LET’S CELEBRATE NATIONAL ROSE MONTH!

Link | June 1, 2025February 26, 2026 | 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)

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!

Indianapols Rose Society…

Link | January 28, 2018January 28, 2018 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

Glad you stopped by to see what’s going on this year!

We are looking forward to a full schedule for 2018 as we learn TIPS, TRICKS & HACKS FOR GROWING ROSES.

Our group is made up of people of all ages and stages of growing roses. Some have a few roses and some have hundreds. Some are just getting started and some have been growing roses for 40 years or more. A perfect place to learn and grow. And, you’ll meet the best people!

We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 in the evening at the Sullivan Munce Cultural Center in charming downtown Zionsville! That is except for special events and they are usually on the weekend. (Schedule below.) Our meetings are open to the public, so invite a friend to join you!

Our time together includes friends, fun, food and loads of ROSE TALK! Door Prizes Too!

Teresa Byington
President

2018 PROGRAMS . . .

TUES, MARCH 13, 6:30 pm
GETTING OUR GARDEN OFF TO A GOOD START
Location: Sullivan Munce / Zionsville
Special Guest: Diane Sommers, ARS District 5 Director, Master Rosarian and VP Candidate for ARS
Program: Let’s Grow Together
Diane will share her tips for getting our gardens off to a good start and her vision for the American Rose Society.  For more about Diane, read on here.

TUES, APRIL 10, 6:30 pm: SOIL HEALTH
Location: Sullivan Munce / Zionsville
Speaker: Kevin Allison, Marion County Soil Health Specialist
Kevin Allison, Marion County SWCD Soil Health Specialist, will lead a discussion on using the principles of soil health to organically improve soil: Minimizing soil disturbance, maximizing diversity, keeping the soil covered, and providing a continuous living root.
Kevin will explore how amendments, diverse mulching and cover crops can be integrated into flower production and preparing new beds.
**Q & A with Kevin

TUES, MAY 8, 6:30 pm: EARTH-KIND ROSES
Location: Sullivan Munce / Zionsville
Speaker: Carol Tumbas, Rose Expert & Former President of Indianapolis Rose Society
The Earth-Kind testing program is responsible for so many sustainable plants for our gardens.
**Round-Table Discussion: What pests are bugging you?
**Panel: Carol Tumbas, Linda Kimmel, John Hefner

SAT, MAY 26, 9 – 3: ROSEFEST: ROSES OLD AND NEW
Hamilton Co. 4-H Fairgrounds, Noblesville
Focus on Early Bloomers: Old Garden Roses, Rugosas, as well as the new modern roses etc.
Speaker: Mike Shoup / Author and Owner Antique Rose Emporium
In addition: There will be Garden Tour, Rose Show, Educational Displays, Workshops, Roses and Rose Products for sale
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBIC!

THURS – SAT, JUNE 7 – 9
STATE MASTER GARDENER CONFERENCE
4-H Fairground in Danville, IN
Carol Tumbas, rose expert and former President of Indianapolis Rose Society, will give a program entitled The Incredible Edible Rose
**The Indianapolis Rose Society will have an information booth and will sell roses.

TUES, JUNE 12, 6:00 pm: ICE CREAM SOCIAL & GARDEN PARTY
Location: Marilyn and Dick Ferguson’s beautiful garden
**More details to come.

TUES, JULY 10: PROPAGATION WORKSHOP / CUTTINGS
Location: Sullivan Munce / Zionsville
Humberto DeLuca: Will show us techniques of taking rose cuttings
**Round Table Discussion: How to care for roses in extreme heat.
**Panel: Mark Nolen, Teresa Downham, John Hefner

SAT, JULY 21, 5 pm: PROPAGATION / BUDDING WORKSHOP
Location: Mark & Cathy Nolen’s amazing rose garden
Mark Nolen and John Hefner will show us techniques for bud grafting roses.
**Bring a salad, dessert or appetizer to share
**RSVP to Mark at Markbnolen@comcast.net.

