ORLANDO AREA

HISTORICAL ROSE SOCIETY

~The Historical Rose Herald~ June 2011

GARDEN JOURNAL

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Doors open 2:00 pm, program starts at 2:30 pm

Betty Sneeringer will instruct a workshop

demonstrating creative techniques to incorporate into

your garden journals. Bring journals of any type or style, old note cards with pictures of

nature, and your own photos. The journals can include any special names, places, or

instructions to pass along for many years to come.

The June 5 meeting will be a social, pot luck affair with a hands-on workshop of opportunities to learn about creating a garden journal. In order to plan the potluck selections, please e-mail Barbara Miller, cptgat@yahoo.com) what you would like to bring, i.e., a dessert, meat or vegetable dish, etc., so that we can plan a nice time for everyone. This will also enable us to establish an approximate number attending. This is the last meeting until the rose society meets again in September, so we hope to see all of you on June 5.

National Rose Month

Did you know that National Rose Month takes place from June 1-30

to recognize American-grown roses, our national floral emblem?

America's favorite flower is grown in all 50 states, and more than

1.2 billion fresh cut roses are sold retail each year.

FOR THE CHILDREN Wanda‟s Roses, Pat Brisson, 1994. Boyds Mill Press Wanda is one little girl who makes a big difference in her community! She takes matters into

her own hand to do her part to clean up an abandoned city lot after finding what she believes to be a rosebush hidden beneath the loads of garbage. Wanda works to no end to clean up the lot where she has discovered the rosebush - hauling trash to the curb to give the rosebush fresh air and more sun that will help the rosebush bloom. She even waters the rosebush every day after school to be sure it has enough water.

However, the rosebush never truly blooms, but Wanda doesn't let this bring down her spirits. Instead, she invites all of the neighbors who helped her to clean up the lot for tea and muffins. The neighbors, worrying that Wanda will be disappointed if the roses haven't bloomed, brain-storm together and come up with a plan that goes alongside Wanda's to benefit the entire community. Saturday morning, they each arrive with a rosebush in hand to contribute to Wanda's Rose Garden, which has miraculously bloomed (with paper roses Wanda has made and tied to the rosebush with ribbons)! This book would be perfect to get children thinking about what they can do to make their community a better place... it might also serve as a perfect introduction to a school-wide courtyard that the students would be in charge of maintaining!

(Editor’s note: Ask Elaine Ellman how she encouraged some youngsters in starting a rose garden that

eventually “grew” into quite an impressive area for both children and adults to enjoy together.)

GARDEN JOURNAL By Betty Sneeringer

(this article was originally published in the OAHRS Newsletter, March 2011 edition.)

The habit of keeping a garden journal can bring many

rewards. For me, journaling is almost as much fun as

gardening itself and I treasure my journal book.

There are many reasons for keeping a journal: to

make a record of facts that are good to be remembered, and who among us can

remember them all unless we write them down. The writings can help you keep track of

individual plants and the garden as a whole. “Where did I sow those poppy seeds?” It’s

a good place to corral your lists - a list of what you did each month, a list of planting

dates and bloom times, list of tools to buy, etc.

And how can we journal without mentioning all the joys of nature - the birds,

butterflies, the frogs, squirrels, sunshine, and rain etc. Document your dreams and plans

for the future. This makes at least some of them more apt to happen. When you write

them down you can return to them time after time. It can make you remember what

worked and the mistakes you never want to make again. Like gardening, journaling can

be therapeutic. It is a place to “share” all your joys and loves and it can be a good outlet

for creativity.

What type of journal should you choose? It can be anything from a small blank book

to a computer with many choices in-between. You might want to determine, before you

purchase anything, what kind of journaling you want to do. I knew better than to

commit to a day by day journal book. My first one is a

small blank book with a pretty cover which I wrote in at my

leisure. I dated some pages but mostly kept an account of

my activities and feelings about my garden. The second, a

spiral bound with partly structured pages - a “fill in the

blanks” type. The third and one I am using now is spiral

bound with larger mostly blank pages but is divided by the

seasons. I am doing it in a scrapbook/journal manner. When spring comes I will need a

new one and it will be a loose leaf binder. This will afford many more options as I can

insert extra pages and envelopes.

