American Rose Society

LET’S CELEBRATE NATIONAL ROSE MONTH!

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

June is National Rose Month. What a perfect time to celebrate our National Floral Emblem!

Roses have a long and colorful history. Through the years they have been symbols of love, beauty, war and politics. Their beauty, romance, history and versatility is unmatched. She is the Queen of Flowers.

A FASCINATING JOURNEY

It took some time to find just the right flower to be our National Floral Emblem! 

In 1901 President William McKinley sponsored the red carnation! While we don’t know too much about that, we do know quite a bit about the fight for the marigold!

On January 12, 1959, the president of the W. Atlee Burpee Co., David Burpee, wrote newly-elected Senate Minority Leader Everett M. Dirksen, proclaiming the virtues of the marigold and calling it “the flower of the people.” David Burpee was vigilant in the fight. He was known for using PT Barnum’s model for promotion and advertising — just like his dad! For nearly 10 years Burpee and Dirksen campaigned for the marigold. Ten years is dedication!

Many other flowers were considered too … there were even those who strongly suggested the corn tassel be our national flower. What?

A ROSE IS A ROSE IS A ROSE

While the debate went on for at least 85 years, we are so pleased with the final decision. 

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.

We see proof of this everywhere. The study of fossils reveals that the rose has existed in America for age upon age. We have always cultivated roses in our gardens. Our first President, George Washington, bred roses, and a variety he named after his mother is still grown today. The White House itself boasts a beautiful Rose Garden. We grow roses in all our fifty States. We find roses throughout our art, music, and literature. We decorate our celebrations and parades with roses. Most of all, we present roses to those we love, and we lavish them on our altars, our civil shrines, and the final resting places of our honored dead.

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.”

Thank you President Regan. It is our pleasure to continue to represent all aspects of the rose. Yes, the rose is in good hands with the American Rose Society and our local societies.

WHAT A PERFECT TIME TO… Join a local socia societyl and the American Rose Society.

IF YOU ARE LOCAL…

My local society is the INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY where I am a past president and currently serve as the Website and Social Media chair.

🌹This is a fun, thriving society filled with rose growers of all ages and stages of growing.
🌹We have members growing a few roses and members growing hundreds!
🌹We have members who are just getting started and members who have been growing for more than 50 years.
🌹Our meeting are open to the public – except for some special events like member garden tours etc and those are reserved for members BUT they will be clearly marked as such!
🌹For $25 a year you get ALL the benefits.|
🌹Membership details HERE.

Great programs, good food, door prizes and plenty of rose talk! We end each meeting with a “round table” discussion where you can share your successes, failures, ask questions and experience help through the experience of others!

OUR IRS MEETING NEXT TUESDAY…

Click onto our website HERE and find out all the details about what to bring and how to RSVP. I know you’ll have the best time! 🎉

AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY

For less than the price of a dozen beautiful vased roses, you can become of member of the American Rose Society and open up a world of history, education, projects, rose reviews, growing tips and so much more! And one of the very best things is the beautiful, award winning magazine AMERICAN ROSE that you can chose to receive either digitally or print. Details here.

We are so fortunate to have a historical organization looking out for the interest of the rose and those who grow her. The ARS’s rose roots run deep and wide!

EASY BREEZY…
You can very qucikly sign up for the ARS free E-Newletter, The Fragrant Rose HERE. Do check it out!

ROSE CHAT PODCASTS

I have been having all kinds of fun talking to some of our leading rose experts! If you have ideas for future programs, please let me know! HERE

GROWING ROSES 101
Suzanne Gilbert, Master Rosarian 

LISTEN HERE

On this podcast I went back to the basics with Suzanne Gilbert, Past President of the Houston Rose Society and currently serving as secretary for the South-Central District of the American Rose Society. Today is the day for basic information that will be helpful to new rose growers as well as a refresher to those who have been growing for awhile. From choosing the right rose, to rose care and where to get ongoing information, Suzanne is the perfect person to speak to these basics as someone who began growing roses as a child and has grown roses is several growing zones.

https://rosechat.podbean.com/e/aall-about-climbing-roses/

ALL ABOUT CLIMBING ROSES
Robin Jennings, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Heirloom Roses

LISTEN HERE

In this episode I’m joined by Robin Jennings of Heirloom Roses. Join us as we dive into the beauty and versatility of climbing roses. From climbing roses’ rich history and how they’ve evolved, to tips on planting, pruning, and training,  we cover everything you need to know to grow climbers successfully. We also touch on trending varieties, this year’s most popular rose colors, and what’s new at Heirloom Roses this season.

Coming JUNE 8…

CRITTERS & CRUD: Crown Gall & Chilli Thrips
Gaye Hammond, Master Rosarian

On this episode I’m joined by Gaye Hammond. Gaye will tackle two garden trouble makers, Crown Gall and Chili Thrips. It is hard to overstate the impact Gaye Hammond has had on the world of roses. Any time you have the opportunity to hear Gaye speak, we highly recommend you do! Roses and rose lovers have benefited greatly from the expertise and energy she gives every project … from her work with the Houston rose society – leading them into their becoming one of the largest and most active roses societies with a membership nearing 500 to RRD research, rose history, rose trials and more. Listen in as we benefit from the hours of research she puts into every project. Coming Sun, June 8 … HERE.

