ROSE BUZZ: Four Roses Anniversary Rose

PRESS RELEASE….

Celebrating 130 Years of high quality & exceptional taste.

The Four Roses® Anniversary Rose celebrates the 130th Anniversary of the Four Roses® Kentucky Bourbon brand.

In the late 1800s, the legend of the Four Roses® name was born.

As the story goes, Paul Jones Jr., the founder of Four Roses® Bourbon, became smitten by a beautiful Southern Belle. He sent a proposal to her and she replied that if her answer were “yes”, she would wear a corsage of roses on her gown to the upcoming grand ball. When she arrived on the night of the ball, she wore a corsage of four red roses. He later named his bourbon “Four Roses” as a symbol of his devout passion for the lovely belle. He then carried that devotion a step further by trademarking Four Roses® in 1888.

That passion continues today. Master Distiller, Brent Elliott, and his team produce highly awarded Four Roses® Bourbon for consumers all over the world.

The Jackson & Perkins® Four Roses® Anniversary Rose perfectly represents the brand. Graceful, colorful, and elegant – it reminds us of that Southern Belle so long ago. Like the Bourbons, this rose will bloom and be recognized as a symbol of high quality and exceptional taste.

The blooms of this rose are exquisitely formed and fade-proof,

with a lovely damask fragrance.

Once they open, the blooms are 3 to 4 inches wide and comprised of 20 to 25 deep red petals. These blooms arrive in early summer and keep on going in waves all season long, especially if promptly deadheaded.

It’s a vigorous and easy-to-grow rose, heat tolerant, and resistant to rust and powdery mildew, meaning it’s a good choice for warmer climates.

(NOTE: FOR MORE ON CARE, SEE VIDEO BELOW.)

IN MY GARDEN!

Rose lovers love a good story. And as you read in the press release above, this rose comes with a rich and romantic one. I am fortunate to have been given this beauty and will share my experience with you! Thank you Jackson and Perkins for this lovely gift!

It is going in the ground this week and will get a large covering of mulch once the ground has frozen.

Four Roses Anniversary Rose will spend the winter with some good neighbors… Sweet Drift, Darcey Bussell and Petit Pink. It’s a good place…

Jackson and Perkins has a lot going on with roses and all her companions. They even have some great videos on rose care and garden design by Paul Zimmerman. Find Paul’s videos and more information here.

 

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Beauty at Every Turn

We are on the road to see roses in a place where there is beauty at every turn.
The mountains. The Inn. The Food. The Friends. The Roses.

Isn’t Mr. G just the cutest thing!!!!

This weekend is the Biltmore International Rose Trials. The history of roses at the Biltmore dates back to the very beginning. You can read about their 120-year love affair with roses here.

Since 2011, hybridizers, both professional and amateur, send their best of the best to live for two years in one of the most beautiful rose gardens in the world. These roses are judged 4 times each year by a local permanent jury and judged annually by additional jurors from around the world. Roses in the Biltmore garden receive minimal care — little water and no chemicals. Good luck to all of the hard working hybridizers who are hoping for one or more of the 12 coveted awards.

There could not be a more perfect place for a rose trial.

This garden is not only steeped in history, but is so very vital to today’s rose world as the trial brings to the public’s attention so many amazing roses.

Just walking through the entrances is an experience and once inside … Stone Walls, Pergolas, May Poles, Arbors, the Conservatory—all work together to create an enchanting place where beautiful roses and their flower companions flourish. Add to that the opportunity for rose friends from all over the country to renew friendships, to share lovely food and wine and to don our hats, grab our clipboards and get to the serious business of finding the best of the best roses for your backyard.

I believe George and Edith Vanderbilt would be proud of the valuable work being done in this garden that meant so much to both of them. A huge thanks to Paul Zimmerman for his vision, commitment and leadership in bringing us the Biltmore International Rose Trials.

MORE TO COME…

Pictures, videos and mini interviews will be posted on Facebook and Instagram.  The Rose Chat Crew interviews will be available at RoseChatPodcast.com a bit later. We are also going to interview Jeff Plack about the Biltmore Wines! Did you know they were also famous for their wines?? Well they are. 🍷🥂🍷

Duty calls and I must go…  Wink. Wink. Seriously, somebody pinch me! 😉

The above picture is from two years ago. This year the hat will be different, but the happiness level is the same! 🙂

Happy Bloom Thyme Friday!

 

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!

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Rose Buzz: A Gardener’s Guide to Growing Roses

Rose Buzz_White_8I am so excited to share with you something new in the world of roses from my good friend Paul Zimmerman… an online class.