There is no right or wrong way to journal. You just need to make it your own. Find a

way to make it work for you. If it becomes like dreaded homework the purpose has

been defeated!

I would predict that each of you would journal similar to the way you garden. If you

garden in straight, measured rows, all neat and all business, you might do your writing

in deliberate straight lines, all neat and all business! If you garden in hodge-podge

patches your journaling may be the same, with doodles and scribbled notes. While I

don’t always achieve my desired look in the garden I am a “decorator” gardener. Both

the garden and journal needs to be pleasing to the eye or I am not pleased! That’s one

reason why computer journaling is not for me. I suggest that you keep the book visible.

“Out of sight - out of mind” happens!

Through the years I have noticed so many gardening quotes, many from famous

people like Longfellow, Thomas Jefferson, Emerson and others. How do we still have

what they said about gardening? Many kept a journal or they included their thoughts in

other writings.

Journals are great keepsakes to be handed down through the generations. So, let me

encourage you to document your thoughts about gardening and the daily dramas that

play out in your garden. Who knows, many years from now someone may learn from

your written confessions of failures and be inspired by your successes in your

horticulture brag book! _________________________________________

Orlando Area Historical Rose Society meets at City of Orlando’s

Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando, FL 32803-1537, programs info: 407-647-1219, Doors open 2:00 pm, program starts at 2:30 pm. Free admission for first time visitors.

OAHRS ROSE GARDEN

AT THE SANFORD STUDENT MUSEUM

The historical rose garden began with one rose planted by a

Seminole county teacher who wanted to increase awareness in the community about the

historical aspects of old garden roses. Students can “hold a piece of history in their

hands”! Soon more roses were planted and the Orlando Area Historical Rose Society

adopted the garden as a community project. Society members, students, and master

gardeners work to maintain the garden

The workday in the OAHRS Rose Garden at the museum will be held on Saturday, June 25 from 9:00 am to noon. For details or driving directions, contact Tom Burke, ARS Consulting Rosarian, 407-721-9852, tjburke@cfl.rr.com

"I do not know how anyone can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to."

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Hospitality Tables

We extend a grateful thank you to everyone who brought a wonderful array of food for

the hospitality tables this past season. We also appreciate the many offers to help set up

and clean up. The donations of fresh flowers from our members gardens always added a

special touch of beauty. Special thanks go to Bits and Eric Easterling for taking charge

of the table in April while we were in California. We look forward to seeing you all in

September. If you would like to help with the Christmas Tea, please let us know. Your

help is always appreciated. Colette and Jerry Cadwell, ccadwell@cfl.rr.com

The Beloved Rose Has Its Own Month – June!

President Ronald Reagan signed legislation that made the rose the United States' National Floral Emblem. People everywhere have been passionate about roses for centuries. Roses represent beauty and love to millions. Roses are an ancient symbol of festivals and the commemoration of historic events.

Plants are available online for purchase from:

www.angelgardens.com www.antiqueroseemporium.com www.chambleeroses.com

www.coolroses.com http://rosesandherbs.com www.vintagegardens.com

If you prefer to give someone a longer lasting gift during National Rose Month, you can give them a rose bush. There are many more options available today than there used to be. The standard size rose bush in an almost endless variety of color is one option. Or, you may choose to give someone a climbing rose if that is appropriate for their planting location. If you want to give a rose bush to someone who has little or no yard space for planting a rose bush, you can give them a old garden tea rose or a miniature rose bush that they can grow in a container on a patio or deck.

Interesting Facts About Roses

The rose is the American floral emblem; it's our National Flower.

The oldest fossilized imprint of the rose was left on a slate deposit found in Florissant,

Colorado. It's estimated to be 35 million years old! Similar rose fossils have also been found

in Montana and Oregon. It was in the seventeenth century that French explorer Samuel

deChamplain brought the first cultivated roses to Europe from North America.

The World's Largest Rose Bush is a White Lady Banksia. It is reported that a young Scottish

bride named Mary Gee planted a White Lady Banks rose not long after her arrival in 1855 in

the mining camp at Tombstone and it has grown and bloomed ever since. From a single trunk

it has spread over an arbor that covers over 8000 square feet. Each spring it is honored by an

annual event when it puts forth its millions of tiny white blossoms in April. Under its

branches, which are supported by 68 posts and thousands of feet of piping, there is space to

seat 150 people.