BLOOM THYME AROUND THE GARDEN…

We’ve had a rainy, cool season but blooms are coming! Over and over I am reminded of why I love spring so much. There is nothing like the fresh blooms and having an abundance to share.

Since I am still in the moving around some roses era, many are small and not making the garden impact they will in a year or two but each bloom reminds me why I added some new ones.

One rose that has completely stolen my heart is the oh so fragrant and beautiful Moonlight Romantica! Do you grow it. She’s new so time will tell how she does overall but her start is impressive.

The “companion” that grabbed my attention early on and still has it is the lupine you see in the image below that is paired with Moonlight Romantica and My Monet Weigela (Proven Winners)

Moonlight Romantica (Bloomable/Star)
Sweet Drift Border
Eustacia Vye (DA)
Ghislaine de Feligonde
Etile Violette
Sweet William
Quietness
Tiny Ghislane de Feligonde
(I have 3)
Plum Perfect, Vanessa Bell & Quietness
Quietness
Mother of Pearl just getting started
Petite Peach
Vanessa Bell & Quietness
Rainy Day
Celsiana
3rd Year Ghislaine & Dawlow’s Enigma
Therese Bugnet
Another Petite Peach
At Last (Proven Winners)

Here the blooms are just getting started and there are many more to come!

May we bloom as the flowers and be an example of God’s grace to the world!

Happy gardening friends!

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: The winter must have been longer than I thought…

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Seems that often a long winter is paired with a long list of rose orders. I didn’t think I had many on order. Last week when Mr. G asked how many roses were coming this spring, I said oh not too many but then I started to list them – out loud. His response, “ooooo, that sounds like quite a few.” Gotta love him!! I doubt much I would say about the garden would surprise him at this point. 

NOTE: Many of these choices were made based on fragrance and rose health! And, of course their beauty!

HIGH COUNTRY ROSES

Summer Romance (Link)
Loves Me, Loves Me Not (Link)
Reine des Violette (Link)

HEIRLOOM ROSES

Amazing Grace (Link)

INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY SALE

Sitting Pretty (Link)
Bright & Shiny (Link)
Honeymoon Arborose (Link)

JACKSON & PERKINS

Oxford Girl (Link)

MENAGERIE

Summer Romance (Link)

PROVEN WINNERS

Reminiscent Coral (Link)

DAVID AUSTIN

The Generous Gardener (Link)

Amazing Grace
Bright & Shiny
Honeymoon
Koko Loco
Love Me Loves Me Not
Oxford Girl
Reine des Violette
Reminiscent Coral
Sitting Pretty
Summer Romance
The Generous Gardener

What rose(s) are you adding to your garden?

Now I need to look at my dahlia list. I think it has grown a bit too. 

RECENT ROSE CHATS

WHY SPRAY WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE TO?|
Paul Zimmerman and Michael Marriott

LISTEN HERE

On this episode of Rose Chat, host Teresa Byington is joined by the dynamic duo of roses, Paul Zimmerman and Michael Marriott. Paul and Michael will tackle the very important subject of growing roses sustainably. They will walk us through steps to take to have beautiful roses without adding chemicals to your garden.

STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM TO YOU
Tyler Francis & Brian Rhodes / Co-CEO’s of April & Ashley

On this episode, I chat with Tyler Francis and Brian Rhodes of Francis Roses about their new venture as Co-CEO’s of April & Ashley – a new source bringing farm fresh roses straight to your door. Tyler and Brain will take us on the inside track to share about their partnerships, techniques and unique processes to bring the very best.

LISTEN HERE

COMING IN APRIL

BECOMING A BACKYARD ROSE HYBRIDIZER
… Growing Roses from Seed
Jeff Droullard, The Rose Dude

RELEASE DATE: Sun, April 13

On this episode, I’ll chat with Jeff Droullard, known on social media as The Rose Dude who has become a backyard rose hybridizer by growing roses from seed. Jeff is so enthusiastic about his hobby and is eager to inspire others! Growing roses from seeds is extremely popular today and Jeff will take us step by step on how to be successful.

A ROSEY APPROACH TO TRENDS
Rebecca Koraytem, David Austin U. S. Sales Executive

RELEASE DATE: Sun, April 27

On this episode, I’m joined by Rebecca Koraytem of David Austin Roses. Rebecca will share with us how roses fit perfectly into the current home and garden trends. Trends are always a fun and fascinating subject especially anything rosy!

NEW FROM THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY

The Fragrant Rose is an e-newsletter for folks interested in gardening and is chock-full of growing tips and information. Delivered FREE to your inbox!