CLASS DETAILS…

Uncover the secrets to the garden roses of your dreams with expert guidance from Paul Zimmerman, the owner of Paul Zimmerman Roses and exclusive rose consultant to the Biltmore Estate. First, find out how to shop for healthy roses at your local garden center and learn how to prepare your soil. Then, get tips for planting a variety of garden roses, discover which fertilizer is best and build a unique watering program for your plants. Next, get insider advice on pruning and grooming your roses, from selecting the proper tools to grooming your garden throughout the active growing season. Paul will share simple, effective ways to treat common diseases while still allowing your roses to develop an inner immune system. Plus, find out how to prepare your plants for dormant season and get a head start on planning next season’s garden!

For more information on the new resource, read on or click the picture below. And, if you sign up here, you’ll receive a 50% discount! 🙂

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Bloom Thyme Friday: Roses on Trial

This weekend I am heading to the Biltmore Estate as a juror for the 2nd Annual Biltmore International Rose Trials. YAY!!!

WHY HAVE A ROSE TRIAL

”The trials are a valuable way for the home gardener to learn what roses do well and what may be potential candidates for their own gardens,” said Paul Zimmerman, coordinator of the trials. “Trials of this type are usually open to all rose breeders around the world – from professional to beginner.”

I so appreciate all the hard work that is done to bring backyard gardeners the very best in beauty, health and fragrance!

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Roses ARE plants too!

PAUL ZIMMERMAN: Whether it is writing his amazing book, Everyday Roses, his articles for the Fine Gardening blog or leading the way in rose trials, Paul keeps us informed and entertained!

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Summer 2013

LUCAS JACK:  As rosarian for the magnificent Biltmore Estate, Lucas brings a wealth of information and inspiration to the world of roses and to the next generation of gardeners.

ROSE CHAT PODCASTS…

Both Lucas and Paul have joined us on Rose Chat several times to chat about the Biltmore garden, rose trials and gardening in general. Below are links to those podcasts. Listen and learn whenever it is convenient for you! 🙂

Lucas…
2014 Episode…
2013 Episode…

Paul…
2014 Episode…
2013 Episode…

ADDITIONAL INFO…

For additional information on this year’s trial … read on.

Want to see more pictures of the beautiful garden, read on.

Follow along on Twitter and Facebook for updates this weekend!

GARDEN REPORT

Last night at our rose society meeting we each gave a report on what’s  going on in our gardens. There were reports of outstanding iris, peonies and roses — that seem to be stronger because of the Polar Vortex. (Who knew????) Right now the big winners in my garden are the Rugosas and clematis. Love em! Every garden is so individual … what’s making a statement in your garden this week?

Bloom Thyme Friday
HAPPY BLOOM THYME FRIDAY

A Rose a Day: Flamenco

Flamenco is fast becoming my favorite rose. Actually it was recommended to me by Paul Zimmerman when he was our first guest on Twitter Rose Chat a couple of years ago. This rose is a part of the Biltmore Collection at Edmunds Roses.

My Flamenco is now in it’s second year and although I had several blooms last year, nothing compares to this year. The blooms are plentiful and outstanding. Beautiful color, fragrant and excellent as a cut flower.

The only thing is… I cannot get a good picture. This particular color of rose is just hard to capture.

IMG_2036It is so much prettier than these pictures!

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photo-17The growth habit of Flamenco is shrubby and old rose like. I LOVE THAT! A little wild looking!!

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Flamenco is the star of this bokay!

Yep, I highly recommend this rose! What do you think of it?

Who? What? Where? … Growing & Buying Roses

Janice Kellogg
Janice Kellogg

When I’m ready to purchase roses or looking for information to better care for my roses, I start with these guys:

  • David Austin started something new in roses–English Roses.
    His first rose, the fragrant Constance Spry, was released in 1961. Since then he has released nearly two hundred English Roses. Few new flowers have caused such a stir in the horticultural world. The website is full of information on English Roses, Old Roses and a few modern roses. And, you cannot beat the pictures of the David Austin rose gardens. Take a look …  David Austin Roses.
  • Rose Petals Nursery … Preserving history one rose at a time! Rose Petals Nursery is a little specialty rose nursery in rural North Central Florida. They have a lovely website just full of interesting rose information!
  • Antique Rose Emporium is your mail order nursery source for Earth-Kind, Pioneer and old roses. Ever heard of a group called The Rose Rustlers? Read about them here. (Prepare to be fascinated!)
  • For historical roses and own-root rose information, it is hard to beat Heirloom RosesUnlike the majority of rose growers, Heirloom Roses does no budding or grafting and sells own-root roses for hardiness and disease resistance.
  • Roses of Yesterday and Today have an amazing selection of old, rare, unusual and select modern roses and is where I purchased one of my first old roses. I still  have one of their catalogs I received about 20 years ago. This was in pre-web days when a beautiful catalog meant everything.
  • Paul Zimmerman Roses is dedicated to making sure everyone knows how easy and rewarding Garden Roses are to grow. Excellent how-to videos and a rose forum joining you to other rose experts. And, you just might want to check out his latest rose book, Everyday Roses.
  • Rosemania is the place for rare rose care products, rose information and many roses for purchase.
  • S & W Greenhouse has been in the rose business for more than 25 years. They specialize in many varieties of roses, mums and many other plants. Check out their Facebook page here.
  • Wayside Gardens always have a nice selection of roses. I have a collection of their catalogs. Such great information and pictures. I am pretty sure it was through Wayside that I first heard of David Austin Roses.
  • Edmunds Roses is where I purchased the roses from the Biltmore collection, Flamenco and Lady Ashe. They have a nice selection of roses. Take a look…
  • Authentic Haven Brand  offers a full line of all-natural, premium soil conditioner teas for the home gardener.  Alfalfa has long been associated with being used in livestock feed, but many rose growers have found it to be a “secret weapon”.  Alfalfa has been found to boost bloom production and increase basal breaks.
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Miss All American Beauty

Other rose articles you might enjoy … 

Potting Shed Review: Everyday Roses

A_yOtW-CcAMbH55.jpg-largeWhether you are  just beginning with roses or have been growing roses for a long time, you will thoroughly enjoy this book by popular garden expert, Paul Zimmerman. This book is beautiful, helpful, inspirational and pure garden joy.

Everyday Roses is designed specifically for weekend gardeners and homeowners who love roses but don’t have the time or inclination to deal with the care and prevention measures high-maintenance roses require.

This handy reference shows how you can enjoy the best of both worlds: gorgeous, healthy, long-flowering roses with a minimum of fuss.

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Paul on Rose Chat Radio. You can listen to the recording of the show HERE.

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Don’t miss one of my favorite parts of the chat … when Paul talks about his friendship with famed British nurseyman and rose expert, Peter Beales.
If  you’d like to purchase a copy or read more about this book and other articles by Paul, hop over to his website and check it out … click here.

ROSE FORUM
Paul also manages a rose forum where you can seek answers and offer advice! Click here.

Bloom Thyme: THE LIST

In the fall I start getting a bit frantic … trying to enjoy my roses ENOUGH. ENOUGH to make it last. ENOUGH to make it last until next May. That is a lot of enjoying.

And, this is the time of year, I sit in my potting shed and begin working on THE LIST of roses and rose companions to add next year. I pour through catalogs, look at pictures from my garden and listen to the advice of others who love and grow roses.

My happy place.

Participating in Twitter #RoseChat and #GardenChat, I have real-time opportunities to see first hand what others from around the world are growing and hear all the good stuff and the challenges … making it even easier to put together THE LIST.

Paul Zimmerman highly recommends Mme Bovary from Delbard from Roses Unlimited. A lovely mauve rose with a great scent. And, Dublin Bay … a climbing rose. Very hardy, and it’s a true red rose; lightly perfumed with a repeat flowering later in the season.

Brooke Kroeger says Our Lady of Guadalupe is the best, most disease resistant rose she has ever grown. My neighbor has a couple of these beauties …  spectacular even in the drought!

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Chris the Redneck Rosarian has tempted me all summer with pictures of Julia Child and Golden Celebrations. Two luscious yellow roses…

Julia Child
Golden Celebrations

My Bourbon Queen was so beautiful this year that I feel I need another one.

Bourbon Queen

And, my Roseraie De L Hay was so beautiful that I want more. Can you blame me?

Roseraie de l'Hay

Thanks to @Lara Lewis, I’m also taking a serious look at David Austin‘s, Munstead Wood. Munstead Wood was Gertrude Jekyll’s garden in Surrey where she worked on her many gardening books. I love Gertrude. Surely I should have the rose named for her garden.

It would be fabulous to add a few more minis roses from John’s Miniature Roses — like Cupcake and  Seattle Sensation.

Just wait until the new catalogs start coming … THE LIST is sure to grow.

Sounds like this might be a good time to reread, The Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies!

What plants are on your 2012 list?