Rose Chat

BLOOM THYME: WELCOME OCTOBER

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Well, I made it. I made it through that September transition that has me saying things like, “I hate fall.” I really don’t, I just hate the “realization period” where I know the growing season is coming to an end – and just when the weather is getting so much better!!! Those of you in the south probably don’t have Septemberitis. Luckily by the 3rd week of September I am “righted” again and start embracing the changes, start seed collecting, drying flowers and move to the creative process of assessment and planning for the next season.

Another thing that helps me adjust to fall is something I picked up after my first visit to England I adopted their use of the word Autumn and all things Autumnal. Autumnal… what a beautiful word.

Autumn is Mr. G’s favorite season so, this year he is providing me with a Fun Fall To Do list.  For all my  friends who are SPRING and SUMMER lovers, it is nice to have someone in your life pointing out all the wonderful Autumnal things so we don’t miss them. Notably trips to the orchard! Then there’s all the seasonal flavors in drinks and pastries. Leaf shapes and colors. Hot chocolate. And pinecones. I do love pinecones!

COMING IN … AND OUT FAST

Is it me or was this growing season the fastest ever! Even with the rains of spring and the drought and heat of summer, it was a wonderful season of coffee on the patio, dinners outside by the Mother of Pearl Roses, morning garden walks to see what was blooming, little boys playing in the garden, bokay making, friends in the garden, butterflies dancing and birds. I will miss all those things when Indiana turns dark and cold. Good thing I have loads of pictures.

While I’m still enjoying all the garden has to offer, I’m ready to take a “real” look at this growing season. We had a few challenges like rain, drought, and raccoons but the biggest challenge was …

ROSE MIDGE

About mid summer I noticed fewer and fewer blooms on some of my roses. Others seemed to be fine. Then I saw it.. that unmistakeable sign of Rose Midge – what looks like a burnt match stick where a bloom should be. If you have ever dealt with midge I know you are sighing with me now. It is the worst. It is a bloom thief and it will ravish your rose garden leaving it with no blooms if you don’t take action. As a rule I don’t spray for insects in my garden.  UNLESS there is something horrible going on and this year we had the most horrible ROSE MIDGE come to call. It requires action and treatment. Rose expert John Hefner wrote a great article on midge and the treatment. Read that article here. If you are dealing with midge, I am so very sorry and all the best!! And, if you have found a way of dealing with this horror not mentioned in John’s artilcle please let me know!

Rose Midge
😫😫😫

DAHLIAS 2025

I have been growing dahlias for about 5 years and the first 3 years were fantastic. The past two not so much. Many of the dahlias I have received were not the ones I ordered. Very frustrating. This year the dahlias have been so slow to bloom. I started my dahlias inside early and set out large plants in mid May. Maybe they didn’t like the heat.  I get it … I know I didn’t either.  Now that the cooler weather is here they are starting to do that massive flower thing and are blooming like crazy! And that’s a good thing because I I was beginning to question whether or not I would plant any next year.  I have grown as many as 20. This year 12. But, next year .. I don’t know. Who am I kidding… I’m not done with them YET. I already have some on order. 😏 Hope springs eternal for gardeners. I am very interested is shorter ones for bokays. Any suggestions?

ZINNIAS

My word there are some amazing zinnias out there these days with blooms that rival dahlias!

Favorites this year…

  • Salmon Rose Benary’s Giant
  • Wine Benary’s Giant
  • Zydeco (low growing and fabulous in arrangements)
  • Ballerina (Johnnys exclusive)

ROSES 2025

It has been a “different” year with my roses. For the first time many of them had drip irrigation and we were working to get that just right. Then there was the horrible heat! Several of my roses went to sleep. Then we were invaded by Ms. Midge. But many of them were outstanding!

Here are some of my 2025 favorites (Some are new to the garden some have been here for years!)

  • Elizabeth (DA) (Favorite David Austin)
  • Mother of Pearl (She never stops!)
  • Moonlight Romantica (The fragrance!)
  • Sweet Mademoiselle (2nd year was outstanding – that color!)
  • Bolero (Love Love Love everything about this one.)
  • Quietness (Everyone should have one)
  • Petite Peach (My very own sport.) Her story here.
  • Plum Perfect (Can beat the heat.)
  • The Fawn (Blooming machine.)
  • Veranda Cream (Easy care, beautiful & fragrant)
  • Savannah (Gorgeous and fragrant blooms.)
  • Therese Bugnet (Often the first to greet me in spring with beauty and fragrance!)
Savannah
Sweet Mademoiselle
Mother of Pearl
Bolero
Elizabeth
The Fawn
Moonlight Romantica
Veranda Cream
All roses Quietness
Plum Perfect
Therese Bugnet & neightobrs in May

ROSE CHAT PODCAST

It has been such a special Rose Chat year. I have had the pleasure of chatting with so many of my favorites! If you’ve missed any of the episodes, they are all online at RoseChatPodcast.com.  Typically, there are two each month and are released on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. I’ve already started making plans for 2026. Do you have suggestions for guests you’d enjoy? Email me!