Get a glimpse of some of the great information from the American Rose Society 🌹🌹
👉 Sign up here: https://rose.org/join-renew/#fragrant-rose

I can tell you that as with all things “American Rose Society,” it is a beautiful and informative publication.

POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS

HEAD START ON DAHLIAS

Since our growing season is a bit short and I want dahlias as soon as possible, I start them EARLY! Some are already showing just the tiniest bit of green! 🌱 💚 🌱 💚 🌱

COSMOS

Same as with dahlias. If I don’t start early, we don’t get to enjoy Cosmos for very long and they are Mr. G’s favorites! 🌸 🌸 🌸

Baby Cosmos
Baby Dahlia
Purple Hyacinth Bean
Late Bloomer in the Potting Shed

BIG PROJECT OF 2025: Front yard…

Removed 10 boxwoods (several had blight) and various others shrubs that were past their prime!
The ugly, hard work is done and now the fun work begins.

SPRING THYME IS JUST THE BEST

A phrase that is heard often in our garden this time of year… “Oh come look at this!”

Every day in the garden I see something new. Sometimes it is something I “need” to do and sometimes it’s something just for my enjoyment! Like the Hellebores or Lenten Roses … Their name reminding us of the miraculous season ahead. A time to focus on the horror of the crucifixion, Christ’s love for us and the glorious joy and hope the resurrection brings. From Good Friday to Easter Sunday, we know a lot can happen in 3 days!

Friends, I hope this season is filled with moments of pure joy for you as we continue to have a front row seat to the many miracles of spring.

Bleeding heart begins
Minnow
Grape Hyacinth
Pansies
Artemisia 
Forsythia, Rhodo

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Spring Excitement

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

One of my favorite things about Autumn is that as I tweak the garden, dividing plants, and removing undesirables etc., I get so excited for how the “new” garden will look in the Spring. She may be tired now and in need of a good layer of mulch but in the spring she will be glorious! #dreamstage

I have already found 3 prime spaces and will be on the lookout for 3 beautiful, power-blooming, fragrant roses. #reachforthestars  🌟 Do you have a rose recommendation for me? 

And then there’s seed excitement. 🎉 Few things are more exciting to  me in the garden than seeds!  I am gathering seeds, looking for new varieties and ordering seeds!!! SO MUCH FUN. Every time I see my little brown bags of seeds I’ve gathered I get all gushy about spring!  Am I alone???

NEW HYDRANGEAS

Proven Winners sent out 4 amazing new hydrangeas that I get to try in my garden. They are planted, watered, mulched and ready to experience an Indiana fall and winter. Look at these beauties…

TUFF STUFF  |  Reblooming Mountain Hydrangea

SIZE: 2-3′ Tall and Wide
ZONES: 4 – 9
SUN/SHADE: 4 – 6 hours of sun preferred

This beauty is said to be cold hardy and heat tolerant. Two attributes that mean a great deal to me! Just look at those beautiful lacecap fowers.

PINKY WINKY PRIME  |  Panicle Hydrangea 

SIZE: 6 – 9′ Tall and Wide
ZONES: 3 – 8
SUN/SHADE: 4 – 6 hours of sun

I have 7 of the original Pinky Winkys and love them but am so excited to try the PRIME version as it is said to have bigger and fuller flowers! Big win!

LET’S DANCE LOVABLE  | Reblooming Big Leaf Hydrangea

SIZE: 3-4′ Tall and Wide
ZONES: 5-9
SUN/SHADE: 4-6″ hours of sun

This lovely has vivid bloom color and glossy foliage with the “super-charged” ability to rebloom! Foliage turns burgundy in the fall.

LET’S DANCE SKY VIEW  |  Reblooming Bigleaf HydRangea

SIZE: 2-3′ Tall and 2-4′ Wide
ZONES: 4-9
SUN/SHADE: 4 – 6 hours of sun

We are constantly hearing that we need more blue in the garden and PW says these are easy to get to turn blue by adding aluminum sulfate if you don’t have acid soil.

ONE MORE HYDRANGEA

I love my Fire Light Tidbit so much I had to add another one. Luckily when I made this big decision to add another, a local garden center had several beauties!! My two will flank a walkway through a section of the garden. 

This is how she looks in my garden this week… A beauty indeed! I just can’t wait until spring and to see both of them in their prime!

ROSE CHAT PODCAST

UPDATES, PLANS & PROJECTS
Diane Sommers, American Rose Society President

On today’s episode, Diane Sommers, President of the American Rose Society is here to bring us up to date on some exciting projects including their recently launched digital initiative. And, we’ll take a peek into plans for the future.

It was so fun to chat with Diane about our wonderful organization! LISTEN HERE.

BLOOM THYME

This week I tried to make the most of every bloom and share bokays with friends.

Mother of Pearl going strong
State of Grace
Cafe au Lait decorating the Potting Shed
Garden “office” view
Parfuma Bliss
Parfuma Bliss bud
Scentuous

One of the most relaxing things to do is watch butterflies in the garden… don’t you think?

