Bloom Thyme Friday: It’s Time!

Link | April 12, 2019 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Yes, it’s time…

…TIME TO PRUNE THE ROSES

My Forsythia is blooming letting us know that the ground temps are now around 50 degrees and it “should” be safe to start pruning the roses.

As I took a quick look over the garden this week, I saw some things that made me very happy and a couple things that are iffy.

The brightest spot was seeing Peggy Martin who you will remember died back to the ground last year (Read the story of Mother Nature’s curve balls here.) but, she has now made it up and over the arbor again and I see buds all the way. Praying we don’t get a late frost or freeze like we did last year.

…TIME TO PLANT BARE ROOTS ROSES

Boxes have been arriving this week: 2 from David Austin and 1 from Palatine Roses. These bare roots look fabulous. Some are going in the ground and some are going in pots.

New Ones: Vanessa Bell, Dame Judi Dench, James L Austin, The Generous Gardener (I already have one and just love it!), Ghislane De Feligonde, Jasmine, and Papi Delbard. I simply cannot wait to see how these beauties grow and bloom! I’ll share!

They are all fabulous, but look at this dreamy Vanessa Bell!! Named for the artist, designer and founder member of the Bloomsbury Group – sister of the writer, Virginia Woolf. (DA)

NOTE: For more tips on spring rose care, read on here.

…TIME TO BUY POTTED ROSES FROM OUR ROSE SOCIETY

The Indianapolis Rose Society had their annual rose sale and the plants were fabulous. I bought 2 David Austins: Queen of Sweden and Wollerton Old Hall. If you are local come and join us, our 2019 Meetings and Events Schedule is posted here.

And, Wollerton Old Hall — Oh my!

Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire, located not far from the David Austin nursery, has one of the most beautiful private gardens in the country. The gardens are set around a 16th Century hall and feature roses in creative plant combinations, including many of our own English Roses. Wollerton Old Hall is open to the public on selected days throughout the summer. Read more here. http://www.wollertonoldhallgarden.com )

…TIME TO ENJOY BLOOM THYME BLOOMS

Isn’t spring just the best… except for those friends are getting pelted with snow as I write. So sorry! Hoping this will be the last.

…TIME TO GET SOME REST

Today I worked a little too hard and a little too long— if you get my drift. 😉😉 Think I should take a cue from our Southern sister Scarlet who said, “tomorrow is another day!” However, I typically run my life in “no time like the present” mode. 😃

Have a wonderful week. I’m heading for a bit more Advil! My body might be tired/sore but my spirit is soaring!

Bloom Thyme Friday: The Garden at Its Happiest

Link | June 16, 2017June 16, 2017 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

This week was Garden Party Week!

My garden is never happier than when it is filled with special guests.

The week started with a garden party that included the board members of the Indianapolis Rose Society and our special guest speaker for Rosefest, Pat Shanley, American Rose Soceity President. It was a wonderful evening of friends, fellowship, roses and CAKE. Oh, that cake!

Later in the week came a large group (56 or so) of very special people from our church. Most of them are at the time in their life when they are not able to work in a garden as they once did, but are right at home in a garden and were very excited to be here. It was so special to have them. We laughed, we ate, we talked gardening, roses and friendship.

Mr. G and I are feeling so blessed to be able to share our little piece of heaven with each one of them. I do hope they will all come again. The garden is the happiest when it is filled with those we love.

SPECIAL BLOOMERS THIS WEEK…

ONE MORE THING

If you are local, I will be speaking about growing roses at the library on Wed, June 21 at 6:30. Would love to see you there. Bring your questions!

What a wonderful week I have had. Hope you have too!

Rose Display, Workshops and Much More!

Link | May 4, 2017May 4, 2017 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

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!

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!

Growing Roses. Growing Friends.

Link | April 1, 2017 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

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.

OUR LOCAL SOCIETY … INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY

I serve as 1st Vice President and Chairman for website and social media. Check out our website at IndianapolisRoseSociety.com and join us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

In this organization I have met wonderful people of all ages. We are all at different stages of the gardening experience and have different passions. Some are into just growing while others with the competitive spirit, enter the most amazing blooms and arrangements in competitions! Some members have 1 rose and some have 500 roses. One of the greatest perks is getting to visit member’s gardens. This group has some amazing gardens!

But it is so much more…

We spend time enjoying all things “rose” together. We learn, we laugh, we celebrate successes and we deal with failures & issues together. It’s not just roses that keep us together, over the years–we have become family and you are welcome anytime!

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

Our 2017 year started off with a bang in March, as Dr. Mark Windham gave a program on getting our gardens off to a good start and gave us the latest on his research with Rose Rosette.

You can keep up with what’s going on by subscribing to our blog at INDIANAPOLISROSESOCIETY.COM. Most of our meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Sullivan Munce Center in charming Zionsville. HERE’S WHAT’S COMING UP FOR 2017.