The world's oldest living rose is thought to be 1,000 years old. Today it continues to flourish

on the wall of the Hildesheim Cathedral of Germany.

BIONIC GLOVES

(info provided by Jenni Galli, San Mateo RS) I wanted to share this with the rose society - these fantastic gloves are now sold online at Home Depot for a very good price. I don't normally send this kind of thing, but thought the rosarians might like it. These gloves feel so good when I wear them. They are designed by an orthopedic doctor and are called Bionic gloves or Ortho- gloves or something like that. I ordered two pairs as I've seen them for $40 or more and they are selling for about $10 less at Home Depot at their web site. (29.92 per pair w/free shipping). http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100486247&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&MERCH=REC-_-product-2-_-100486249-_-100486247-_-N&locStoreNum=256 They are also available for a reduced price from www.therosegardener.com Bionic Glove Women's Rose Gloves - ROSWS at The Home Depot They also offer similar gloves without the arm protectors for about the same price.

Leather construction

Designed by an orthopedic hand specialist to help improve comfort, fit, grip and performance

Relief pads and motion zones

Washable

Patented design

Reduces blisters and calluses

Awarded the Ease of Use endorsement by the Arthritis Foundation

MFG Brand Name : Bionic Glove

.Easy fix for a leaking rain barrel. If your rain barrel is leaking around the base of the spigot, scuff up a 2 inch circumference with some 36 grit sandpaper. Apply a heavy bead of silicone caulk around the base of the spigot. With a wet finger, feather the silicone bead into the scuffed up area. Allow 48 hours of cure time before re-filling the rain barrel. Hey --- if you know some tips, tricks or nearly forgotten pearls of rose growing wisdom, please e-mail them to Roses4Friends@aol.com for inclusion in the newsletter.

ROSE OF THE MONTH

~Father’s Day~

Polyantha

Orange blend.

Registration name: Vatertag ®

Discovered by Mathias Tantau, Jr. (1912 - 2006) (Germany, 1959).

No fragrance. up to 20 petals. Average diameter 1.25".

Small, double (17-25 petals), globular bloom form.

Blooms in flushes throughout the season.

Height of 2' to 28" (60 to 70 cm).

USDA zone 6b through 9b.

sport of Mother’s Day

enjoy these fun and educational events!

June 2-5 American Rose Society Spring 2011 National Rose Show and Convention, Winston-Salem NC http://www.wsrs.us/National.php June 5 OAHRS meeting – Garden Journal workshop June 10-12 Great Rosarians of the World™ XI – East, New York, NY www.greatrosarians.com June 14 Flag Day June 19 Father‟s Day June 24-26 American Rose Society 2011 National Miniature Rose Show and Conference Syracuse NY http://www.syracuserosesociety.org/ July 4 Independence Day September 5 Labor Day September 11 OAHRS meeting (moved to 2nd Sunday due to Labor Day weekend) October 13-16 American Rose Society Fall 2011 Convention and Rose Show Universal City CA http://www.rosestars.com November 11–13 Deep South District Convention & Rose Show “Salute to Veterans” Wyndham Westshore, Tampa, FL Barb Castelli at Barb@DCD.com

Gros Provins Panache’

The Rose is a Rose and was always a rose. But the theory now goes that the apple’s a rose, And the pear is, and so’s the plum, I suppose.

The dear only knows what will next prove a rose. You, of course, are a rose but were always a rose

- Robert Frost

IN THE GARDEN with Peggy Rose Martin

This is the season in a rose garden of don’ts more than do. You do not want to do

anything that will put more stress on your already extremely stressed out roses from this

intense heat and drought. In our summer climate most roses go dormant to survive; some

even drop their leaves as a self preservation method.

Fertilizing is a definite no-no; it will probably burn your roses and put additional

stress on them to try to perform.

Pruning also is not recommended as it will signal plants for growth spurts. Dead

heading by snapping the peduncle at the abscission layer is all that is needed on roses that

do not self clean.