Friends, thanks for stopping by. Don’t forget to let me know if you have rose recommendations for me!

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: VISITING HISTORY

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Recently we spent time in one of the most historical areas of our country. We saw so many beautiful historical sites, homes, and enjoyed many generational traditions.

While there I was able to experience rose garden history as well with a visit to the rose garden at Elizabeth Park in Hartford, CT — home of the oldest public rose garden in the US. There are over 15,000 rose bushes and 800 varieties of old and new roses. Yes, she is steeped in history. This garden became the first official test garden in 1912 for the American Rose Society founded in 1892, with the idea to test and to provide accurate information about roses for the public.

The Curator of the rose garden is a great garden friend that many of you know, Stephen Scanneillo. We had hoped to meet up but he was away at that time on vacation. He plans to join me in a couple of weeks on the podcast and I’m sure he’ll have plenty of Elizabeth Park garden stories! And no one tells a garden story  quiet like Stephen.

When I first became aware of this garden, like so many others, I was captivated by the beauty of the the row of rose covered arches I saw in pictures. What I didn’t see from those pictures was just how many rows of arches there are. There are 75 arches covering pathways that direct you through section after section of this amazing garden. The structures themselves were so impressive. I can’t imagine what it must be like to be there when the arches are draping in blooms from the ramblers and climbing roses. I’m told that roses on the arbors are… Dorothy Perkins, Romeo, Repeat blooming Hiawatha, Peggy Martin, Party Hardy, White Dorothy, Dr. Van Fleet, Chevy Chase, Perfumed Breeze, Dortmund, Crimson Rambler, and Exclesa.

August in drought conditions is certainly not the kindest month to visit a rose garden, especially on a day that will literally bake you in moments. It’s kind of like having a photoshoot when you’re having a bad hair day! But, it was the day I had. So, we found Mr. G a shady spot in the garden and I set off to take a closer look. The garden did not disappoint!

MY DAY IN THE GARDEN…

THRIVE / SPROUL
THRIVE

THE GARDEN IN JUNE…

Stephen sent me these pictures he took when the roses are at peak bloom. 😱🌟

Mixes Ramblers
Mixed Ramblers and Caldwell Pink
Mixed Ramblers
I love fog!

DID YOU KNOW?

At Elizabeth Park they winter-protect the roses on the arches by using branches that are pruned from the evergreen in the garden!! What a fabulous idea!! 🌟

THE HERITAGE ROSE GARDEN

The heritage roses have their own special place in the Elizabeth Park garden … nestled in a more secluded area surround by beautiful stone walls. Just perfect! Although I only saw a few blooms as most of these roses have their bloom in early June, they do leave behind some very lovely rose hips which was a treat. And, I so enjoyed seeing the name tags telling me who lived there!

Yes, I have to go back!

ONE MORE THING!! PEGGY MARTIN…

The Peggy Martin Rose would certainly be a sight to see in June as she has covered the rose garden office wall so beautifully.

CHATTING ABOUT ROSES…

Here are the latest podcasts!

INTERNATIONAL ROSE TEST GARDEN
Rachel Burlington, Botanic Specialist III-Rose Garden / Curator

Rachel is a very impressive young woman and wears many hats in the world of horticulture. In addition to her work at the Test Garden, she is co-founder of the non-profit, Women in Horticulture and serves on the Pacific Northwest’s Great Plant Picks committee. So much to chat about! LISTEN HERE.

COMING SUNDAY!

My next chat is with Diane Sommers, President of the American Rose Society. We will be chatting about what’s going on today and take a peek into plans for the future. This one will be “live” this Sunday, September 10th.

VARMINT UPDATE…

All the varmints are feeling the drought too. They are back and tearing through any part of the garden that I have watered. 😱 #catch22  If you’ve never been visited by these kind of critters (groundhogs, raccoons, possoms), let me tell you they are gifted diggers. When they visit it looks like small rototillers have gone through the garden leaving many plant roots exposed and damaged. To be honest we have not kept up with spreading the deterrents mostly because we were traveling and it was so hot. I guess not using the deterrents is the same thing as hanging a welcome sign. …. sigh 😔

I’ve been seeing pictures on social media and hearing horror stories of armadillo damage. Talk about diggers!!! To those of you who deal with armadillos – 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 !

SURPRISE DAHLIA…

While in Tennessee this spring to speak to a extremely wonderful group of Master Gardeners, I bought a dahlia. Not one I had ever heard of but the name got to me because I had family in CA.

Meet Pacific Ocean … my first “waterlily”  dahlia

Waterlily Dahlias. These blossoms have rounded petals that spiral around tight, slightly flattened centers. Their flawless form makes them popular cut flowers. The plants are typically just 2’ to 3’ tall, yet they produce large blossoms that measure up to 5” across. Waterlily dahlias perform well in large containers and are also good for perennial gardens. -Longfield Gardens 
For more on the different types of Dahlias, read the full article HERE. 

