BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer

The lazy, hazy days of summer are certainly here!

It is too darn hot to be in the garden much this week and my to-do list is growing by the minute. Things like…

  • Pick leaves on those roses that have decided that August is a good time to say yes to more blackspot.
  • Divide and move perennials.
  • Deadhead spent blooms
  • Look for sales at garden centers (easy one!)
  • Water, water, water
  • Sketch out new areas and sketch tweaks to existing areas.

I bought this graph composition book for $1 a couple of weeks ago in the “back to school” aisle and it has been perfect to make these kinds of notes and sketches. Don’t you love a new composition book of any kind this time of year? And, new pencils and binders and all the school things!!

“Back to School” is difficult this year and that is heartbreaking to me as I have the very best memories of back to school times for myself and my children. Let’s all stop right now and take a minute to pray for the children, parents, and teachers and all that they are dealing with during this most difficult season.

 

BOKAY DAYS

Bokay Days go to a whole new level! Last week when Mr. G saw me packing up various vessels for bokay transport, he went out in his shop and made me this beautiful carrier. He looked at the sizes of vases (spaghetti sauce and jam jars 😉) I usually use and made this beautiful carrier to fit them. It worked perfectly! I have already used my new carrier several times! Mr. G is the very best!

THE VERY BAD AND THE HELPFUL

This week I found something in my garden that no rose lover wants to see … RRD (Rose Rosette Disease). I had noticed this rose was beginning to struggle. Then boom, there it was!

I have been growing roses for more than 30 years and have seen plenty of Rose Rosette other places, I have been fortunate to see very little of this in my garden. RRD is caused by a virus (yes another virus you have to hear about) and a tiny mite that carries it to the roses. I am in my garden every day and spotted it at a very very early stage. I dug the rose out and destroyed it.

At the present time, RRD has no cure but there is fabulous research going on and new ways of managing the problem while we search for a cure (sound familiar??). On August 22 at 2 pm there is a premiere of a new project Paul Zimmerman is working on with a team of RRD experts from around the country. You can go HERE to sign up to receive a reminder for the video. The premiere will include live chat with the panel of experts so you can get your questions answered.

Today I chatted with Paul Zimmerman about the project on Rose Chat and that podcast conversation will be released Sunday evening HERE. While you are waiting for that episode to be released you can catch up on the other recent episodes!

I never want to lose a plant to pests or disease, however, I have a long list of other beautiful roses I want to try in my garden and I am on to picking one of those!

Japanese Beetles are still attacking my Quietness roses and a few of my Zinnias but they are few and far between. I will be glad to see them go. If you are new here and want to know more about my experience with Japanese Beetles, read on HERE.

BLOOM THYME

James Austin DA just making this bokay sing!
Sweet Drift

The phlox blooms are beginning to fade but they are still very attractive to the pollinators!

Dahlias in the cutting garden are going to find their way into bokays today!

Flamenco Rosita (Ivor’s Rose)
Fred and family are keeping cool in the pond. Wish it will big enough so that Mr. G and I could join them!

I hear cooler weather is coming next week and I am surely looking forward to it!

Friends, thanks for stopping by. I hope you are doing well and do take care! Let’s embrace the season and maybe have some ice cream…

Rose Buzz: Bathsheba

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…

https://rosechat.podbean.com/e/david-austin-roses-new-intros-for-2018/

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!

 Keep creating a buzz in the garden! 🐝

 

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 Buzz: Easy PZ Roses are Here

Rose Buzz_White_8Remember when Paul Zimmerman, award-winning Rosarian and author, announced on the Rose Chat Podcast that he was teaming with Heirloom Roses to launch a new collection of roses with his endorsement … Easy PZ Roses? The time has come!

Take a look at these amazing roses with the stamp of approval from one of the premiere advocates of sustainable, easy care roses. I am excited about all these new roses, especially Good Ol’ Summertime. Look at that color! I simply can’t wait to have this one growing in my garden! Luscious! Click on the pictures to read all about this beauty!

 

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A good yellow rose is just hard to beat!
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Look at all those blooms!

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If you didn’t get to hear Paul’s Rose Chat podcast … take a minute and listen in. No one can tell the story of  Easy PZ better than Paul, plus you get to hear what’s going on in his garden at The Funny Farm. Click here.

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Thanks for stopping by.

If you are one of the lucky ones who is already growing some of these beautiful roses, let us know how they are doing in your neck of the woods!

🐝🐝🐝

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: It’s Officially Rose Season

Rose Buzz_7_whiteRose season is officially here in my garden and in the rose world at large (see rose calendar below).

The rugosas are exploding, so the fireworks are on as I have quite a few to explode! 🙂

Harrison’s Yellow is still adding the sunshine and new roses are opening every day. That is something to buzz about!

Other roses taking off …

Honey Bun … Proven Winner OSO Easy Series

Honey Bun
Honey Bun

Smoothie … Proven Winner’s OSO Happy Series

Smoothie behind Double Red Knockout
Smoothie in front of a Red Double Knockout

Little Mischief … This rose is from the Easy Elegance collection from Ping Lim. This small shrub is covered in blooms!

Little Mischief Up Close
Little Mischief Up Close

Madame Hardy: Damask

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COMING SOON TO THE GARDEN…

Celsiana (Damask prior to 1750) … This is a very large shrub just full of buds and ready to explode any day now. The fragrance of this rose is over the top! It is a one-time bloomer, but soooo worth it.

Celsiana
Celsiana

Lady Salisbury (David Austin) … Look at all those buds! I just cannot wait to see the delicate blooms of this rose. Hopefully, I will have pictures to share in a few days.

Lady Salisbury
Lady Salisbury

Felicite Parmetier (Alba 1830s) … This is another one-time bloomer but the fragrance is out of this world!