TUES, AUGUST 14, 6:30 pm: CLIMBING ROSES
Location: Sullivan Munce / Zionsville
Linda Kimmel, immediate past president of the Indianapolis Rose Society, will share with us the charm and grace of climbing roses—which ones to grow and how to care for them!
**Round Table Discussion: Overwintering roses in pots
**Panel: John Hefner, Linda Kimmel, Teresa Byington

SAT, SEPT 8: DISTRICT MEETING & ROSE SHOW
Hosted by Indianapolis Rose Society
Boone Co. 4-H Fairgrounds
KEYNOTE: Bob Martin, American Rose Society Vice President
**Details are coming together and will be available soon.

OCTOBER TBD: FALL GARDEN PARTY
Teresa Downham’s garden
Costume party (dress as a rose name) and Chili Cookoff.

SAT, DEC 1, 6 pm: HOLIDAY PARTY / AWARDS BANQUET
Join us for a holiday party in the Hefners’ holiday wonderland.
We will also give out 2018 awards and install our 2019 board.
A ‘not to miss’ event — Food, Fun, Outstanding Decor, Awards!
**RSVP to John and Donna at jdhefner63@gmail.com
**More details to come.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! There is so much to learn and do and it will be more fun if you are there. We are open to the public so invite a friend!

And, please share this post on your social media accounts or email to a friend.

If you have any questions, contact us HERE.

Bloom Thyme Friday: The Garden at Its Happiest

Link | June 16, 2017June 16, 2017 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

This week was Garden Party Week!

My garden is never happier than when it is filled with special guests.

The week started with a garden party that included the board members of the Indianapolis Rose Society and our special guest speaker for Rosefest, Pat Shanley, American Rose Soceity President. It was a wonderful evening of friends, fellowship, roses and CAKE. Oh, that cake!

Later in the week came a large group (56 or so) of very special people from our church. Most of them are at the time in their life when they are not able to work in a garden as they once did, but are right at home in a garden and were very excited to be here. It was so special to have them. We laughed, we ate, we talked gardening, roses and friendship.

Mr. G and I are feeling so blessed to be able to share our little piece of heaven with each one of them. I do hope they will all come again. The garden is the happiest when it is filled with those we love.

SPECIAL BLOOMERS THIS WEEK…

ONE MORE THING

If you are local, I will be speaking about growing roses at the library on Wed, June 21 at 6:30. Would love to see you there. Bring your questions!

What a wonderful week I have had. Hope you have too!

Rose Display, Workshops and Much More!

Link | May 4, 2017May 4, 2017 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

The Indianapolis Rose Society invites you to ROSEFEST 2017. Something for every gardener from flavoring food with roses, flower arranging to all facets of rose care. Details below.

Our special guest, who will speak at 11 am, Pat Shanley, American Rose Society President, is a no chemical gardener. Pat literally travels the world representing the American Rose Society and has a wealth of information to share with us. She has an amazing garden in New York and no chemicals are used! Her book, The Sustainable Rose Garden, will be available too.

Also note…

If you have roses blooming and want to enter them in the ROSE DISPLAY (to be judged by guests), bring them to the 4H Fairgrounds in the morning! Awards will be given out!

If you have rose pest that is bugging you, bring a sample and we will find a solution for you! (See more below)

Mark your calendars! It is going to the a fun day! This event is free and open to the pubic, so invite others to join you!

SAT / JUNE 10 / 9:30 – 3 pm

FREE / OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Hamilton Co. Fairground / 2003 Pleasant Street / Noblesville, IN

A day filled with beautiful roses in the garden and on display. Workshops to help you take your rose gardening experience to the next level. Yes, even in Indiana, you can have the rose garden of your dreams! And, a delightful and knowledgeable speaker who will teach and inspire us all!

SPEAKER:
Pat Shanley
American Rose Society President
Chairman, American Garden Rose Selections

PROGRAM:
Sustainable Rose Growing

Pat Shanley’s first experience growing roses wasn’t rosy. She was frustrated to find her roses needed to be chemically treated to survive. Seeking help, she sought out advice from her local rose society. And the rest is rose history.

Since that fateful day, she has slowly risen to the top of the national rose scene. She has held numerous esteemed positions in the rose world and has much to teach us about growing roses sustainably.

