ROSE BUZZ: The National Floral Emblem

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June is National Rose Month and the rose is the US floral emblem. Roses have a long and colorful history. They have been symbols of love, beauty, war and politics.

Did you know that the rose was almost overshadowed by the marigold? 😱

Many other flowers were considered too … there were even those who strongly suggested the corn tassel be our national flower. Say what? 😉


A ROSE IS A ROSE IS A ROSE

But, we know the end of the story… 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.

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.”

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ROSES FOR YOU

I have loved roses ever since I received my first bokay as a teenager, which makes sharing my roses with others very important to me whether in a vase, a story or a picture. If you were here I would be sure you had a vase of flowers before you left.

If you love roses and want to learn and grow with other rose growers, June would be a great time to join these organizations…

THE INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY

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In this organization I have met some 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.

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! Last week we had 50 people show up for our meeting. These are exciting times.

ADBCDC9D-1D5E-4122-A05C-1A01B37296CCOur ROSEFEST is coming up June 11.

DON’T MISS. You will love it!

Details here.


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.

TRIAL MEMBERSHIP FOR ONLY $10…

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The American Rose Society is now offering a four-month trial membership for only $10 to anyone who is interested in becoming members of our organization. Most ARS members are home gardeners who enjoy growing roses and want to expand their knowledge of rose culture.

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!

ARS and You (2)And my fav member benefit currently is the monthly newsletter. I am the editor! To see a sample of the newsletter, read on here.
For the trial membership, complete the online form or call 800-637-6534.


WHEW!

Thank you! You made it to the end of this extra long email. You deserve a reward! All I can offer is my gratitude! And a virtual garden bokay…

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Rose Buzz: Companions & Beneficials

Rose Buzz_7_white copyAs gardeners, we learn just how important the right companions are to our plants. Many act as a host to beneficial insects to help combat those who come to destroy! They can also cover up shortcomings when a plant’s beauty begins to fade.

It is the same way for us! We need the companionship of others. They help us grow and learn, but so much more–with the right companions, success is more fun and failure is not so bad.

In a group we can accomplish much more together than we can on our own.

Learn. Grow. Share. Serve. Create Awareness. Celebrate.

As you know, I am a big believer in Social Media! I truly believe social media is shrinking our world and giving us easy access to those who used to be so far away … some even in our own neighborhoods. Our pace of life is often fast and on the go! Multi-tasking has come and gone out of favor more than once.

We are busy.

We are connecting online.

Is it enough?

Of course NOT!

We still need face-to-face.

Much joy is brought to my life by being up close and personal with family, friends and those who share my love of gardening and roses.

JOIN THE FUN.

I am a member of several rose organizations. Two of them are below…

The Indianapolis Rose Society

In this organization I have met some 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.

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.

The American Rose Society

The American Rose 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. Read on for more information…

As a member of the ARS, I receive their award-winning magazine and informative newsletters. I have learned about the bigger picture of roses on an international scale! I’ve had the opportunity to attend national conferences where you meet and learn from rose lovers from around world. At these conferences, I have met many rose loving friends who I first “met” online, as well as experts in the field who have become cherished friends.

Exciting Times

Our newly installed ARS President, Pat Shanley, joined us on Rose Chat a few months back to share her dreams and goals for ARS. Take a few minutes and listen to this passionate and energetic leader share her story…HERE.

Yes, growing roses and spending time with my rose companions is very “beneficial” to my health! 🙂


Feel free to share this post and/or the Rose Buzz graphic to help spread the news!

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Is 2016 your year to join?

 

Rose Buzz: Stories from The Convention

Rose Buzz_7_whiteWhile the Rose Chat crew was at the American Rose Society National Fall Convention last week we had the opportunity to hear from our rose friends from around the world. We took the time to do some mini interviews so they could talk to you and let you know what they have been up to.

We invite you to visit our You Tube Channel and listen in. Most of the videos are less than 2 minutes but our rose friends sure packed a lot into their time!

Here is some Rose Chattin’…

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Check back, we’ll be adding more videos later in the week!

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Rose Buzz: Hearing from the hybridizers themselves!

Rose Buzz_7_whiteThere were so many wonderful things about the American Rose Society Fall Convention, but one of the things I will never forget is meeting and hearing from the top hybridizers from around the world. They are without exception, amazing men dedicated to bringing us the most disease resistant, sustainable, beautiful roses.

You can hear from them too and get some information that is hot off the press!

Check out their video at the bottom of this page. 🐝

Here they are…

IMG_0004Will Radler: Father of the Knock Out family of roses and so much more. (Hear him tell his story on Rose Chat here.)

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Alain Meilland, director of Meilland Roses of France who first brought us the Peace Rose.