You have to be careful of spraying, if you use any, as intense sunlight can cause

burning, especially if they contain oils. Horticulture oils must be used in cooler weather,

even summer oils should have temperatures below 85 degrees. Rugosa roses are

especially susceptible to burning at any time from most sprays as the highly ridged leaves

trap the spray.

Your roses should have been heavily mulched since Spring, actually all year round.

Mulch acts as an insulator to keep plant roots cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Mulch composting will be occurring in the beds, feeding microbes and the good

bacteria Heat of course speeds the process up, so another layer of same may be needed.

Remember grass cuttings are pure Nitrogen, so don’t throw them away. If need be

dry them on driveways or cement carports, before spreading on beds. They turn to dry

straw quickly with the intense sunlight. Of course if you cut in the late afternoon when

the dew has dried, they will be just about perfect to mulch with, or stockpile in an out of

the way place to compost. Grass cuttings are more slow acting and will not burn the

plants, but will be feeding the soil for the Fall blooms. Remember we want to

approximate a forest floor environment, as nature continually adds organic materials to

decompose.

My favorite mulch is leaves mixed with grass cuttings, from the lawn mower

bagger, a perfect mixture to mulch with.

If you have trouble with weeds, use old newspapers spread underneath the mulch.

Make sure to moisten soil before and also the top of the newspapers before spreading

mulch over. I have read where the newspapers are to be soaked before using this way-

what a nasty mess to deal with- I never have! After a couple of weeks carefully lift the

newspaper in one section of the garden and look beneath you will see lots of baby earth

worms attached –“A Baby Factory!”

Don’t use Roundup unless you are extremely careful not to expose yourself to even

a dot! It has been found to cause Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, so completely protect

yourself!

Roundup has been touted to be harmless once it hits the soil that has been proven false by

the Rodale Institute after testing. Residue has been found in soils for three years or more

after. Never use Roundup on vegetable garden areas or fruit and nut trees. Reports of

loving family cats and dogs that after walking on Roundup sprayed areas and licking their

paws have died.

While on the subject of pets, I have read reports, articles etc., that dogs who have

eaten cocoa bean mulch have died. Chocolate is deadly to dogs. Even though this is not

garden related, I think it is important to know that dogs and cats have died after licking

Swifter floor cleaner off their paws!

The most important do is Water- Water- Water! We have finally had some rain

after a month of none-grass was dying-no water pressure-sprinklers sold out! The

established old roses at my old house did beautifully without-at my new home, just

recently moved roses was a constant battle to keep alive. I am very surprised I did not

lose but one.

Stay out of the garden as much as possible during these extremely hot days-work

very early morning or late- late afternoon and night for light chores. You must not get

overheated-heat stroke can come upon you before you know it!! If you find yourself

becoming faint or nauseous-quickly put ice packs on your head and back of neck-put cold

wash cloths on your face and front of neck, or better yet, strip and jump in a cold shower!

The object is to lower the temperature in your body and especially your head, before

stroke occurs. Tell someone what you are experiencing in case you do faint.

Now that I have been so negative with all the dangers that I feel strongly about,

this is really the time of the year to just sit back and enjoy your garden with those

beautiful roses. You have worked so hard that you deserve to prop you feet up and sip

iced tea reaping the benefits.

(Editor’s note: Lounging on the porch with a friend, sipping some iced tea or cold homemade lemonade, admiring your garden and the roses, and sharing stories of days gone by …now that’s what it’s all about!)

FOR YOUR HOME LIBRARY

SUSTAINABLE ROSE GARDEN:

A Reader in Rose Culture Pat Shanley (Author),

Peter Kukielski (Author), Gene Waering (Author) The guide to creating a NEW generation of American roses . . . This work brings together experts from around the world to inform gardeners about developments in the new irresistible yet long overdue trend toward creating environmentally friendly yet enduring rose gardens, with sustainability as the key. Pick up any popular gardening magazine and browse through it. Chances are you will soon encounter one word "sustainability." Sustainability has, indeed, become the catchword of 21st century gardening. And for tens of millions of environmentally conscious gardeners it has become a "must" goal, rapidly being realized as part of the much heralded NEW GARDENING. This means gardening that is consciously aware of the dangerous health and environmental risks posed by using traditional synthetic chemicals and pesticides, and that seeks to return to the principles of Mother Nature, while also growing low-maintenance plants that make fewer demands on environmental resources. The Queen of Flowers, the rose by Presidential declaration America's National Floral Emblem was initially left behind as green consciousness and the concept of sustainability took hold among the gardening public. But the rose is now making up for lost time. From the workshops of breeders both in the U.S. and abroad a new generation of disease-resistant and low-maintenance rose varieties has emerged in the last decade to fill popular demand. In this book, you will learn how to make your own sustainable rose garden. With 38 lavishly illustrated articles and descriptions of the best new (as well as old) rose varieties designed for the sustainable rose garden, this is a must-have book for today's new generation of avid but environmentally conscious gardeners.

___________

”The best book on roses for our new century! The key word is sustainable as it explores all the means by which gardeners can grow healthy plants. The essays are written by experts based on their experience over the years. And their advice is practical. Goodbye poisonous sprays and fertilizers. Lists of roses for each climate region makes the book available to a wide audience. Beautiful photos augment this beautiful volume.” W A Grant “Roses, with their bright colors and sweet smell, have earned a special place among floral enthusiasts. "The Sustainable Rose Garden" is a collection of essays written by rosarians for fellow rose lovers. Speaking on the sustainability of roses and their surprising impact on the environment, there is much to ponder about how roses can be improved for their future. With nearly forty contributors, "The Sustainable Rose Garden" is a read that is very much recommended for the environmentally conscious rose lover.” Midwest Book Review

A Visit to Charleston, South Carolina By Elaine Ellman Ed.D, ARS Consulting Rosarian

Charleston is steeped in history, tradition, and southern charm. As a rose enthusiast one can fine a visit in spring a real treat. Although there are several tours a year to view the private gardens there is still a wonderful self guided tour along the beautiful streets such as the famous Tradd Street. Lady Banksiae, (1824) makes a huge grand entrance almost on every antebellum porch on Tradd Street. Although it only blooms once a year this stylish lady shows off for at least 6 weeks. Yes, this is a beauty and a great rose for our Florida

gardens if you have some space. I loved speaking with the locals about their roses. Many people in town know Ruth Knopf who has inspired the addiction to the very hardy Tea roses. She has spoken to our society before and is looking forward to visiting us again. Of course after speaking with Ruth I was persuaded to visit her rose garden restoration project at the Boone Plantation in Mt. Pleasant. It was well worth the trip. The collection of roses are beautiful. There were beautiful scrubs of Alister Steller Gray,(1894), Duchess De Brabant,(1857) and Bon Silene, (1835). The oldest rose, Rosa Machata, (1540). A very impressive middle aged rose, Blossomtime, (1951).

Of course you cannot go to Charleston without a graveyard tour. Cramoisi Superieur, (1832)

The Boone home was owned by several owners so not too much original collections like those of Goodwood Plantation in Tallahassee. The most prized original aspects of Boone are the original brick slave quarters, working farms, Pecan trees and wild flowers. Boone Plantation was used as a setting for the mini series North and the South. The most famous Hollywood appearance was the tree lined drive of huge oaks pictured in Gone With the Wind. You can‟t get more southern than that! As you walk the drive you can just hear Scarlett O‟Hara saying, “fiddle le dee”!

Lady Banks at Boone Plantation

One more thing, remember, never leave home without your clippers. A 5th generation local man actually helped me gather a cutting of his yellow climber outside of his antique shop. Now that was a true southern gentleman!

Vintage Rose Garden at Boone Plantation

~ ~ ~ Happy Father’s Day ~ ~ ~

He took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun and the calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of the night, The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities and when there was nothing more to add

He knew His masterpiece was complete and so, He called it "DAD".