I didn’t give Pacific Ocean much attention until now as she has been “in captivity” in the dahlia bed that was fenced in from the critters. The fence made it hard to get to her —  for the varmints and for me. 🙄  Well, now she has been sprung and is bringing much joy! 

Behind the curtain
She’s been sprung!
Her debut in a bokay!

BLOOM THYME…

Zaide
Milena Fleur
Quietness
Lisianthus
Pomponella
Cafe au Lait
State of Grace
🐝Caryopteris 🐝

WHY WE GRoW ZINNIAS…

Zinnias are among the easiest annuals to grow, they produce tons of blooms, come in a wide array of colors, sizes and varieties, and they last forever in a vase. But the very best reason to grow them … they are a feast for the pollinators. Party time! 🐝🥳🐝

YOUR GARDEN…

Gardens are ever changing – especially now. I’m curious, as you walk in your garden, what plants / flowers are bringing you the most joy in this season?

Thanks for stopping by! Until next time, have fun in your garden!

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: JUNE IS NATIONAL ROSE MONTH

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

June is National Rose Month. 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? On January 12, 1959, the president of the W. Atlee Burpee Co., David Burpee, wrote newly-elected Senate Minority Leader Everett M. Dirksen, proclaiming the virtues of the marigold and calling it “the flower of the people.” David Burpee was vigilant in the fight. He was known for using PT Barnum’s model for promotion and advertising — just like his dad! For nearly 10 years Burpee and Dirksen campaigned for the marigold.

Many other flowers were considered too … there were even those who strongly suggested the corn tassel be our national flower. 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.

We see proof of this everywhere. The study of fossils reveals that the rose has existed in America for age upon age. We have always cultivated roses in our gardens. Our first President, George Washington, bred roses, and a variety he named after his mother is still grown today. The White House itself boasts a beautiful Rose Garden. We grow roses in all our fifty States. We find roses throughout our art, music, and literature. We decorate our celebrations and parades with roses. Most of all, we present roses to those we love, and we lavish them on our altars, our civil shrines, and the final resting places of our honored dead.

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.”

president

THE ROSE IS IN GOOD HANDS WITH THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY AND OUR LOCAL SOCIETY

FROM THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY…

The Rose is the National Floral Emblem and there are so many ways to enjoy roses:

1. Plant a rose bush! Need help? Go to http://www.rose.org to learn more.
2. Take roses to nursing homes, hospitals, banks and your local library. You’ll brighten someone’s day! Encourage your local library to have a rose book display.
3. Give roses to show your love or friendship. Roses are a favorite gift to receive.
4. Give a gift of a rosebush for a longer-lasting gift. There are so many different kinds of roses to choose from with an end-less variety of colors, including stripes.
5. Visit a botanical garden or a rose garden. You might find inspiration to start your own rose garden or plant a community garden!
6. Take photos of your roses and share with friends in cards, notes and letters. Share with the ARS on our many social media platforms and be sure to tag us, #roses, #nationalfloralemblem
Find us on Social Media here… FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM

INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY

The Indianapolis Rose Society is affiliated with the American Rose Society and the Illinois/Indiana District. We are a group of amateur rose growers with varied levels of experience. We have members who are just starting to learn about roses and members who grow from one rose to those who grow 400 roses and are excellent at mentoring. I’m on the board and can tell you first hand it is a lovely group! We’d love to have you join us! For more information read on here.

BLOOM THYME

Fireworks and Fragrance 2023 has begun. The ramblers and old garden roses are going strong. The more modern roses are beginning to come to life – some running a bit late due to the severe trim I had to give them.

THE FAWN (FAUN)
FIRST PLUM PERFECT / No filter!
MOJE HAMMARBERG
QUEEN OF DENMARK
QUEEN OF DENMARK
DARLOW’S ENIGMA
MOTHER OF PEARL
SNOW WHITE MOCK ORANGE
PETITE PEACH ALL BUDDED UP!
MOTHER OF PEARL
PETITE PEACH – evening light
KAZANLIK

The herb garden entrance is flanked buy so much beauty this week! Petite Pink roses, Celsiana and Moje Hammarberg in background, Sweet William in bloom too!

Believe it or not

I have had 3 very unusual things to happen in my Zone 5b garden…

  1. 2 Dahlias that I did not dig up last year are growing – strong! WHAT??
  2. Zinnias self seeded. NO WAY! WAY!
  3. A 7″ lizard crossed in front of me on my way to the potting shed. YIKES!

To my knowledge none of those things have happened before. Mr. G says that our son used to catch little lizards in the garden from time to time, but I guess that somehow alluded me. 😳

ROSE CHAT

For the month of June there are so many great rose chats you won’t want to miss!

Last week’s Rose Chat Was so fun…

Matt Douglas from High Country Roses talked all about Hybrid Musk roses and some new roses he thinks are extra special. LISTEN HERE…

GARDENING AT IT’S BEST

This is the time of year when gardening is SO MUCH FUN. Well, if you discount the fact that every day this week has hovered near 90!! Watching the blooms unfold is like Christmas every day!

