Celebrating 130 Years of high quality & exceptional taste.
The Four Roses® Anniversary Rose celebrates the 130th Anniversary of the Four Roses® Kentucky Bourbon brand.
In the late 1800s, the legend of the Four Roses® name was born.
As the story goes, Paul Jones Jr., the founder of Four Roses® Bourbon, became smitten by a beautiful Southern Belle. He sent a proposal to her and she replied that if her answer were “yes”, she would wear a corsage of roses on her gown to the upcoming grand ball. When she arrived on the night of the ball, she wore a corsage of four red roses. He later named his bourbon “Four Roses” as a symbol of his devout passion for the lovely belle. He then carried that devotion a step further by trademarking Four Roses® in 1888.
That passion continues today. Master Distiller, Brent Elliott, and his team produce highly awarded Four Roses® Bourbon for consumers all over the world.
The Jackson & Perkins® Four Roses® Anniversary Rose perfectly represents the brand. Graceful, colorful, and elegant – it reminds us of that Southern Belle so long ago. Like the Bourbons, this rose will bloom and be recognized as a symbol of high quality and exceptional taste.
The blooms of this rose are exquisitely formed and fade-proof,
with a lovely damask fragrance.
Once they open, the blooms are 3 to 4 inches wide and comprised of 20 to 25 deep red petals. These blooms arrive in early summer and keep on going in waves all season long, especially if promptly deadheaded.
It’s a vigorous and easy-to-grow rose, heat tolerant, and resistant to rust and powdery mildew, meaning it’s a good choice for warmer climates.
(NOTE: FOR MORE ON CARE, SEE VIDEO BELOW.)
IN MY GARDEN!
Rose lovers love a good story. And as you read in the press release above, this rose comes with a rich and romantic one. I am fortunate to have been given this beauty and will share my experience with you! Thank you Jackson and Perkins for this lovely gift!
It is going in the ground this week and will get a large covering of mulch once the ground has frozen.
Four Roses Anniversary Rose will spend the winter with some good neighbors… Sweet Drift, Darcey Bussell and Petit Pink. It’s a good place…
Jackson and Perkins has a lot going on with roses and all her companions. They even have some great videos on rose care and garden design by Paul Zimmerman. Find Paul’s videos and more information here.
One rose that is creating a ROSE BUZZ in my garden this year is a new introduction from David Austin Roses … BATHSHEBA.
Bathsheba is said to be a well-behaved climber (to 9′ or so) with beauty, fragrance and disease resistance. All the things I want to hear.
Right from the start my new small plant began to take off and start growing strong — even though I didn’t plant it in the most perfect of locations. (I feared it would not get enough sun.) I have been rewarded with adorable buds and breathtaking blooms. Only 4-5 blooms so far but enough to know that this one captures my attention and heart.
LISTEN FOR MORE INFORMATION…
To hear the charming Michael Marriott with the lovely voice and incredible rose knowledge talk about this rose and the other new introductions, listen to the Rose Chat Podcast here…
If you are growing this rose, let me know what you think and if you have questions, I’m happy to help! Leave me a note in the comment section below.
SPEAKING OF BUZZ….
Did you see the acrobatic bee in my herb garden that I posted on Instagram? He’s my inspiration. I want to have as much fun as he is having as I work in the garden. And I DO have some work to do–all the roses need dead heading! LOL
As I write this morning, my view from my potting shed is one that makes me happy all the time but especially today as we are getting a MOST and I mean MOST needed rain. No one fulfills the needs of the garden OR the gardener like the Creator…
LEMONS TO LEMONADE…
There’s been a lot going on in the garden the past two weeks–some good and some bad. 😳 I’ll have a report on Bloom Thyme Friday!
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!)
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!
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…
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.
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…
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…
I’ve made countless “mistakes” through the years and the roses always forgive and come back!
You are basically looking for the 3 Ds …
Dead, Damaged and Diseased Canes
These tips are best for those who live & grow in my zone 5b.
Here in the midwest, it is difficult to know when winter is really over and it is time to prune. For many years, I have let the forsythia tell me. When the forsythia is blooming, I start pruning. This year a huge cold snap came after the forsythia bloomed, blowing that theory.😁 MOST of the time, the forsythia plan works.
Tools of the trade…
For this task, you will need to wear protective gloves and have a sharp pair of pruners. My choices are Bionic Gloves and Barnel Pruners from Wendy Tilley, owner of The Rose Gardener Garden Shop and Harlane Garden Labels.