Roses 101: How to Extend the Vase Life of Your Cut Roses By: Kim Austin

Now that you‟ve grown those beautiful blooms on your roses, how can you keep them fresh for days beyond when you cut them? Here are some tips for extending the vase life for fresh flowers Roses cut to be brought inside should be well-watered prior to cutting. It‟s best to cut roses early in the day, while the rose has a good supply of stored food in its system. If it‟s a hot day outside, it‟s even better to cut your roses earlier. It‟s important to mention sanitation, as nothing can decrease the vase life of flowers more than a container that has built up residue. Scrub your vase with hot soapy water (a bottle brush makes it easy) and then soak in a 5% bleach solution. This will take care of any lingering fungus that can attack and ruin your blooms. This would be a good time also to sterilize your cutters to keep any bad bugs from spreading. I cut my roses when the green guard petals have dropped, before the bud has opened. The time it takes for the bud to open will vary greatly depending on the number of petals on the rose. It‟s best to take a bucket of water out in the garden to immediately place the cut stems in the water. You can always trim the stem up later, but they should not be out of water for too long. Finding the ideal place for your vase of roses means keeping them away from a heat and direct sunlight. Cuttings of rose blooms will degrade rapidly in heat. Remove all foliage that will be below the water line in the vase, as the leaves will promote bacteria to form in the water. I also strip the stems of prickles, especially if I‟m including stems of several roses in the same vase. The prickles can tear the petals as you put them in the vase, plus taking the thorns off makes the stems easier to handle. Re-cut the stem under water (eliminating air bubbles) and cut at an angle so the stems don‟t sit flat on the bottom of the vase. This makes it easier for the rose to take up water and food. As the rose is still alive in the vase, it needs food to survive. Preservatives in the market such as Floralife and Chrysal are good powdered additives to use. You can also use (1) a combination of half a teaspoon of sugar, a teaspoon of lemon juice and a few drops of bleach or (2) use a little Sprite to accomplish the same action as the commercial preparations. I‟ve heard of people using aspirin as an additive, but as aspirin is acidic in nature, this would change the ph of your water. Change the water in the vase at least every second day and don‟t just top off the vase with water. The entire vase should be emptied and re-filled to prevent bacteria from taking up residence in the vase. Stems should be re-cut whenever you change the water as well. Lastly, it‟s important to mention that roses bred for the florist market will always last longer in a vase. Roses such as Moonstone. Some people believe that St. Patrick, Veteran’s Honor and Louise Estes can have a much longer vase life than old garden roses. That should never stop you from using old garden roses though, because the fragrance of the old roses will knock your socks off. If I‟m making a bouquet, I‟ll use a combination of old garden and modern hybrids, so I can just pull out the stems that fade faster and replace them with others. Never one to waste anything, I‟ll pull off the faded petals and save them to make rose potpourri. Old stems are saved for the compost.

(Originally published in the Wichita Kansas newsletter, The Petal, Sally Duncan, editor.)

SPRING 2011 SURPRISES

(Editor’s note: Peggy Rose Martin is a grand lady who lives in Louisiana. She previously presented a program on the “Peggy Martin Rose” to OAHRS members and has since become a good friend to many of us. I asked her for an article for the newsletter and she came through with a rosy article to share with everyone. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.)

After 41 years of gardening, I thought there were no surprises for me, how wrong I was.

March winds did not cease through April and seems to have worsened in May, along with no rain

for over six weeks. Where were the April showers, non-existent again this year? Unending

watering with sprinkler system and hose in other beds caused a break out of blackspot on my

modern roses and shrubs. The really old Antique roses did not have one spot on them.

The week before May 1(which was my big garden tour date for New Orleans Old Garden

Rose Society and some of the CENLA people) some of my roses were eaten up with a large

infestation of a long dark green caterpillar with a little fuzzy hair on them, that had come from

the trees across the street and in the back pasture. I happened to see large columns of them

crawling together on the trunks of trees thirty to forty feet above ground. I thought about calling

my neighbor to see if we could do something together before they reached our gardens, but then

thought how would we reach them. I was hoping against hope they would not come, but in a day

or two they were eating voraciously on some of the roses. They did not touch the old roses such

as Himmelsauge or Russells Cottage Rose (Russelliana), Peggy Martin Rose, Martha’s Vineyard

(modern), Bon Silene, or Mrs B.R.Cant. The caterpillars went straight to the Modern Hybrids and

the mixes, Aloha, Cadenza, Eden, Reve d’ Or, Souv. de Mme. Leonie Viennot, and Parade,

mostly all along my fence of climbers.