NEXT MEETING:

TIME / PLACE:
Tuesday, April 11, 6:30 pm
Sullivan Munce Center / 225 W Hawthorne St / Zionsville

The program will be on Fertilizers and Soil Amendments, presented by our panel of experts, John Hefner, Mark Nolen and Humberto DeLuca.

What kind? How often? Organic? Inorganic? Too much? Too Little?
Bring all your questions! This panel will have the answers!

NOTE: The rose in the graphic above is the award winning Easy Does It.

This is a picture my daughter took from her garden! I don’t know if this rose will be available locally, but it is available online from Edmunds Roses here.

EASY DOES IT…

Recommended Growing Zones: 5 – 10
3-4″ Height
Bushy Growth Habit
Fruity Fragrance
Disease Resistant

Wishing you a wonderful spring!

Growing Roses & Growing Friends

Link | October 13, 2016April 1, 2017 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

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…

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.

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.

Come grow with us!

ROSE BUZZ: The National Floral Emblem

Link | June 1, 2016June 21, 2016 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

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.”

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

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.

Our ROSEFEST is coming up June 11.

DON’T MISS. You will love it!

Details here.

THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY

TRIAL MEMBERSHIP FOR ONLY $10…

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!

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…

ROSE BUZZ: ROSEFEST

Link | April 30, 2016May 7, 2016 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

YOU ARE INVITED!

The Indianapolis Rose Society is having a ROSEFEST on Saturday, June 11 at the 4H Fairground in Noblesville, IN.

$10 EVENT TICKETS AVAILABLE
CONTACT: Monica Taylor at IndyMonica@gmail.com or 317.514.7284

A DAY FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH ROSES!

This is going to be a day filled to the brim with roses. You can stop by for a few minutes or buy a $10 ticket and stay all day. The $10 ticket gives you entrance to hear all 3 speakers. I can tell you that this lineup of speakers is a Rose Dream Team.

Peggy Martin of New Orleans, LA
12:30 – 1:30 pm | Program: Old Garden Roses
Peggy is the VP of the Heritage Rose Foundation and owner of the original Peggy Martin Rose, the rose that survived Hurricane Katrina.

Carol Tumbas of Bloomington, IN
1:45 – 2:45 pm | Program: Hardy, Sustainable Shrub Roses
Carol is the former President of the Indianapolis Rose Society, a well respected rosarian and grower of more than 500 roses.

Gaye Hammond of Houston, TX
3 – 4 pm | Program: Earth-Kind Roses
Gaye is a noted expert of the Texas A & M Earth-Kind Program and lectures nationwide about growing roses in no spray conditions.

THE SCHEDULE

The day will start with the Hamilton County Master Gardener Association Tea in the Rose Garden and rose garden tour.

Then you can go inside to the conference center to see an amazing display of roses grown in the Indianapolis area, ask questions of Consulting Rosarians and hear from our great speakers. There will also be roses and rose products for sale.

For the complete schedule of the day, read on here.

TICKETS

With your $10 ticket you get to hear all 3 speakers! A true bargain for these great speakers.

There is a limited number of tickets (because of seating capacity), so buy your tickets ASAP by contacting Monica at IndyMonica@gmail.com or 317.514.7284. Seriously call or email her today! I don’t want you to miss this special event if you are in the area!

For more information about this event and other rose society events coming up — like the Wine and Roses garden tour, read on here.

Let me know if you have any questions?

🐝 🐝 🐝

Rose Buzz: Learning More About Growing Roses

Link | April 3, 2016April 3, 2016 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

If you are local, I would like to personally invite you to join us at the Indianapolis Rose Society meetings! This year is filled to the brim with great rose fun like Rosefest, and a Wine and Roses Garden Tour. If you have even a mild interest in growing roses, I just don’t want you to miss!

Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 12. This meeting will include 2 mini programs, I will give a mini program on companion plants for roses and my friend, Monica Taylor, will have a mini session on planting roses in containers. We will have an update on our Rosefest (details here) which is coming up in June and our monthly roundtable discussion lead by John Hefner on diseases we are dealing with. Our evening ends with a raffle and the prizes are quite nice! Oh, and Marilyn Ferguson makes sure we have yummy snacks too.

MORE SOCIETY DETAILS

We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 in the evening at the Sullivan Munce building in charming downtown Zionsville! That is except for special events and they are usually on the weekend. Read on here for the complete 2016 schedule.

Our time together ranges from member garden parties, wine and roses parties and tours (always popular as there are some amazing gardens) to workshops on rose pests and diseases, general rose care, as well as recommendations for growing roses in our region! It is amazing how much we learn from the experts we bring in and from our local members!

Our meetings are open to the public, so not only are you invited, but you can bring friends. You can let me know you are coming or just surprise us. There’s always room for more. Many of us carpool so contact me if you want to be a part of that.

Questions welcome!
_Rose Buzz_IndyRoseSoc

Rose Buzz: Companions & Beneficials

Link | October 31, 2015February 5, 2016 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

As 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

But it is so much more.

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.