RECENT PODCASTS

RESTORATION ROSE
Susan Lyell Young, Grower and Maker
Listen Here.

Dr. WALTER VAN FLEET: From Medicine to Roses
Connie Hilker, Heritage Rose Foundation Trustee
Listen Here

TIME TO DOWNSIZE MY GARDEN
Dee Nash, Gardener, Writer, Podcaster, Garden Coach
Listen Here

MINIATURE ROSES: Past, Present & Future
Matt Douglas, High Country Roses Owner
Listen Here

COMING SOON

ROSE HYBRIDIZATION
Dr. David Zlesak, Professor of Horticulture

A.R.T.S. ROSE TRIALS
Gaye Hammond

BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK

Eustacia Vye
Fire Light Tidbit
? Dahlia
Purple Hyacinth Bean 😳
Bright & Shiny
Queen Sophia
Mother of Pearl
Petite Peach
Elizabeth

HAPPY OCTOBER AND ALL THINGS AUTUMN

I hope you are enjoying all that autumn has to give us as the work of the garden slows and the hues intensify. 

Presently we are enjoying the tiny Honey Locust leaves falling like snow out our window while we eat breakfast. Yes we don’t want to miss a thing. While it won’t ever be my favorite, I’m here for all those Autumnal vibes. 

Until next time, Happy Autumn!

To everything there is a season…. Ecclesiastes 3

BLOOM THYME: It’s coming fast

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

A few weeks ago I started this post but it began very differently. There were sighs, laments and serious whining about the heat! This week all that changed! Highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s … with one night dipping down to 49. Oooooo That is a little low for me this time of year. 😳 Around here we are advocates for long, long autumns where the roses get to have a beautiful fall flush. And we pick flowers for months. More weather trauma… oh how we need rain!! Things are getting scary dry. I am even fearful for some of our large trees. 😕 Soooo very glad we added some irrigation this spring for some of the areas and are adding more this fall!

As you turn the page on the calendar and it says SEPTEMBER, are you shaking your head and saying, “where did the summer go?!? If you are you are not alone. It was a fast one. And, if you don’t talk about weather, around here it was a fabulous one! A summer of family, friends, travel, flowers and loads of fun. 

I have moved to that gardening stage of ‘reflecting and taking note’ that comes with the end of summer. Deciding what worked and should be repeated AND what didn’t work and what areas need a tweak! I’m taking loads of pictures so I don’t forget the details. I will print those pictures and use them when I get down to serious planning. Those physical pictures are a great help! If you aren’t aware, WalMart does photo printing that is so easy, cheap and fast. I print a ton of pictures!

In an upcoming post I’ll talk about the Hits and Misses for this growing season, but for now…

LET’S TALK ABOUT ROSES

While walking through the garden this week it occurred to me that many of the roses I can’t stop talking about because they are bringing me such joy this year are Meilland Roses and Kordes Roses.

MEILLAND ROSES I GROW…

(To see the rose, click the link. The number beside the name indicates how many I have – if I have multiples.)

As many of your know Meilland Roses is a French company with a rich history. Starting in 1850. They have given us iconic roses like the Peace Rose (Link to Article about Peace), the popular Eden Rose, the gorgeous Francis Meilland Rose, the Romantica Series, the Drift series and so many of the modern roses that I am falling in love with.

Mother of Pearl  (9) (Link)

Romantica Moonlight (2) (Link)

Bolero (2) (Link)

Sweet Mademoiselle  (Link)

These are brand new to my garden and showing great promise…

Loves Me Loves Me Not  (Link)

Princess Charlene de Monaco (Link)

ON MY LIST FROM MEILLAND FOR 2026…

Martha Stewart (NEW)  (Link)

To see the complete list of Meilland Roses sold through Star Roses and Plants, read on here.  

KORDES ROSES 

The Kordes Company is an award winning German rose company known for hardy, disease-resistant roses. They are one of the first companies to stop spraying their rose fields to find the most disease resistant roses. They did so more than 30 years ago. I do find them to be more disease resistant and winter hardy for our growing zone (6a). I have grown so many beautiful ones through the years!

KORDES ROSES I GROW…

(To see the rose, click the link. The number beside the name indicates how many I have – if I have multiples.)