Pruning tips for different types of roses…
Hybrid Teas: For hybrid teas, cut out any dead wood and remove the canes that cross the middle to create more air circulation in the center of the plant which can help control fungal disease. It is also good to look for the “dinky” canes. Ones that are too puny to hold up a rose. These roses I will cut back to about 10 – 12″ high to give them a strong start. Note: After a hard winter you may have to go lower … you are looking for a cane with a cream center without brown. Some years I have had to trim down to a couple of inches. Occasionally I lose HTs from winter kill but not very often.
Note: “Where the cane is black, it is NOT coming back!” Remove the black! (I think my friend Gaye Hammond first said that.)
One of the scary terms in rose pruning is “outward facing bud eye.” BUD EYE …. what is that! 😱 A bud eye is simply the swollen area where the leaf joins with the stem and a new cane is formed.
All that means is to cut down to the tiny bud that is on the outside of the cane. Why? It is going to grow outward! If the bud is on the inside of the cane, it is going to cross the middle of the shrub. Keeping the middle more open allows more air circulation. This is helpful especially for the roses that are more susceptible to fungal diseases.
For Hybrid Teas you want to end up with 3-5 of the strongest canes to start your new growing year.
Gemini HT
Old Garden Roses and Rugosas: To me bigger is better as far as old garden roses are concerned. Seriously, they not only don’t need a lot of pruning, they don’t like it. For one-time blooming roses, unless the wood is dead, do not prune until after they bloom! And, when you prune, just remove the dead and spindly canes and do a bit of shaping. Occassionally it is good to revitalize the shrub by removing the oldest (and usually largest) canes.
Queen of Bourbon
Roseraie de la Hay Rugosa
David Austin English Roses: The last couple of years I have had success with cutting back the English roses to about 1/2 their size – and in the case of a severe winter, the die back will dictate pruning height. This year required they be pruned to a height of only 12″ or so. Of course as always prune away diseased wood, old canes and canes that cross the middle — leaving the center open for better air circulation.
The Ingenious Mr. Fairchild from last summer. Amazing David Austin!
Shrubs & Landscape Roses: These are so easy. I have several Knockout roses, Drift roses, and many amazing shrub roses from Ping Lim’s Easy Elegance series and Proven Winner’s OSO Happy and OSO Easy series. I trim these power bloomers about 1/3 or 1/2 of their size and remove any dead or diseased canes to give them a fresh start. Clean out the middle and remove canes that are crossing and rubbing on other canes. An open middle is a great way to allow more air circulation and therefore less disease! If you find you have a real tangle and feel the bush need a refresh, search through the middle and remove the oldest canes all the way to the base of the plant. Much as you would do with any other shrub. I know. I know. You have heard the words “air circulation” more than a couple of times as you read through these tips … but it’s true! ☺️
Petit Pink from the Proven Winners OSO Happy collection … A beautiful, healthy shrub rose hybridized by Dr. David Zlesak.
Quietness Buck Rose
Pruning time!
CLIMBING ROSES:
There are a couple of videos that I recommend you take a look at for these…
Paul Zimmerman:
Ben Hanna (Heirloom Roses):
Ben’s tips work well for my Jasmina and New Dawn climbers…
NOTE #1:
For my one-time blooming climbers / ramblers like Peggy Martin, I do very little pruning. She has only been in my garden a few years and there may come a time when I will need to do some more exact pruning. But, for now the trimming up the winter die back and any dead canes I see, seems to be enough! I do try to get some “Air Circulation” going! 😂
During open garden day Peggy Martin just couldn’t be stopped. And, became the “place” to have your picture made — prom style!
NOTE #2:
There is no exact science and you can’t do any real damage. I could write all day and tell you stories of mistakes I’ve made.
Once you have done this a few times and observe your roses before and after, you will come up with your own best practices.
Contrary to popular belief, roses are simple creatures with basic needs like…
SUN: You’ve heard it said over and over …. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. Pick a spot with 6 – 8 hours of sun!
WATER: All living things need water. The best tip for watering I can give you is—water deeply. Shallow watering leads to shallow roots—which leads to plants that are more susceptible to dry conditions. Send those roots down deep!
NUTRITIOUS SOIL: This is the most important part! Good soil is the best gift you can give your plants. Roses don’t like like “wet feet,” (Neither do most other plants!), so drainage is key. For those of you in my region (midwest Zone 5) you are probably dealing with clay soil. Amend clay soils with compost and aged manure.
DEADHEADING: To keep your roses blooming throughout the season, remove spent blooms.