I was horrified to say the least! Most of you know that I am an organic gardener and have been for 41

years,

I have never seen the like! I killed 50 or so by hand one day and then about that many the next day,

knowing then that I could not control them, they were everywhere. I got in my car and went directly to

Old Time Farm Supply for some Dipel dust which I knew was a non-harmful control for caterpillars.

(Note: Dipel Dust contains bacteria (bacillus turingiensis) for organic control of caterpillars and worms.

It doesn't harm beneficial insects like honeybee, earthworms or ladybugs.)

I asked the saleswoman what the caterpillars were, and had she seen them before. She promptly

told me I didn’t need to do a thing; in day or two they would be gone. Yea, Right!! Well she was correct,

they disappeared as fast as they came and I saw no evidence of them at all. Where did they go? I didn’t

even put the dust out. Mature Tent Caterpillars, who had been in the trees to lay the eggs and then came

down to gorge themselves before disappearing. This was the saleswoman’s diagnosis.

Needless to say, some of the roses were disgusting, green coating eaten off the mature

canes, disease rampant on leaves that were half eaten. I have never pruned my roses much in

early Spring and never at all after the first flush of blooms as I had read about. This seemed my

only recourse, cutting back severely all of that damage to ground where I could. It neatened up

the garden enough for me not to cancel my tour. There was not enough blooming for my taste,

but the progress of two years was evident.

The re-growth on the roses was fantastic, fast and beautiful! Lots of blooms on nice long

new canes. I was amazed! The garden is beautiful again and in time for later tours.

I was afraid the roses would go into shock being pruned so hard this time of year, but

they responded beautifully. This was one fact I learned along with others this unusual Spring.

We don’t have control of the weather and not much over nature, but the roses themselves fight to

overcome whatever befalls them to survive.

Photograph and article by Wayne Gamble, ARS Consulting Rosarian

ANYTHING ELSE BUGGING YOU?

Pest : Thrips

Thrips are small, winged insects that attack many types of plants and thrive in hot, dry conditions

(like heated houses). They can multiply quickly as a female can lay up to 300 eggs in a life span of

45 days without mating. Most of the damage to plants is caused by the young larvae which feed on

tender leaf and flower tissue. This leads to distorted growth, injured flower petals and premature

flower drop. Thrips also can transmit many harmful plant viruses.

Prevention and Control: keep weeds down and remove or discard infested plants; keep them

away from non-infested plants. Trap with yellow sticky cards or take advantage of natural enemies

such as predatory mites. Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the plant.

Consult your local garden center professional or county cooperative extension office for legal

chemical recommendations.

Pest : Spider Mites

Spider mites are small, 8 legged, spider-like creatures which thrive in hot, dry conditions. Spider

mites feed with piercing mouth parts, which cause plants to appear yellow and stippled. Leaf drop

and plant death can occur with heavy infestations. Spider mites can multiply quickly, as a female

can lay up to 200 eggs in a life span of 30 days. They also produce a web which can cover infested

leaves and flowers.

Prevention and Control: Keep weeds down and remove infested plants. Dry air seems to worsen

the problem, so make sure plants are regularly watered. Always check new plants prior to bringing

them home from the garden center or nursery. Take advantage of natural enemies such as ladybug

larvae. If a miticide is recommended by your local garden center professional or county

Cooperative Extension Office, read and follow all label directions. Concentrate your efforts on the

undersides of the leaves as that is where spider mites generally live.

Pest : Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied, slow-moving insects that suck fluids from plants. Aphids come in

many colors, ranging from green to brown to black, and they may have wings. They attack a wide

range of plant species causing stunting, deformed leaves and buds. They can transmit harmful

plant viruses with their piercing/sucking mouthparts. Aphids, generally, are merely a nuisance,

since it takes many of them to cause serious plant damage. However aphids do produce a sweet

substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface growth called sooty mold.

Aphids can increase quickly in numbers and each female can produce up to 250 live nymphs in the

course of a month without mating. Aphids often appear when the environment changes - spring &

fall. They're often massed at the tips of branches feeding on succulent tissue. Aphids are attracted to the color yellow.