Veranda Cream  (2) (Link)

Parfuma Earth Angel (3)  (Link)

Parfuma Bliss (2) (Link)

Savannah  (3) (Link)

Honeymoon (2) (Link)

Sunbelt Plum Perfect (2) (Link)

Jasmina (Link)

Pomponella (Link)

New to my garden but showing great promise…

Parfuma Summer Romance (Link)

Raspberry Cupcake (Link)

There are other roses from other growers that are big winners too and I’ll talk about them next time.

WHERE TO FIND ROSES

If you cannot find these roses locally, here is a list of where you can also look… (Link)


RECENT ROSE CHATS

This summer I have had some super fun and interesting guests! If you’ve missed an episode, here are recent ones. For others go to RoseChatPodcast.com.

PLAYING FAVORITES
GUEST: Kimberley Dean, The Rose Geek
LISTEN HERE

MINIATURE ROSES
GUEST: Matt Douglas of High Country Roses
LISTEN HERE

TIME TO DOWNSIZE MY GARDEN
GUEST: Dee Nash
LISTEN HERE

BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK

Mother of Pearl
Petite Peach
Raspberry Cupcake
Love Me Loves Me Not
Koko Loko
Pomponella
Clematis & one The Generous Gardener on top
Rugosa Hip
Bee sleeping on Zinnia
Butterfly Loves Zinnias
Herb Garden Entrance
Raspberry Cupcake Up Close
Bokay in Grandmothers Pitcher

SEASONS

As the seasons change let’s remember the true Master Gardener and His gifts to us…

Genesis 1: 14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the sky to separate day from night. These lights will be used for signs, seasons, days, and years.

UNTIL NEXT TIME, Happy Gardening Friends.💐

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: You know it’s hot when…

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Let’s talk about the weather. Around here we went from flooding to heat wave in what seemed like a split second. June turned into August and watering was the name of the game. … and critters! Since we garden lovers water the objects of our garden affections. … the water deprived critters come calling. In our case this year it is been tons of raccoons. Our critter cam is filled with their antics. On one frame there are five! They are rototillers! Making a mess. They have torn through the cottage borders, breaking down blooms, broken limbs out of trees and scratched through the meticulously laid mulch. You know the drill.

BUT, that was NOT the most horrifying heat related experience I’ve had in the garden. One beautiful morning before it got tooooo hot I decided to do a mini photo shoot of my work area – THYME OUT. I took videos and stills and zoomed in on particular little areas. As I worked in this area I noticed something moving in my cute bird house Mr. G made for me. So I went to check it out… were there baby birds?????  On closer inspection I found that no … there were NO cute baby birds but a snake! …. INSERT SOFT SCREAMS MR. GGGGGGG HELP!!! I “know” in my head that snakes do good things and are mostly harmless but that does NOT make me like them more or fear them less. Friends, this is the kind of “garden surprise” that could drive someone to put a FOR SALE sign in the yard. Well, not really but you get the picture. G came and poked about in the birdhouse and got him to come out a little bit but he was not leaving his “shady” house. Everyone and everything is trying to beat the heat.  

How did this end? G and I hurried back inside to the air conditioning. We have no idea what happened to the slinky creature. I sincerely hope he found another home that offers more of what he wants and there aren’t any more such surprises for a while! I’ll be on my guard. 🫣

While we are talking about THYME OUT, here a few of the pictures I took before the terror began.

Snake Spa !!

PERFECT TIMING

Mr. G is truly the hero of the day (every day) but especially in this “heat” as he finalized the irrigation to several of our garden areas. So with the press of a button or using the iPhone app  … all those babies get watered!

BEATING THE HEAT

LILIES

The lilies have been fantastic through the heat! They must have loved all the water because they are huge! I have felt like melting but the lilies continue on. 

Here are some of the show offs this week. Many more to come!

INVINCIBELLE LACE HYDRANGEA

Invincibelle Lace is knocking it out of the park! This is a big surprise to me. I planted two of them in the dappled shade of a Sweet Bay Magnolia thinking they most likely would not get enough light to be as pretty as I wanted them to be next to our sun porch. But that was not the case. Look at them! This is one of the amazing hydrangeas from Proven Winners. 

SUMMER HAIR CUT

The roses are through their first flush and I have given them their summer hair cuts so not too many blooming right now. But, there’s always a few to enjoy!

BLOOM THYME…

Earth Angel not stopping!
The first!
Miss Manners ❣️
Herb Garden
Savannah
Niobe clematis
Bolero
Cathedral Bells
Blue Angel & Jackmanii Clematis
Phlox

ROSE CHAT PODCAST

I have had some fabulous guests on Rose Chat! Here are two of the latest…

IMAGE

CRITTERS & CRUD:  Crown Gall & Chili Thrips
Gaye Hammond, Master Rosarian
LISTEN HERE

CERTIFIED NURSERIES
Justin Valdez
Director of Rose Research and Development
LISTEN HERE

🎙️Coming up next … Natalie Carmolli of Proven Winners and Kimberley Dean, The Rose Geek! Stay tuned. 