Friends stay cool and enjoy your time in the garden and celebrate our national floral emblem!
🌹💐🌱🌹🌸🌼🌹💐🌱🌹🌸🌼🌹💐🌱🌸🌼🌹

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: And, The Award Goes To…

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

For the past four years I have been keeping a secret. Something new from my garden … a beautiful sport!

A sport in the botany world means a ‘genetic mutation;’ one that has no explanation and no specific rhyme or reason for its occurrence. This process gave me a beautiful gift … a peach sport of the lovely Petite Pink. One of my very favorite roses hybridized by my good friend Dr. David Zlesak. As many of you know I have several Petite Pinks in my garden (9 at this time) and I have given it away as gifts! I love it so. 

So, I have been on a journey to have my beautiful sport tested in trials to watch what it can do. I am happy to report it has done very well in a national, multi-site rose trial managed by the American Rose Society. 

Last week I attended the American Rose Society’s National Convention at the home of America’s Rose Garden in Shreveport, LA. There were many highlights from the convention, but the most special part was when my name was called to come up and receive a certificate that states that Petite Peach™️ (‘BYIbloomthyme’) was awarded the Award of Excellence from the AOE testing program – in the no-spray category. 

ABOUT THE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

In 1973 the American Rose Society Board of Directors established the Award of Excellence to recognize new miniature and miniflora rose varieties of superior quality and marked distinction. Since the inception of the Award, there have been 141 AOE winners. Miniature and miniflora roses which have been in commerce for less than one year, as well as unnamed seedlings or sports, are eligible for evaluation for two to three years in seven AOE public test gardens and two private gardens, spaced geographically across the United States. Since 2013 roses may be entered in a “no spray“ division, a “preventive spray” division or both. Each public garden has an AOE supervisor and five evaluators who score the entries on 11 criteria four times during each growing season. At the end of the trial period, Awards of Excellence are given to deserving entries, with a maximum of five per year. The public test gardens are: American Rose Center, Shreveport, Louisiana; Edisto Memorial Gardens, Orangeburg, South Carolina; Farmers Branch Public Rose Garden, Farmers Branch, Texas; International Rose Test Garden, Portland, Oregon; Mesa Community College Garden, Mesa, Arizona; Toledo Botanical Gardens, Toledo, Ohio; and Virginia Clemens Rose Garden, St. Cloud, Minnesota. 

The official public announcement of the Award of Excellence winner(s) is made each year in American Rose and at the awards banquet of the ARS National Rose Show and Conference. After two years of evaluation (three for climbers) four Award of Excellence winners are selected.

MEET PETITE PEACH™️

Isn’t she lovely! These sweet apricot/peach colored blooms keep going all summer long on a small bush that fits into any garden as well as containers. It is great as a cut flower too!

Height: 2-3′

Width: 2-3′

Bloom Type: Double / Sweetheart Size (1″)

Bloom Repeat: All season

Disease Resistance: Extremely Resistant

Hardiness Zones: 4 and up

HIGH COUNTRY ROSES

For many years I have been ordering roses from High Country Roses and find them to be outstanding performers. They come to you small but mighty and catch up quickly. Some of my favorites from High Country: Earth Angel, Ghislane de Feligonde, Veilchenblau, Dalow’s Enigma, Ispahan, Kazanlik, and Banshee High Country. 

I am so happy to partner with Matt at High Country Roses for the release of Petite Peach™️.

Additional details on the rose and how to purchase are HERE… 

DR. DAVID ZELSAK

I am thrilled that this beautiful sport came to me through David’s work. His friendship, mentorship and help through this process have been invaluable. Petite Peach™️ and I are so very grateful. 

David’s rose work has given us so many beautiful roses for our gardens…

  • Petite Pink
  • Above and Beyond
  • The Pretty Polly Series
  • OSO Easy Peasy
  • Smoothie
  • Candy Oh
  • Gaye Hammond

ARS CONVENTION

The ARS put on a fabulous convention in the newly renovated AMERICA”S ROSE GARDEN. The garden is amazing, the speakers were outstanding, the tours were over the top! Here’s a mini slideshow…

my Partner’s in crime for the week

THe Award celebration

It was fun to go, but it’s so good to be home. The garden is changing every day!

Until next time… have fun in your garden! 🌹🌼🌸

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: A season of Ups and Downs

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

2022 had its ups and downs around here for sure. 

Our garden season started out extremely wet. We had so much rain right up to my open garden on June 12. I almost cancelled because it was pouring rain and the garden had standing water! I started hearing from people early morning to see if the garden would still be open. So I sent out a message that if we were in England we would not stop the show for rain, so grab your umbrella and  don your wellies — the garden is open. And so many did – it was such a fun day.  (More about open garden here.)

30 minutes before the open garden was to begin, the rain stopped, the sun came out, the clouds moved away  and did not return for weeks and weeks and weeks.. We had very little measurable rainfall all summer. We do not have a drip system. Hand watering is what happens here but hand watering was complicated by those hot hot hot days. 🔥 The gardener was hot!