ACTIVITIES

Tour the lovely HCMGA Rose Garden and enjoy the 3rd Annual Tea in the Rose Garden Tea in the Rose Garden will be from 9:30 – 11:30
Rose Display: See hundreds of IRS member grown roses Roses will be on display from 9:30 am – 3 pm. (Public is invited to bring roses to display also!) Voting will be done by guests to the show. Prizes will be awarded at 2 pm.
Workshops Small group workshops will repeat throughout the morning and early afternoon. (see workshop description below)

SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY

9:30: ROSE DISPLAY OPENS (Public will vote on entries)

10:00 & 10:30: WORKSHOP ROTATION

11:00: SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER:
Pat Shanley, President of the American Rose Society
Progam: Growing Roses Sustainably
Pat’s book, The Sustainable Rose Garden, will be available.

1:00 & 1:30: REPEAT WORKSHOP ROTATION

2:00: Awards announced

WORKSHOPS:

Flower Arranging
The Incredible Edible Rose
Soil Prep, Planting & Fertilizing
Rose Types / Choosing the Right Rose for Your Garden
Pruning Roses
What’s Best Against My Pest

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Small group workshops will repeat through the morning and early afternoon.

FLOWER ARRANGING:
Teresa Byington, former florist, garden blogger, co-host of Rose Chat Podcast, Master Gardener and VP of Indianapolis Rose Society will share tips and tricks of floral design using roses, companion plants and greenery–most of which can be grown in your backyard!

THE INCREDIBLE EDIBLE ROSE
Eloisa Garza, our society secretary, Master Gardener and beekeeper extraordinaire, will share tips and history on cooking and flavoring with roses. Did you know that the rose is an herb? Bring your questions and your taste buds for sampling!

SOIL PREP, PLANTING & FERTILIZERS:
Mark Nolen, Past President of Indianapolis Rose Society, ARS Horticulture Judge and Master Rosarian, has been growing roses for 50 years. He grows more than 300 roses and is a winner of numerous awards. Mark has much to teach us about preparing the soil, planting and fertilizer use. Maybe award winning roses are in your future. Mark can help!

ROSE TYPES / CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROSE FOR MY GARDEN
Linda Kimmel, Indianapolis Rose Society President, writer for Indiana Gardening magazine and ARS Horticulture and Arrangements Judge will share rose types and a bit of the rose’s rich history. Did you know that roses have been around for millions of years. Just like the dinosaurs, there is fossil proof!

PRUNING ROSES:
John Hefner  has been given almost every award the rose world has to offer. He is a world renowned rose grower. He has even created new roses that made their way to market! Regardless of the type of rose bush you have (and they are many). He will teach you how to prune for maximum health and bloom of your rose.

WHAT’S BEST AGAINST MY ROSE PEST: Humberto DeLuca, Indianapolis Rose Society Vice President grows a variety of roses from David Austins to Hybrid Teas, Shrubs and Climbers in combination with hostas and companion plants. In every rose gardeners life come the undesirables – pests we want to “discourage.” Humberto will help you identify your problem and offer solutions to what’s bugging your plants!

There will be gorgeous roses and helpful rose products for sale!

Growing Roses. Growing Friends.

Link | April 1, 2017 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

It is no surprise to you that gardening is one of my passions. Digging in the dirt is practically a magical experience for me. And, watching my garden spring back to life is almost cause for dancing in the streets. 💃

This week it has officially started for me and I don’t even want to sleep. Now if the weatherman would just get the memo and bring us more sun! Don’t you agree weekends should always be sunny!

While I love most plants and shrubs, roses are at the top of the list. History teaches us I am not lone. Roses have been at the top of many plant list 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!) and the rose is our National Floral Emblem. 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.”

Today I want to tell you about two organizations that have contributed to my joy of growing roses and most definitely to my knowledge!

THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY

Through the American Rose Society (ARS), 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.

MEMBERSHIP…

Most ARS members are home gardeners who enjoy growing roses and want to expand their knowledge of rose culture. Starting now gives you all winter for learning and getting ready for spring! If you are not ready to take on a full membership, give it a try with the cost effective TRIAL MEMBERSHIP and see what you think.

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!