🌹As always with the podcast please share with those on your social media sites and in your newsletters! Help us get all the rosy info out!

Friends, let’s Grab some iced coffee or tea, and safely enjoy our summer garden season! For me right now … it’s early in the morning and late in the evening and very little in between!

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability” – Sam Keen



BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: It’s Thyme for My Award

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Yes, it is time for my annual award 🏆 proclaiming that I have indeed made it through the winter. When you live in a colder climate and are garden obsessed, these things are important. 

There are plants in the garden that actually make me feel as though I have won a huge award for making it through another long winter. 

MEET MY VOTING ACADEMY …

  • Mini Iris
  • Chocolate Chip Ajuga
  • Creeping Phlox
  • Dogwood blooms

I have all of these in several spots of the garden and every time I see them they make my heart sing! All of these on the list have a short blooming season but when they bloom they change the garden. Yes, the season has changed! So much garden bounty is coming.

While they have their place and are beautiful, tulips and daffodils just don’t say “you’ve made it” to me. They are a little too fond of winter for that. Especially daffodils. 

DOGWOOD LEGEND

Have you heard the legend of the Dogwood tree? One of my first blog posts was about that legend… You can read the article HERE.

GARDEN GATE ARTICLE ON PEONIES

I love peonies and my peonies are all budded up!! Garden Gate has a great article in their newsletter on peonies. The article included many great tips on growing peonies and I especially like the information on how to save peony buds to have blooms later! HERE’S THE ARTICLE.

RECENT ROSE CHAT PODCASTS

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

LISTEN HERE

On this episode, I 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 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

THIS PODCAST WILL BE RELEASED THIS WEEKEND …Sun, April 27

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

GARDENING FOR ALL AGES EVENT

If you are local… I’ll be at the Indianapolis Rose Society Booth tomorrow (4/26) selling Roses. Ohhhhh there are some beauties! DETAILS ABOUT GARDENING FOR ALL AGES HERE.

POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS

My babies are growing booth in the potting shed and in the “jugs” outside!

Potting Shed is a busy place!
Potting Shed Porch

I planted Zinnias on April 14 and in two or three days they germinated and are steadily growing. Best of all, they don’t need any care from me!

The inside seedlings are on the inside / outside hardening off schedule.

First batch of gomphrena had a problem germinating and the new ones are going to need a boost to be ready for planting!

Purple Bell Vine
Zinnia
Tiny Gomphrena
Sugar /Spice marigolds

Onion Project

I love onions but have never had any luck with growing them. Garlic does well but onions – not so much.

This year I saw that Steph from Hooked and Rooted (LINK) was starting onions from seed using the winter sowing method. In addition, she admitted she had not had much luck with growing onions until she found YELLOW OF PARMA onions. So I tried it! Aren’t they just the cutest things!!! Look at those roots! Steph and I are growing in different climates but I sure hope they do well. Yes, I saw the pictures of her beautiful onions from last year and had a full-on case of plant envy.

They are some of the first things to go into the HERB GARDEN but they’ll have plenty of neighbors soon.

DO WE TRUST IT?!?

Everyone is talking about the weather! With the temps so high and no cold snap in sight, we are all tempted to plant the tender things like tomatoes! — especially tomatoes! But should we trust it? I don’t know. I want to believe and I’d sure love a jump start but I’m filled with memories of days like this…

Peonies April 24 – Last Year

🍅 🍅 QUESTION 🍅 🍅

I only grew two types of tomatoes this year from seed (Pineapple and Gardener’s Delight) so we will buy 2 or 3 others. What are your favorite tomatoes of the more common varieties you can find at the garden centers?

‘TIL NEXT TIME …

Well friends, we are truly at the stage where every day something new is popping up in the garden! Cleanup is just about done and now planting thyme begins. I love this part!

And just so you know… I think this little guy feels like he won an award too … as he feasts on the Chocolate Chip Ajuga!

Until next time… Happy Gardening!

🌱 🐝 🌱 🐝 🌱

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: Coming Out of the Fog

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Releasing Bloom Thyme Friday on Saturday is just par for the course around here right now. Almost three weeks ago Mr. G and I headed out for vacation to quickly return when Influenza A took hold. We spent our vacation time alternating the patient/nurse roles. 2 1/2 weeks later we came out of a fog to 70° temps and a garden filled with spring! During those days were a series of cancellations, postponements and running behind in a blur. We are glad to be back on the path to full health. Ms Influenza A is quite a character. She pulled many punches! I hope you manage to avoid her but around here she has been all too common. Be careful!