Regardless of the weather scenario, we had beautiful flowers! Many plants just didn’t care about the conditions. Many roses bloomed and bloomed. Zinnias were fabulous. With less moisture, there was less mildew pressure for them. Also fabulous were snapdragons, lisianthus, phlox, foxglove, alliums and all the herbs – they like it hot!

SUMMER MEMORIES…

A BIG TOMATO SURPRISE

For the first time  I planted tomato seeds using the winter sowing method. (More about winter sowing here.)

I put them outside in a jug on April 2, left them alone and had amazing plants in mid May ready to take their place in Mr. G’s driveway garden. The 3 varieties I planted in this jug were Gardener’s Delight, Steak Sandwich and Beefsteak.

ONE THING I WON’T DO NEXT YEAR

One thing I’m glad I did but won’t do again was starting dahlias from seed. My germination rate was fabulous and I had many plants to put in my garden and share with others but none of them turned out to be varieties that I really wanted in my garden. I’ll admit to being a bit picky about what goes in my garden, so there’s no need to plant something that will be that much of a surprise. 😳

UNWELCOME VISITOR

During the distracting heat of summer, stealthily, Ms Midge crept into the garden.  When the final flush or should I say “big finish” should be happening, I found this…

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What looks like burnt match sticks where beautiful blooms should be. Luckily it was not all over the garden but without treatment it soon could be.

The mosquito looking Midge has been  stealing rose blooms for a long time.  I’ve read that the earliest recorded information is from 1884 when midge was wreaking havoc in greenhouses growing roses in New Jersey.

My first encounter with Midge was about 10 years ago. At an ARS IL IN District meeting I had the chance to talk about this problem with Dr. Andy Plasz. Andy is not only a rose expert and wonderful teacher, but before retirement Andy was Director and Global Head of Analytical Chemistry Research for Abbott Laboratories. He had a lot to say about my midge problem as he was dealing with the same problem in  his garden.

His counsel was so needed as I do not spray for bugs and had no knowledge of what to do.

His recommendation was a product called Cyonara – spraying in early spring as roses are coming back to life and then again 3 weeks later. I hate to bring out the insectide but I do want blooms on my roses so…. Cyonara helped me then and I’m sure it will help me now.

More information: If you would like to read a comprehensive article on Rose Midge, my good friend and rose expert John Hefner wrote an excellent article for the Indianapolis Rose Society. You can read the article HERE. 

SIDE NOTE: We had far fewer Japanese Beetles this year. I guess they don’t like it so hot.

NOVEMBER…

While I am not crazy about fall, I am completely crazy about the holiday season that starts around here on November 1. We don’t skip over Thanksgiving – in fact it is one of our very favorite holidays but we are known to start listening to a bit of subtle Christmas music and start adding twinkle lights on November 1. 🎄 Well, to be honest we are not so subtle about it… we are rocking out to everything from Bing Crosby to Mannheim Steamroller and beyond!

Yes, November and December give us so much to look forward too. Extra time with family and friends. Amazing food. And, a more focused season of gratitude.

Friends, I am so grateful to you for sharing my garden world. While we are talking about sharing, what’s your favorite Thanksgiving food? Mine is dressing (stuffing) and a cranberry dish we affectionately call Christmas Cran. (Recipe here.)  

SIDE NOTE: If you are an ARS member you will soon be receiving their beautiful magazine AMERICAN ROSE soon. This is their special annual edition. When you open you magazine, you might just see a familiar garden – Bloom Thyme. 😁 If you are not a member of the American Rose Society … take the plunge today and jump into the world of roses! Read more about that here…

Until next time ….

Bloom Thyme Friday: It’s Painfully True

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Yes, it is painfully true that I have an over the top case of the garden gimmies – I want way too many plants for spring. Mamma Berenstain Bear would be taking me to task about it too. And, I would plead my case while I submit these pictures for review….

Are you with me? All of these catalogs are just yummy but the David Austin catalog this year is a work of art! It just came yesterday so I haven’t had a chance to go page by page, but I will. #gimmies Wish me luck. Or not. 😍

BLOOM THYME:

Roses on Order…

ROSES UNLIMITED

MOTHER OF PEARL
I ordered two more to add to the two I have in the garden now. Remember those from last summer…

Beautiful.
Easy Care.
Light Fragrance.

PALATINE ROSES

I hear from Paul Zimmerman (Paul Zimmerman Roses) who grows a number of the Delbard roses that they, “some of the finest roses you will ever grow.” They are easy care, fragrant and show-stopping beautiful. They are not as easy to find in this country yet, so if you are looking for Delbards, try Palatine (while they last) and Roses Unlimited (864-682-7673) (while they last). All of the roses I have received from these companies have been high quality!

PAPI DELBARD (CLIMBER)

I happen to know that Palatine is now sold out of this rose but they have so many other beauties!!