FERTILIZER: We ask a lot of roses … Be your best self and bloom all season long, so they appreciate a boost! For shrub roses the best time to fertilize is the spring. For hybrid teas and floribundas, they will appreciate some fertilizer in early spring and mid summer.
MULCH: 2-3″ of mulch helps retain moisture and provides a weed barrier. It is one of my fav parts in the process as it adds the finishing touch in the garden!
GOOD COMPANIONS: We all benefit from good companions. They truly help us be our best self and in the case of roses, many of those companions play host to the good bugs they need to fight the bad bugs lurking about!
YOU! Like in all good relationships, there is no substitute for time together. They like to show off for you and the more you visit the more you will recognize what is working and what is not! Maybe this is the year to take a selfie of you and your roses and post it on social media. That will surely prove how much you love them. 🙂
If you are looking for a lovely lavender rose to add to your garden this is the one! I love the soft color. It pairs so beautifully with all the pinkness that goes on in my garden! 😃
The blooms on this beautiful Kordes rose are large, full, ruffly and fragrant. Win. Win. Win. Win.
This rose grows tall and narrow in my garden so I have 5 growing close together for a more dramatic look.
I have read that it is hardy in Zones 5b – 9 and I have also read recommendations that it does best in Zones 6 – 9. While officially my garden is in Zone 5b, the last 3 years that I have grown this rose, the winters have all been very different from each other! #crazyweather
This rose is one of the most disease resistant roses in my garden, which is just the icing on the cake as far as I’m concerned!
This light pink rose was hybridized in Germany by Wilhelm Hinner who worked for Philipp Geduldig’s nursery in 1908. Not only is this rose beautiful, it is also fragrant and has the multi-petaled lovely old world charm that I adore.
It is considered by most to be the first floribunda. I have also read it is one of the more shade tolerant roses.
Since this rose grows to only about 3 high and wide, she will fit nicely in to most any sized garden. She did have some black spot issues in July when it was raining every day, but I cut her back, spritzed with Mil Stop and she finished strong and healthy.
I have 3 of these in the garden that were planted 3 years ago. While they bloomed well even the first year, last year was the best by far.
I originally had 4, but one had a harder time over the winter in my Zone 5 garden, so I dug it up. Since I love this rose so much, I couldn’t just throw it away; instead I lovingly planted it in a pot. And, I unlovingly forgot about it. The poor potted Gruss received very little care or water ALL SUMMER. It is now residing in my potting shed where I promise to pamper it over the winter. I just gave it a hardy drink of Moo Poo Tea and we will see how she does.
By the way, Gruss means “Greetings” in German and Aachen is a city in Germany.
Do you grow this rose?
If you don’t and would like to, it is available at Chamblee Nursery here. but I wouldn’t wait! Quantity is limited!
We as gardeners love what we do! But, the right tool can make all the difference and Christmas is the perfect time to share ideas with Santa to get just what we want and need for the coming growing season!
Below are some garden gifts that I highly recommend you buy for your garden friends OR whisper in Santa’s ear so they show up around your Christmas tree or in your stocking!
THE GARDENER’S HOLLOW LEG…
Bob Blomberg’s Gardener’s Hollow Leg® makes yard and garden clean up tasks easier! This handy “hands-free” debris holder is a must have for all pruning, weeding and harvesting tasks.
Vinnie Suozzi’s Ring Weeder has a forked tip that pierces the ground with ease allowing you to loosen the soil around the weed to “pluck” it out without breaking off the root of the weed. Made of light weight high strength injection molded ABS plastic, The Ring Weeder allows you to get your weeding done swiftly.
For the details of how this product found it’s place in the garden, read on…HERE.
Annie Haven’s Moo Poo Tea has been a staple in my garden for many years. Whether I am using it to soak my bare root roses or bulbs before planting or adding moo poo tea to the over all care of all my plants in containers and in the ground, moo poo makes a major difference!
Try it for yourself … HERE. Shipping is always free!
BARNEL PRUNERS AND BIONIC GLOVES FROM WENDY TILLEY, THE ROSE GARDENER
Who doesn’t want to be more bionic in the garden. I am convinced that without my Barnels and my bionic gloves … I would have a major loss of power!
Read all about these amazing tools and many more on Wendy’s website HERE.
Listen to Wendy give you the background stories, HERE.
And, what about a membership to an organization that is near and dear to my heart!?!
If you know someone who is interested in knowing more about roses, now is a great time to give them a trial membership to the American Rose Society.
You’ll receive discounts at public gardens, copies of their award winning magazine, American Rose, plus a ton of other benefits … all for only $10.