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Steve Hutton, president of Star Roses & Plants.

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Michael Mariott, chief designer of David Austin Roses.

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Thomas Proll, head of the rose breeding program at Kordes Roses.


 

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THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

With all the new sustainable and beautiful roses coming out it has never been a better time to surround yourself with the beauty and the fragrance of roses. Whether you have a big yard or a patio, there are roses to fit every spot. I can tell you there is nothing quite like picking your own roses to add to the dinner table or to take to a friend.

And, there is no better way to learn about roses than to join the American Rose Society. We have just installed Pat Shanley and Bob Martin as our President and Vice President and there are none more qualified or more excited about what the future holds. None are more committed to bringing us the very best.

Jump over to ROSE.ORG and take a look around … then SIGN UP! The American Rose magazine that you will receive bi-monthly and the newsletters you will receive bi-monthy will entertain, inspire and educate you as you learn and grow with roses.

If  you have any questions, I would be happy to help.

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Rose Buzz: Rose Show Coming Soon!

Rose Buzz_7_white For those of you new to rose shows, there is never a better time to see what can grow in your area and to meet with the experts on the subject of roses than a local rose show.

If you are in the Indy/Illinois area your time is now …  Saturday, September 26. You will see the most beautiful roses from the area and hear from two of the greats in the rose world. And have the opportunity to meet with others who love roses and gardening too.

All the way from NY, noted author, rose historian and garden expert who knows how to have fun growing roses… Stephen Scanniello. (See more info below.) You can follow Stephen on Facebook HERE. Stephen is also the President of the Heritage Rose Foundation-doing great work to educate about and preserve our historical roses. Follow them on Facebook HERE.

Also with us is noted rosarian, ARS rose show judge and rose show photography expert, Bruce Monroe. (See more below.)

What a great time this is to learn from the best of the best! 🌹⭐️🌹

Registration cost for the meeting and rose show is $50.

Since time is running short, no problem, just register at the door on Saturday morning!

Need more information? Download the Illi-Ana newsletter for schedule of events and registration form and much more! … 2015 Summer Illiana.


LOCATION:

La Quinta Inn & Suites
5120 Victory Drive
South Indianapolis

Detailed Map & Directions: laquintaindianapolissouth.com/


PROGRAMS

Roses in Harlem by Stephen Scanneillo
An accomplished international rose personality, author and lecturer.
Stephen donates a portion to his time to the children in Harlem. He teaches rose care, developing and maintaining rose gardens in the community.

Photographing Roses by Bruce Monroe
Accomplished rose gardener, rose show judge and photographer of roses.
Bruce is an expert in all phases of rose growing and will share with us his tips for presenting photography at a rose show.


Don’t have time for a whole day?

You can still stop by to see the beautiful roses!

The rose show is open to the public from 1 – 4 pm on Saturday afternoon.

Please share the graphic below on all your social networks to help us send out reminders to everyone!

 

Rose Buzz Rose Show

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It’s A Rose Thing

This week I am heading to Syracuse, NY for the American Rose Society’s Fall Convention!

Rose lovers and rose experts from around the world are ready to celebrate the rose and rose friends. (Details here.)
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Whether you are in Syracuse or not, you can follow along on social media. And, if you are posting pictures of your roses, tag them #ItsARoseThing so they show up on our live feed on the big screen! If you are there, please stop by the Rose Chat booth on Saturday and say hello.

If you are on Facebook, check out the convention page HERE.

If you are not a member of the American Rose Society, this would be a fabulous time to join! The top-notch American Rose magazine that comes with membership is so worth it! Get the info here @ rose.org.

Don’t forget to tag your rose pictures and posts … #ItsARoseThing!

🌹❤️🌹🌹❤️🌹🌹❤️🌹

 

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ROSES IN A NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

0uTYflBQohP0hOmKXfKwMgRhfVSlfMEcdPE54QFhrfcO_pdn2SVoVEkuiwNLH00qXCWYmn_iPcCf960WQvRqimIMT9Rasf3U9CHtBYzpprG5A-HlJXvjaVWye1fVZiVps4QpVUCs25lUcjJ58JmdfQQuXOAssIDb=w692-h394For all who love roses and love growing roses, the American Rose Society 2015 Fall National Convention is where you will want to be! Esteemed speakers are gathering from around the world to celebrate the rose, and provide you with an experience of learning, enlightenment and friendship!

ROSE EXHIBITION

The best exhibitors of roses in the country will be there to compete for top prizes, along with top rose photographers and arrangers.

ON THE PROGRAM

Where else would you find rose greats like Michael Marriott, Will Radler, Alain Meilland, Thomas Proll and Steve Hutton gathered in one spot to teach and inspire us! Read about each of these guys here.