SOEUR EMMANUEL DELBARD

 

GHISLAINE de FELIGONDE

Because I can’t get enough of roses that ramble! This rose is shade tolerant — a very good thing in my garden as I watch my tree get bigger and bigger each year. Roses, in general, need 6 – 8 hours of sun. And all do better if they get that much sun I believe. So I will try to put her in as much sun as possible. She is also fragrant and a repeat bloomer. I CAN’T WAIT!! And look at those colors. Yum!

LAGUNA CLIMBER

This climber is from the Kordes collection known for hardiness, beauty and fragrance. I plan to station Laguna at one of the entrances to our garden! Bill Kozemchek tempted me with the rose from his garden last summer….

If you want another great suggestion for a climber, try Jasmina. I have 2 baby ones and they have done very well. Another Kordes that is beautiful, easy to care for and fragrant.

Bill’s Jasmina is not so small anymore. Look at this gorgeous one. Hopefully, mine will grow leaps and bounds the year!

To see more of Bill’s garden you can follow him on Facebook HERE.

HIGH COUNTRY ROSES

Another source of outstanding roses from old garden roses to modern! I bought 2 Veilchenblau from them last summer — when it was so hot and they arrived in wonderful shape and did extemely well when added to the garden!

I have another Harison Yellow and a Madam Plantier coming from High Country.

And then there are SEEDS!

There are several seeds on my list too. So far I have only purchased Zinnias when I found what I believe will be the perfect color. Last year we had some Zinnia “color issues”. My California Giant mix was very prolific and beautiful but many of them were orange tones … not the best look with all the pinkness going on in my garden. I hope these pretty Enchantress Zinnias will be enchanting and fit right in.

Gimmies??? Yes, because I want most of the roses I see, and plants and seeds, but I’m working on it and Mr. G is helping with his “looks.” Not quite Momma Berenstain bear looks, but effective. 😉 I have more than one gift certificate and they make all the difference. My family and friends know what to “buy” me!

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Last weekend, I was scheduled to go to St Louis to speak to a rose society, but instead, I was home with Mr. G watching the snow fall. The postponed invitation was extended again for today… We are home again waiting for even more snow.

If you are in the Crown Point, IN area on Feb 8, I will be speaking to the Lake County Master Gardeners about NEW ROSES FOR TODAY’S GARDENS. Come join us!

GOD’S ARTISTRY

While we wait for spring, God shows us that “to everything, there is a season.” — A BEAUTIFUL SEASON! And, we are grateful.

Beautiful Work at the Biltmore

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Every weekend I spend judging at the Biltmore International Rose Trials is a weekend immersed in beauty at every turn…

Beautiful friends.
Beautiful roses.
Beautiful place.
And, Beautiful Hats!

George Vanderbilt was serious about hospitality and horticulture and his legacy continues. It is the perfect place for such an event!

Friday evening we have a chance to meet new friends and renew cherished friendships in the rose garden … sipping wine and enjoying yummy food.

THE BEAUTIFUL “WORK”

Saturday morning we begin our “work”… with a delicious cup of coffee as we watch the enchanting fog lift over the garden. Then with clip boards in hand, we are up closed and personal with the roses.

THE WINNERS

Biltmore Winners 2018 Awards Day
Roses Entered in 2016

Oso Easy Urban Legend (R.’ChewPatout’) 
Chris Warner – Spring Meadow Nursery

  • Lord Burleigh Award for Best Disease Resistance
  • Chauncey Beadle Award for Best Shrub Rose
  • Purchase this rose here.

 

Princesse Charlene De Monaco (Meidysouk)
House of Meilland – Star Roses & Plants

    • Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil Award for Most Fragrant Rose
    • George and Edith Vanderbilt Award for Most Outstanding Rose
    • Pauline Merrell Award for Best Hybrid Tea

 

Highwire Flyer (Radwire)
William Radler – Star Roses and Plants

  • Gilded Age Award for Climbing Rose
  • William Cecil Award for Best Growth Habit

 

Shining Moment (Radshining)
William Radler – Star Roses and Plants

  • Edith Wharton Award for Best Floribunda

THANK YOU…

Paul Zimmerman: 

Sending special thanks to Paul Zimmerman for his vision and his hard work as Coordinator of the Biltmore rose trials.

  • Because of his work, both professional and amateur hybridizers have a greater chance for their creations to be known.
  • Because of his work, the backyard gardener has more beautiful options for their gardens!
  • Because of his wonderful work, ARS President Pat Shanley awarded him a Presidential Citation for a job well done.

Congratulations Paul!

Paul, me and Parker

Parker Andes:

Pat gave another much deserved Presidential Citation to Parker Andes, Director of Horticulture , for his work and dedication to this project. Parker and his teams ensure the Biltmore gardens are at their best and stay true to the Vanderbilt vision.

And, special thanks to David Pike, CEO of Witherspoon Rose Culture and John Beaty of Beaty Fertilizers for sponsoring our cocktail party and awards luncheon. We sure appreciate you!

MORE FUN!!

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!