SIGNS OF SPRING

ASSESSING DAMAGE

Plenty of deer visited the garden this winter …. and I’m seeing some serious damage on many of the roses. Time will tell how the garden will fare as a whole. But, with many days at 70° spring is moving in fast. It’s amazing some of the roses are untouched either by deer or the extreme temps we’ve had. 

Don’t the deer seem right at home just munching away on MY plants?! 😩😩😩

NATIONAL GARDEN BUREAU … THE 2025 YEAR OF…

Each year the National Garden Bureau selects one annual, one perennial, one bulb crop, one edible, one houseplant, and one shrub as our “Year of the” crops. Plants are chosen because they are popular, easy-to-grow, widely adaptable, genetically diverse, and versatile. YEAR OF 2025 DETAILS

The one I am most excited about is Calendula. I purchased a couple of new to me varieties that I am really excited about. And I know that a few of the Zeolights from last year will self sow too. For me they are very well behaved self sowers. Just enough. 🌱

From National Garden Bureau website…

Nature’s Sunshine: The Year of the Calendula

Overview and History…

Initially cherished by the Egyptians for its healing properties and beauty, Calendula found its way to Europe through Roman influence, swiftly gaining popularity as both a therapeutic herb and an ornamental gem. 

Native to the sun-kissed Mediterranean region, Calendula has transcended borders to become a global favorite among gardeners, thanks to its resilient nature that thrives in diverse environments. Its name, derived from the Latin “calendae,” symbolizes its perpetual blooming cycle, with fresh blossoms unfurling each month in a vibrant display of nature’s artistry. 

Calendula petals, beyond their visual splendor, serve as a source of yellow dye, earning the flower the endearing moniker “poor man’s saffron” for its ability to mimic the prized hue of saffron. This versatile plant not only graces gardens with its beauty but also offers practical applications in dyeing and culinary pursuits. 

Here are a few fun facts…

GROWING TIPS

  • Calendula grows easily in full sun in any regular garden soil and thrives in a pH range of 5.5-7.0.
  • Pinch back young plants to encourage bushy growth.
  • Occasional feeding is rewarded, but unnecessary.
  • Keep plants watered but avoid overhead watering as plants are susceptible to mildew.
  • Deadhead regularly to prevent self-sowing and continual blooms.
  • It does best in cool weather and may stop blooming in mid-summer heat. It will likely start to bloom again in the cooler weather.

CALENDULA I’M GROWING THIS YEAR

BRONZED BEAUTY and a PACIFIC BEAUTY MIX

The calendulas I’m growing are Bronzed Beauty and Pacific Beauty Mix. One of the reasons I’m excited about growing more calendula is that for some time I’ve been wanting to make some simple recipes that I’ve read about in a wonderful book — A WOMAN’S GARDEN … Grow Beautiful Plants and Make Useful Things by Tanya Anderson, Isle of Man, UK

This book is filled to the brim with inspiration, growing tips, recipes, DIY projects and the dreamy looking products she produces.

I first knew of Tanya when she appeared on Gardener’s World 5 years ago. In the episode we had a tour of her lovely allotment garden and heard about all the wonderful things things she makes with the plants she grows – everything from flavored vinegars to skin care products.

She is easy to find as she is active on Instagram and has a thriving You Tube presence. TAKE A LOOK HERE.

RECENT ROSE CHAT

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

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.  LISTEN HERE

HC MASTER GARDENERS

What a wonderful group to be a part of. And, thank you for the opportunity to present a program last month. If you are local and want to join Master Gardeners … here is some information on upcoming basic training. DETAILS HERE

INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY ROSE SALE

The Indianapolis Rose Sociey Rose Sale is still on! I’ve seen the list and there are still some wonderful roses left. Several are sold out but there’s still plenty of beauties available – at least today. First Come/First Serve. DETAILS HERE.

DREAMING OF ROSES

As I recuperated I’ve actually been doing more than dreaming … I’ve ordered a few! It was good therapy! But, oh my where will I put them! 😳 I’m working on that too. Let’s talk about that in my next post.

Scripture tells us that “to everything there is a season” and my favorite one is here!

Until next time friends, enjoy the miracles of spring! 

March 30, 2024

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Rosemania Part 2

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

The storms (with hail) and rain continued through the early part of the first flush so we have not had an epic season. But, we have had a good season and the garden has given me enough roses to fill a very special request for a graduation event and enough to participate in the Rosefest rose show last week.

The most wonderful days are when I get to fill my wagon with blooms to make bokays for friends!.

Table arrangements for a special event…

Here they are in their traveling boxes Mr. G made. These boxes are fantastic and keep everyone safe in transit!

GETTING READY FOR ROUND TWO OF ROSES

With the first flush leaving, I’m busy dead heading, leaf picking, and adding another round of fertilizer (RoseTone and Heirloom’s Founders Fish Fertilizer).

