Pat Shanley and The Future of Roses

March 4, 2015March 5, 2015 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Tonight on Rose Chat Chris and I were joined by Pat Shanley, incoming President of the American Rose Society.

Many of my rose loving friends are concerned about the effects of chemicals in their garden. Pat offered so much insight and encouragement to those wanting to grow a beautiful yet sustainable rose garden. Pat does not spray her beautiful rose garden and has joined with other environmentally concerned rose gardeners to write a book, The Sustainable Rose Garden.

Read the Midwest Book Review…

Roses, with their bright colors and sweet smell, have earned a special place among floral enthusiasts. “The Sustainable Rose Garden” is a collection of essays written by rosarians for fellow rose lovers. Speaking on the sustainability of roses and their surprising impact on the environment, there is much to ponder about how roses can be improved for their future. With nearly forty contributors, “The Sustainable Rose Garden” is a read that is very much recommended for the environmentally conscious rose lover.

Pat also shared her vision for the future of the American Rose Society, America’s oldest horticultural society. Pat’s vision is a society that is relevant in today’s world–a society that breaks down barriers and unites everyone who loves the rose. Pat is often described as a woman of “boundless energy,” and tonight we had a glimpse of that!

To listen to our chat, click on the Rose Chat icon below…

Bloom Thyme Friday: Repeat Bloomers

February 6, 2015 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

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…

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.

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.

I 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!

Bloom Thyme: New From David Austin Roses

January 18, 2015 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Since the 80s I have been in love with David Austin Roses. A highlight of each growing season is their new releases.

Last week on Rose Chat Michael Marriott, garden designer from David Austin Roses, was with us to talk about the 2015 introductions for the US and Canada.

If you’ve never heard Michael speak, well do listen to the podcast. While I can give you the pictures and a few facts, Michael can escort you to the very essence of these roses with his charming British accent. Michael also gave us a history lesson on the Chelsea Flower Show and his top tips for growing great roses. You can listen by clicking the Rose Chat logo below…

THE ROSES…

THE LADY GARDENER: It is said of this rose that it “nearly buries itself in perfume and flowers from early summer to frost.” Read more.

THE ALBRIGHTON RAMBLER: This rose is said to have “exceptional prettiness and charm.” Read more.

THOMAS a BECKET: “A particularly strong and healthy rose, with exceptional old rose fragrance.” Read more.

MAID MARION: “Maid Marion produced some of the most superbly formed flowers we have seen.” Read more.

For other articles I’ve written on David Austin roses, read on.

DECISIONS! DECISIONS!

Of course I want them all, but since I have been working on a living fence on the south side of our garden for the last 2 years, I think I am going with the ramblers. Aren’t they just amazing! Most ramblers grow to 20′ … and in some cases 30′. I think these ramblers growing only to about 10′ will fit my space very nicely.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Of course you too can have them all, but I’m curious, if you could choose only one of these pretties, which one would you choose?

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

November 30, 2014December 23, 2014 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

During 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.

ROSE CHAT…

Chris 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…

Falling In Love

Gemini with Dick Clark in the background

The line up ….

Comte de Chambord and neighbors

Our Lady of Guadelupe and neighbors.

Hansa and Roseraie de la Hay

Early June evening…

Roses and peonies…

Rainy day…

Poseidon and company…

Amber Carpet Roses around the fish pond.

Etoille de Violette in the background…

Mr. H’s first visit to the garden! You knew he would be in this gallery, didn’t you?!?

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!