He has been growing roses for 44 years and maintains a garden of over 400 varieties.

He is an ARS Master Rosarian, an Accredited Horticultural Judge and an Accredited Arrangements Judge. Bob is the Chairman of the American Rose Society Horticultural Exhibitor’s Committee and Editor of the American Rose Society quarterly publication, the Rose Exhibitors’ Forum. He maintains a website covering U.S. rose shows at RoseShow.com as well as a Facebook site for Rose Exhibitors’ Forum. Bob has also been an Editor of Horizon Roses for 21 years and the National Editor for ten years. He is the author of the book “Showing Good Roses” and was honored for his lifetime contribution to rose education as a 2009 recipient of the ARS Klima Medal.

Bob is one of the top exhibitors in the United States and the recipient of numerous awards including the 2007 recipient of the ARS Guy Blake Hedrick Jr. Award for lifetime achievement in rose exhibiting. During his 30 year exhibiting career, he has shown roses in more than 220 shows, winning more than 1,400 trophies in every exhibiting class, including 13 national trophies. Bob has also judged an additional 84 shows and is a frequent lecturer at judging schools through out the country.

An avid hybridizer, he has 14 registered varieties, including the show roses  ‘Butter Cream’ & ‘Dona Martin’, varieties mentioned on today’s broadcast.


FOR OTHER ROSE CHAT PODCASTS, click here.