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 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.