When I say “I am leaf picking”, here’s what i’m doing…

Removing any diseased leaves AND removing leaves that are at the bottom of the plant. Those leaves are in the lines of fire from dampness and fungal spores and are bound to get into trouble.

I first heard of removing the bottom leaves from an article I read from the great rosarian Monty Justice the father of Monty’s Joy Juice Fertilizer. Monty was a passionate and inspiring rose gardener dedicated to growing the most beautiful roses and helping others to do so. If you’d like to read more about his life, here’s a link to a great article about him. (LINK)

Rose standouts from the past couple of weeks…

STATE OF GRACE

I planted State of Grace last year and she did okay but this year she decided to go for it. OH MY WORD!! Yes, she went for it!! The blooms start out vibrant but fade to more muted tones – very much like Distant Drums I think, so you get a wide color spectrum. The blooms hold on well and she needed all her strength with the rain and wind! Light fragrance and outstanding in a vase. Highly recommend! ⭐️

Here she is paired with Petite Peach. Much more muted than she started.

SAVANNAH

Savannah was on her way to being spectacular but in the end the storms kept her from getting to shine like she normally does. She was great on the shrub but not quite up to being the star in a vase as she normally is. She’ll be back. Such a strong performer and so fragrant. 

QUIETNESS

This is a rose I think every rose lover needs. She is just about perfect. This power blooming medium sized shrub has the prettiest blooms and wonderful fragrance. She lasts so well in a vase too! Heirloom has her for sale… (LINK) You won’t regret it! I have four and have given away many as gifts!

HONEYMOON ARBOROSE

I fell in love with this rose, when I was judging at the Biltmore Rose Trials. This rose has been in the garden for several years but has been moved about a few times. 🤷🏼‍♀️ (I am “that” gardener.) Honeymoon went into 2024 with 3 years in the same spot under her belt and it showed. 

She had more blooms than ever before and would have been outstanding for a very long time had it not been for the afore mentioned, rain, storms and hail! As with all the creamy and white roses the rain did dampen her glow a bit but this is such a great rose.

She is a well behaved climber getting to about 6’ in my garden. I love her sweet, old rose fragrance and I so enjoy her noddy prettiness.

Here she was just starting out. Unfortunately I didn’t get a shot of her completely bloomed out. But she sure got attention from visitors.

REMINISCENT PINK

This beauty is part of the Reminiscent Series from Proven Winners. This series strives to combine classic beauty and fragrance of old-fashioned roses with modern day performance. SHE DOES THAT BEAUTIFULLY. I love the shrub form and the old fashioned bloom. As you can see from the picture she is not stingy with her blooms and she is just as generous with her fragrance. I could not love this rose more. Healthy and gorgeous! If you’d like to have one of your own… find it here. (LINK)

PETITE PEACH 🍑

Several asked me about Petite Peach since one of my plants was added to the gorgeous Hamilton Co Master Gardener Rose Garden in a planting demonstration at Rosefest.

Here is a post I wrote telling the Petite Peach story. (LINK)

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: And, The Award Goes To…

VASE LIFE

I am going to be more mindful of the roses I bring inside to see how long they actually stay pretty. I can tell you that so far these have been impressive…

  • State of Grace
  • Eustacia Vye
  • Quietness
  • Savannah
  • Earth Angel
  • Music Box
  • Petite Peach
  • Gabriel Oak

I talked about cut flowers and preservatives in a previous post. (LINK)

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Open Garden and a Rose Explosion

LATEST ROSE CHATS

The conversations have been lively on the podcast. So much to learn from each other!

Menagerie Farm & Flower
Felicia Alvarez

Chatting with Felicia Alvarez, founder of Menagerie Farm and Flower was a great delight. Menagerie Farm is a rose farm and nursery nestled in the heart of the Sacramento Valley. Don’t miss this inspiring episode as we hear from Felicia who believes daily life doesn’t have to be ordinary and strives each day to grow products that will make everyday life more beautiful for your home & table. Don’t miss this one. Felicia puts her heart and soul into her work. Loads of information and inspiration!

LISTEN HERE.

GROWING ROSES IN CONTAINERS
Jason Croutch, Fraser Valley Rose Farm

On this episode Jason shares his favorite roses to grow in containers as well as tips to help us be successful. Regardless of your soil type or the size of your garden, growing in containers gives us all more options. Keep up with Jason on the Fraser Valley Rose Farm YouTube Channel. (LINK)

LISTEN HERE

In case you missed this one… I think all rose lovers will find this information fascinating!

THE HISTORY OF ROSES
America’s True Native Plant
Gaye Hammond, Master Rosarian

On this episode, Gaye Hammond takes us on a journey of the history of roses in the United States from antiquity to the 1900s. Gaye has done years of research and has much to tell us.