For FULL MEMBERS, one of my fav ARS member benefits currently is the monthly newsletter. I am the editor! To see a sample of the newsletter, read on here.

OUR LOCAL SOCIETY … INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY

I serve as 1st Vice President and Chairman for website and social media. Check out our website at IndianapolisRoseSociety.com and join us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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 anytime!

This year we have members coming from Marion, Kokomo, Bloomington and most of the surrounding burgs!

Our 2017 year started off with a bang in March, as Dr. Mark Windham gave a program on getting our gardens off to a good start and gave us the latest on his research with Rose Rosette.

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’S COMING UP FOR 2017.

NEXT MEETING:

TIME / PLACE:
Tuesday, April 11, 6:30 pm
Sullivan Munce Center / 225 W Hawthorne St / Zionsville

The program will be on Fertilizers and Soil Amendments, presented by our panel of experts, John Hefner, Mark Nolen and Humberto DeLuca.

What kind? How often? Organic? Inorganic? Too much? Too Little?
Bring all your questions! This panel will have the answers!

NOTE: The rose in the graphic above is the award winning Easy Does It.

This is a picture my daughter took from her garden! I don’t know if this rose will be available locally, but it is available online from Edmunds Roses here.

EASY DOES IT…

Recommended Growing Zones: 5 – 10
3-4″ Height
Bushy Growth Habit
Fruity Fragrance
Disease Resistant

Wishing you a wonderful spring!

Growing Roses & Growing Friends

Link | October 13, 2016April 1, 2017 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY

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.

Locally our rose growing season is coming to an end, but, like NYC, the American Rose Society is an organization that never sleeps. There will be something going on all winter long. If you are not a member, isn’t this a perfect time to join! So many rosey benefits!

ARS Year in Review 2016

Fun to see what’s going on in the world of the American Rose Society! Look closely, there might be a sighting of yours truly.😉

MEMBERSHIP…

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!

For FULL MEMBERS, one of my fav ARS member benefits currently is the monthly newsletter. I am the editor! To see a sample of the newsletter, read on here.

For the trial membership or a yearly membership, complete the online form or call 800-637-6534.

New ARS Website coming soon!

OUR LOCAL SOCIETY … INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY

For this society I serve at 1st Vice President and Chairman for website and social media.

In this organization I have met 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. One of the great perks is getting to visit members 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 anytime!

This year we have members coming from Marion, Kokomo, Bloomington and most of the surrounding burgs!

Our 2017 year started off with a bang in March. Dr. Mark Windham gave a program on getting our gardens off to a good start and gave us the latest on his research with Rose Rosette.

You can keep up with what’s going on by subscribing to our blog at INDIANAPOLISROSESOCIETY.COM. You will receive posts in your email as we “post” them. Most of our meetings are the second Tuesday at 6:30 pm at the Sullivan Munce Center in charming Zionsville. Get it on your calendar! HERE’S WHAT’S COMING UP FOR 2017.

Come grow with us!

Now about those Rugosas…

Link | July 23, 2016July 23, 2016 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

As you probably know I post a lot of pictures of my rugosas and talk about them quite a bit. More than once I have blown up your feed to share blooms! 😉

I just love them. They are the main event in the spring when I’m looking for fireworks and fragrance. (More on that here.)

That first flush of spring bloom is simply amazing. However, in years past the repeat bloom has been sketchy around here. Oh, I always get a few blooms all summer long but nothing like what has been happening this year. The second flush of bloom has been amazing. While it certainly doesn’t rival the spring bloom, it has been impressive and very welcome. Tucking even one of these amazingly fragrant blooms into a bokay is a game changer and crowd pleaser.

Why all the extra blooms this year? I’m not sure. This has been a wetter season that usual–maybe they liked that.

Take a look at the repeaters.