Don’t miss out and register early to reserve your spot!

FOR ALL THE DETAILS, READ ON.

ROSE BUZZ: IT’S TIME TO VOTE

Rose Buzz_7_whiteStarting today members of ARS can vote for their new Vice President. This is a Triennial Election meaning that the chosen VP will serve for 3 years and then automatically become President.

We all have hopes and dreams for the organizations we love.  If you need more information on the two men running for VP you can listen to their plans for the future of American Rose Society via the Rose Chat Podcast below…

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Sam Jones: HERE


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Bob Martin: HERE 


WHEN TO VOTE: Any time between today and July 31 at noon.

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DIRECTIONS

Find the six-digit  identification number on your May/June issue of the American Rose magazine. Every member has a unique number. If you can’t find your magazine (I had to look and look!)… you can request a replacement number and magazine by July 24. Go to www.rose.org – click on the VOTE box.


IN OTHER NEWS

When I returned from the Biltmore last night I found so many roses blooming! Spring is so fun!

 

Rose Buzz: Welcome Back Old Friends

Rose Buzz_7_whiteThis week the rugosas are taking a back seat as many other roses are taking center stage. As each of them bloom, is is like seeing old friends and many of them ARE old. They have been in my garden for a long time and they have been in the garden world a long, long, long time.

Meet some of the “oldest” roses in my garden.

Rosa Mundi (Gallica)

Gallicas are the oldest of the garden roses, having been grown by the Greeks and Romans! Gallicas are spring blooming shrubs with wonderfully fragrant blooms of pink, red and even some purples. My favorite Gallica is Rosa Mundi …. the earliest known stripped rose that dates back to the 1500s.
Legend has it that Rosa Mundi was named after Fair Rosa- mund, a mistress of Henry II, England’s monarch from 1154 to 1189. In The Book of Old Roses, Trevor Griffiths tells the story of their tragic affair. Henry was forced to marry a princess who, brooking no competition, is said to have murdered the lovely Rosamund. By Henry’s order, Rosamund was buried at Godstow Nunnery near Oxford, England, and each year on the anniversary of her death, he ordered her tomb to be decorated with masses of Rosa Mundi. My good friend Ann Chapman says that’s not the way it went down. For the rest of the story, check out Ann’s fascinating book… Women in my Rose Garden here.  You can follow Ann on Facebook here.
Rosa Mundi

Madame Hardy

Damask roses are very old, having been grown in Biblical times. They are known for their distinctive, rich damask perfume and beautiful pink or white blooms. My favorite Damask rose is Madam Hardy … amazingly fragrant white blooms with a unique green eye. Madam Hardy was named for the wife of Empress Josephine’s head gardener … Mr. Hardy. 🙂
I have had this rose in my garden for more than 20 years and hope to never be without it. A profuse one-time blooming Damask rose. Stunning and over the top fragrance. She never lets the winters bother her in this Zone 5b garden.
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Celsiana (Damask)

This semi-double Damask has more charm and fragrance than the law allows … so don’t tell anyone I have her! LOL This one-time bloomer has been charming rose lovers since before 1750! That’s staying power! I love the “flouncy” growth habit of this rose. I love the way it looks against the herb garden fence.
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Queen of Bourbon (Bourbon)

Bourbons were the roses of Victorian England. They produce beautiful, large, full old rose blooms on vigorous growing bushes with blooms of wonderful, heady fragrance. Many Bourbons repeat bloom. One of my favorite bourbons is the Queen of bourbon although it does not repeat bloom for me.
However, when she blooms, she blooms and I can’t wait to say to her, “welcome back, I’ve missed you.”

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Les Reine de Violettes (Hybrid Perpetual)

These roses were developed as hardy garden plants between 1840 and 1900, by crossing the Portland, Bourbon and Gallica roses and were mostly used as cut flowers. My favorite Hybrid Perpetual is Reine Des Violettes (Queen of Violettes). Lovely, lovely, lovely. She is doing great this year but some years she is “attracted” to Black Spot so it pays to keep a watchful eye on her.

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arslogoprintNATIONAL ROSE MONTH!

Since June is National Rose Month, what a great time to join the American Rose Society. Check it out here.  And, if you are local to me, join us at the Indianapolis Rose Society! Not local, I’m sure there’s a group near you and you can find the listings at ROSE.ORG.

Around the garden this week…

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I’m on the road to the Biltmore to judge at the Biltmore International Rose Trails. I am excited to see the garden, garden friends and find out who the winners will be. I’ll keep you posted!


What’s blooming in your neck of the woods? Are you greeting old friends back to the garden or are you sending them off for a long winter’s nap?