LISTEN HERE

BLOOM THYME AROUND THE GARDEN

With many of the roses taking a break it give the other flowers a time to shine and the cut flowers are ready to explode.

Savannah Neighborhood
Vanessa Belle
Waiting…
Regale lilies
Earth Angel
Popcorn Drift
Love this yarrow color
Lotta pink!
View from patio
Gabriel Oak
Moonlight Romantica
Cats Pajamas
Chantilly Cream
Feverfew
The Potting Shed got a fresh coat of paint!
Herb Garden
Zaide
Fama Blue Scabiosa

Friends, thanks for stopping by. Until next time, I hope you are having fun in your garden!

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: ROSEMANIA

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Soaring heat, storms and rain have given us an exciting and very early spring. Bloom Thyme is welcome any time. Weather is certainly keeping us on our toes! Our hearts go out to all of you who have been affected by the terrible storms bouncing around. Especially our friends in Houston. You are in our prayers.

THE ROSES ARE COMING BACK 🎉

Every year in the deep dark part of winter when everything is so dead, it seems doubtful that the garden will come back — but it always does. Oh, the many miracles of spring!

Here are a few of the early birds catching my attention in a big way!

CROWN PRINCESS MARGARETA

I planted the princess last year but only had a few blooms. This year she is knocking it out of the park. Just look at the form. I wish you could enjoy the fragrance – she is amazing. When I see this color in my garden it still surprises me as for so many years I resisted. I have always fancied pink roses and the creamy colored ones! Now I welcome the Crown Princess Margareta and others with similar coloring … Bathsheba, Lady of Shallot, Rise Up Amberness and At Last. 

EARTH ANGEL

She is angelic! I just love this rose and it is a great day when she blooms. Each year she gets better and better. A healthy Kordes rose with old fashioned beauty, form and fragrance! She’s just getting started and there are many buds yet to open.

SWEET FRAGRANCE

This is the second year for this little beauty. I bought her at Lowe’s for under $25. She is part of the beautiful roses from the great hybridizer Ping Lim and part of the Easy Elegance collection. She is a standout in form, color and in fragrance. She is small to medium sized and would be great for a container! 

PLUM PERFECT

Last year I added 3 of these to the garden and they were good performers! This year they are going from good to GREAT. They are starting out with a bang. This beauty is from Star Roses and Plants/Kordes Sunbelt collection. They are bred for intense heat and they are sure getting a work out. This week it has been near 90 everyday. (IN MAY!!) Their medium size would make it a good candidate for most any garden and in a container too. 

MOTHER OF PEARL

You know I love her. I have 9 shrubs! She never disappoints.

EASY ON THE EYES

This is an almost bullet proof rose from great hybridizer Tom Carruth. Beauty, healthy and fragrant! Those colors!!

THE FAWN

The Fawn is a rose you don’t hear much about – unless you talk to me!! I absolutely love her! She was released in 1983 in Denmark and has had many names… The Faun, Bossa Nova, and My Granny. She is a healthy, beautiful, blooming machine that can tolerate some shade! If you are interested in having her in your garden, Heirloom Roses sells this one as The Fawn and Roses Unlimited sells her as The Faun.

EUSTACIA VYE

The wait is over. You know that both Mr. G and I have been sooooo excited about Eustacia Vye! (He loves her name.) Her first blooms are open and she does not disappoint. She is perfect. We have two shrubs and the other one is budded up and almost ready!! 💕💕

BUYING ROSES ONLINE

Of course we want to buy local when we can, but many of the roses I grow and recommend are not sold locally. Below are the online sources that I use. I have a history with all of these companies and they are well represented in my garden! 😉  LINK

Where to buy roses…

ROSE FOOD

For those who have asked what I’m feeding my roses this spring…

For established roses I used a combination of Rose Tone and Scott’s Rose and Bloom. For new roses… I planted them with Earth Worm Castings and watered in with Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer. Ben from Heirloom convinced me of this with the information that comes with their roses. When I next need fish food for roses, I’m going to order Heirloom’s Founders Fish Fertilizer. (link)

So far so good. Everyone is happy. I’ll fertilize again after the first flush to push for more!

Confession: Through the years I have used many different products on my roses. I do like to change it up a bit. However my most consistent products have been Mill Mix and Mills Mix Easy Feed, Rose Tone, Scotts Rose and Bloom and Fish Emulsion. I am interested in trying Heirloom Roses Founders Fish Fertilizer – when I need to purchase more (LINK).

I have not tried a product that didn’t work, so my thoughts are that roses aren’t as picky as many think. As always follow the directions on the container. I truly believe under fertilizing is better than over fertilizing. 