The pollinators are totally in love with rugosas! They are everywhere. One even got a little territorial with me and gave me a bite. Owie!!! 😁🐝I forgave him and all is good. 🐝

MORE ABOUT RUGOSAS

Rugosa roses are species roses native to eastern Asia. These profuse spring bloomers are hardy in Zones 3 – 9 and in a variety of conditions: heat, cold, wind, even salty, sandy seaside conditions. Rugosas prefer full sun (6-8 hours per day) and average well-drained soil. So, with very minimal care, almost anyone, anywhere can enjoy these dependable workhorses in the garden. As for the size of those growing in my garden, Hansa, Roseraie de la Hay, Theresa Bugnet and Blanc de double Corbert are 5′ X 5′ . Moje Hammerly is 4′ X 4′ and Belle Poitevine is 4′ X 4′ too. There are other rugosas that are smaller in general … do some investigating to find the ones most suited for your location.

These rugged plants are excellent choices for the organic gardener. Their distinct wrinkled (regose) foliage is very disease resistant. I have found that the rugosas with the most wrinkled leaves are the most disease resistant. Those with smoother leaves tend to get some black spot and occasional mildew.

In my cottage garden, rugosas are the back drop and anchor for many of my flower beds. They are not fans of pruning and do best when allowed to grow and seek their own shape, so you need to give them some space.

Here are pictures from the spring bloom!

If you want to read more about rugosas, go to the American Rose Society’s website HERE.

Too darn hot!

Just checked the weather and the heat wave we are experincing this week will be gone next week. YES. I felt like Indiana was moving closer to the Equator by the minute. Whew! It has been hot!

Keep blooming where you are planted!
Thanks for stopping by!

ROSE BUZZ: ROSEFEST

Link | April 30, 2016May 7, 2016 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

YOU ARE INVITED!

The Indianapolis Rose Society is having a ROSEFEST on Saturday, June 11 at the 4H Fairground in Noblesville, IN.

$10 EVENT TICKETS AVAILABLE
CONTACT: Monica Taylor at IndyMonica@gmail.com or 317.514.7284

A DAY FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH ROSES!

This is going to be a day filled to the brim with roses. You can stop by for a few minutes or buy a $10 ticket and stay all day. The $10 ticket gives you entrance to hear all 3 speakers. I can tell you that this lineup of speakers is a Rose Dream Team.

Peggy Martin of New Orleans, LA
12:30 – 1:30 pm | Program: Old Garden Roses
Peggy is the VP of the Heritage Rose Foundation and owner of the original Peggy Martin Rose, the rose that survived Hurricane Katrina.

Carol Tumbas of Bloomington, IN
1:45 – 2:45 pm | Program: Hardy, Sustainable Shrub Roses
Carol is the former President of the Indianapolis Rose Society, a well respected rosarian and grower of more than 500 roses.

Gaye Hammond of Houston, TX
3 – 4 pm | Program: Earth-Kind Roses
Gaye is a noted expert of the Texas A & M Earth-Kind Program and lectures nationwide about growing roses in no spray conditions.

THE SCHEDULE

The day will start with the Hamilton County Master Gardener Association Tea in the Rose Garden and rose garden tour.

Then you can go inside to the conference center to see an amazing display of roses grown in the Indianapolis area, ask questions of Consulting Rosarians and hear from our great speakers. There will also be roses and rose products for sale.

For the complete schedule of the day, read on here.

TICKETS

With your $10 ticket you get to hear all 3 speakers! A true bargain for these great speakers.

There is a limited number of tickets (because of seating capacity), so buy your tickets ASAP by contacting Monica at IndyMonica@gmail.com or 317.514.7284. Seriously call or email her today! I don’t want you to miss this special event if you are in the area!

For more information about this event and other rose society events coming up — like the Wine and Roses garden tour, read on here.

Let me know if you have any questions?

🐝 🐝 🐝

A Rose A Day: Black Forest

June 24, 2013June 23, 2013 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Black Forest is one of the amazing roses in the Certified Rose Simply Brilliant Collection and it is truly a simply-brilliant winner! In 2010 this rose received the prestigious German ADR award for its beauty and natural disease resistance.

This floribunda shrub took me to the Winners Circle too! I received the BEST NOVICE award for Black Forest at the Indianapolis Rose Society Show (Read more about the show here.).

This rose deserves the award but not for anything special that I did. I just gave it a little fertilizer and lots of love and it is blooming non stop! The blooms are born in sprays that last and last and last whether on the plant or in a vase.

The growth habit of this rose is bushy and spreading to about 3’ X 3’.

WINNERS CIRCLE….