Felicite Parmentier
Felicite Parmentier

ROSE CALENDAR:

Biltmore Rose Trials … Who will be the winner?

The Biltmore International Rose Trial is coming up next weekend! I have the honor of being a judge for the wonderful event under the direction of Paul Zimmerman. For more on the rose trials, read on here.

Click on any of the pictures in this group to start the gallery feature.

If you are going to be at the Biltmore next weekend, let me know so we can meet up. The Rose Chat crew will be there and we’d love to see you.

The Rose Chat Crew checking out the winners.
The Rose Chat Crew checking out the winners.

 INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY MEETINGS
(All meetings are open to the public and we’d love to see you there!)

JUNE MEETINGS

SAT, JUNE 20, 4 PM
PROGRAM: Mark Nolen—Preparing Roses for a Rose Show
Mark, winner of numerous rose show awards including last year’s Queen of Show, will take us through the steps he takes to get his roses ready for a rose show. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Mark and Cathy’s beautiful garden.
POP BOTTLE DISPLAY: Bring your roses for “show and tell.”

SAT, JUNE 27 / 5 pm
GARDEN TOUR / PITCH-IN: Nick & Anne Stanley
A wonderful opportunity to see one of the areas most beautiful gardens.
POP BOTTLE DISPLAY: Bring your roses for “show and tell.”

NATIONAL CONFERENCES…

ARS SPRING NATIONAL AND MINI NATIONAL CONFERENCE & ROSE SHOW
2015ARSLogoSimpleSing a Song of Roses
June 11 – 14
Columbus, Ohio
Details here.

 

1432144247156ARS FALL NATIONAL CONFERENCE & ROSE SHOW
Roses in a New York State of Mind
September 10-13
Syracuse, NY
Details here.
The Rose Chat crew plans to attend!

More on the American Rose Society here.


JUNE IS NATIONAL ROSE MONTH…

On November 20, 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.”

What’s the ROSE BUZZ in your world this week?

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Bloom Thyme Friday: Repeat Bloomers

In the rose world when you mention repeat, you are often referring to how often or how quickly a rose repeats it’s bloom cycle. Some repeat quickly while others do their amazing display of blooms all at once.

Repeat now has another meaning for me. On the Rose Chat Podcast recently our guest was Jennifer Grove, Founder of Repeat Roses. You can listen to Jennifer tell her story by clicking the Rose Chat logo below…

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Repeat Roses provides concierge pickup service to remove hotel and wedding event floral arrangements, and delivers joy to local residents at nursing homes, hospice care and family shelters. Their goal is to deliver joyful experiences that benefit the emotional health of their residents and patients.

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This picture speaks of beauty on so many levels.

 

Many of you know that I am a former florist and I can tell you that it used to drive me and my associates crazy to know that our beautiful creations would most likely end up in the trash in a few hours.

I can also speak as a mother of the bride and a mother of the groom when I say what a great service they are providing. After a big event families want to do something with the flowers, but are too exhausted to organize what Repeat Roses has in place. They take care of containers, redesigns and delivery! They even return to the site to collect and compost all waste to keep tons of organics out of landfills!

How fulfilling for families and event planners — to have the flowers that just contributed so much to their beautiful event, have another life bringing joy to those in their community who most need their spirits lifted.

1898110_248917495281306_1744385698_nI applaud Jennifer for her innovative and sustainable solution to a florist’s nightmare! Please go to RepeatRoses.com to see just what they are doing. And, following along on Facebook to see what’s going on regularly! If you or someone you know is having a special event, maybe you can partner with them too!

Let’s think of something to do while we’re waiting…

images-9During this season of Thanksgiving, I want to send out a big “THANK YOU” to you for joining me on this gardening journey. You mean the world to me!

Now it’s time for me to start waiting the winter out.

“Waiting the winter out” brings to mind something I learned from Mr. Rogers….  “let’s think of something to do while we’re waiting… ” Mr. Rogers was right, it IS always good to have something to do!


INSIDE GARDENING…

I have several pots of amaryllis and daffodils I will soon enjoy in the Potting Shed. And, will continue to “tend” the gerainiums and herbs that are over wintering there. The shed is a tiny space so the roses and herbs that we had outside this summer in large pots will spend their winter in Mr. G’s woodworking shop. They will be very happy there.

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ROSE CHAT…

RCR 1600Chris and I will keep you in the “rose gardening know” with past and upcoming Rose Chat podcasts. There are 100+ recorded podcasts you can listen to here via your computer or on your mobile devices by using iTunes or the Stitcher App.

We will take a short break from live shows for Christmas, (All the archived show are still there for you!) and start back strong in 2015 with…

Pat Shanley,  VP of American Rose Society, Michael Marriott of David Austin Roses, Paul Zimmerman of Paul Zimmerman Roses, Susan Lyell Young (Rose.Cottage on Instagram) and Richard Anthony and Brenna Bosch of For the Love of Roses plus many more!



 PLANNING & PLOTTING…

One of my favorite winter activities is planning and plotting what I will do to the garden next spring. And, pouring through catalogs to make my plant buying decisions! We have so many options … isn’t it great!



PICTURES…

Another thing that gets me through the long midwest winters is pouring through the pictures I take. Actually, I consider my iPhone one of my most valuable garden tools!

Here’s a gallery of some of my 2014 favorites…



SOCIAL MEDIA…

Many of you are growing in areas where things are blooming right now and I sure appreciate your shares via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and other social networks!

Three of my favorites are…

Michele Endersby on Twitter

MyMountainCottage on Instagram and her blog… http://mymountaincottage.blogspot.com

Ann Chapman on Facebook


 

Whatever your season, I wish you all the best and thank you for stopping by!