IF YOU SUSPECT A PROBLEM…

If you think something is “off” it might be a good time for a soil test! The lab I have used in the past is Great Lakes Labs. (LINK)

ROSE CHAT

GROWING ROSES IN CONTAINERS
Jason Croutch, Fraser Valley Rose Farm
RELEASE DATE: Sun, May 26

LISTEN HERE.

On this episode Jason shares his favorite roses to grow in containers as well as tips to help us be successful. Regardless of your soil type or the size of your garden, growing in containers gives us all more options. Keep up with Jason on the Fraser Valley Rose Farm YouTube Channel. (LINK)

ROSEFEST COMING SOON!

The Indianapolis Rose Society’s annual event ROSEFEST – Saturday, June 8. It will be a lovely day of roses. Speakers, demonstrations, rose garden tour, giveaways, vendors and a fun People’s Choice Rose Show. Bring your roses to enter or come be a judge! 

All the details are on the Indianapolis Rose Society website HERE. 

SPRING LOVE

As I look at my garden this morning with all the beautiful blooms and the weeds too, I am reminded that….

Happy Gardening Friends.

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Sauntering into Spring

Link | | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

New growing zones, warmer weather, deep freezes, groundhogs and alligators (Texas) predicting an early spring, plants greening up… what are we in the old Zone 5b to do. 😳 I guess I’ll just cautiously saunter into spring – keeping a watchful eye on the weather app and the forsythia bushes. Around here there are always surprises!

Baby Larkspur
Baby Larkspur

POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS

I am not sauntering in the potting shed. It is full steam ahead! Seed starting and winter sowing have been keeping me busy.

WINTER SOWING

I am doing more winter sowing than seed starting as we are traveling a bit and I think the seeds have a better chance outside! I want tons of different flowers and herbs but don’t need large quantities, so many of the jugs are divided up with multiple types of seeds inside. 

So far I have planted…

  • Hollyhocks
  • Statice
  • Rudbeckia
  • Stock
  • Celosia
  • Gomphrena
  • Coneflowers
  • Bachelor Buttons
  • Scabiosa
  • Yarrow
  • Foxgloves
  • Larkspur
  • Snapdragons
  • Orlaya
  • Sweet Alyssum
  • Ageratum
  • Strawflower
  • Lady’s Mantel
  • Mignonette
  • Sea Holly
  • Ammobian

As I type this list I am reminded of how many of these I planted last year but they were eaten or destroyed. 😫 Praying for fewer critter issues this year!!!!!

Later I will plant tomatoes, zinnias and cosmos when the weather truly and consistently warms up! I was amazed last year at how wonderfully these warm weather varieties did last year with the winter sowing method!

If you want to know more about how I do the winter sowing method, here is a post I did last year with details. WINTER SOWING LINK

Some of last year’s results…

FLORET FLOWERS

Are you familiar with Erin Benzakein and Floret Flowers? If not, check them out at the link below.

Our Story

Erin and her team have done amazing work as flower farmers in the cut flower industry – adding so much beauty as well as education!

Her latest work is exclusive seed varieties. These exclusive seeds went on sale this week. So many were waiting by computers and phones to place our order. Same as roses, I rarely see a packet of seeds that don’t interest me – especially when paired with the word “exclusive.” I love zinnias and from the pictures Floret has done amazing things with them. My order was small but I am very excited to try two of the new Zinnia varieties.

Zinnia Dawn Creek Honey
Zinnia Dawn Creek Peach

Rose friends, Erin has an amazing rose story as well. She was the last person to interview Anne Belovich – just 7 months before her death at 97! Anne gave her permission to take cuttings of her roses and take she did. Her team came in and beat down the brambles to find the gems. Anne’s roses are in great hands with Erin! You can read about this adventure here.

A Rose Story Part 4: An Interview with Anne Belovich

ROSE CHAT 2024

Look at this collage!

So many wonderful rosy friends are coming to chat this season. Each one is unique and amazing. I can’t wait!

Sunday, Feb 11 and Sun, Feb 25 the first two podcasts will be released. Both are fantastic!

Gaye packed so much fascinating information from her research on this one. We go back to the pre-historic days! 

Randy gives us so much great information on using beneficial insects. Covering all the basic questions and so much more! 

Here is a link to find the new ones or listen to any of the previous ones anytime! LINK

SAUNTERING OR FULL STEAM AHEAD?

Are you sauntering into spring too or is it time to be full steam ahead in your garden. I just checked and more daffodils and snowdrops are popping up but it will be awhile before bloom. That’s okay. I’ll enjoy the posts of my southern friends for a bit longer. Seeing the babies come back is one of my greatest garden pleasures. I am happy to saunter and take it all in.

Until next time, here’s a bit of spring beauty from last year…

The lovely Thalia daffodill!