Prevention and Control: Keep weeds to an absolute minimum, especially around desirable

plants. Lady bugs and lacewings will feed on aphids in the garden. There are various products -

organic and inorganic - that can be used to control aphids. Seek the recommendation of a plant

nursery professional and follow all label procedures to a tee.

Fungi : Powdery Mildew Powdery Mildew is usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate

light. Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid. The powdery white

or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves. Leaves will often turn yellow or

brown, curl up, and drop off. New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted.

Prevention and Control: Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive

adequate light and air circulation. Always water from below, keeping water off the foliage. This is

paramount for roses. Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer. Apply fungicides according to label

directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly, not missing any required

treatments. Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves, flowers, or debris and destroy.

Fungi : Black Spot

A known rose disease, Black Spot appears on young leaves as irregular black circles, often having

a yellow halo. Circles or spore colonies may grow to 1/2 inch in diameter. Leaves will turn yellow

and drop off, only to produce more leaves that will follow the same pattern. Roses may not make it

through the winter if black spot is severe. The fungus will also affect the size and quality of flowers.

Prevention and Control: Plant resistant varieties for your area. Always water from the ground,

never overhead. Practice good sanitation - clean up and destroy debris, especially around plants

that have had a problem. When pruning roses, even deadheading, dip pruners in a bleach / water

solution after each cut. If a plant seems to have chronic black spot, remove it. A 2-3 inch thick

layer of mulch at the base of plant reduces splashing. Do not wait until black spot is a huge problem to control! Start early. Spray with a fungicide labeled for black spot on roses

How to celebrate National Rose Month

June is National Rose Month in the United States. Here are some ideas for celebrating:

Fight the recession blues by adding at least one new rose to your garden.

Show your children or grandchildren how to plant and care for roses.

Host a garden party for your fellow rosarians.

Offer to set up a tour of your rose garden.

Visit a public rose garden near you.

Join a local rose gardening club such as the Orlando Area Historical Rose Society.

Begin a garden blog to celebrate your rose garden.

Send photos of your roses to friends and family.

Post photos or videos of local rose gardens on www.YouTube.com

Gather your favorite rose photos and create a coffee table book to give as gifts.

Start and keep a garden journal devoted to your garden, especially your roses.

Take a shut-in to visit a public rose garden near you.

Give a rose plant to a nearby nursing home

Volunteer to help care for the roses at the OAHRS Rose Garden as well as a

community garden at a local park.

Interesting bits of rose trivia:

Since 1986 the rose has been the official National Floral Emblem of the United

States.

A rose is the official state flower of: the District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, New

York, and North Dakota.

George Washington was the first rose breeder in the US.

(Information was obtained from the International Cut Flower Growers Association as well as other sources.)

Annual Deep South District Convention and Rose Show Veterans Honor ―Salute to Veterans‖ November 11 to 13, 2011 Tampa, Florida November in Tampa, Florida is a glorious time of year and attendees of this year„s DSD Annual Convention and Rose Show will have a fun-filled weekend full of great activities, food, and roses. Hosted by the Tampa Rose Society, this year„s convention and rose show will be held at the Wyndham Westshore, voted the #1 Full-Service Hotel in Tampa by Tripadvisor.com, named the Best Place to Work in Tampa, and whose chef was recently awarded Tampa„s Top Chef crown. The theme of the show, ―Salute to Veterans‖ will carry through the hotel with arrangements of red, white, and blue and the Veteran„s Honor rose. The show will begin on Friday, November 11 with registration at 3 p.m. (For those wishing to exhibit roses, refrigeration will be provided.) Friday evening starts with a cash bar and a ―Sweet Tomatoes‖ themed buffet at the Blue Water Grill located just off the hotel lobby with an adjoining covered outdoor deck. The hospitality suite will be opened afterwards to talk and catch up with great rose friends. Saturday starts early for exhibitors at 5:00 a.m. seeing who can win the coveted DSD trophies and awards! Judging will take place from 10:30 until 12 noon, and the show will be open to the public from 1 until 4. During judging you can attend programs on rose topics including New Thoughts & Confessions of an Obsessed Old Rose Collector given by Pam Greenewald of Angel Gardens and visit the vendor area where rose plants, sup-plies, garden art, and other items will be for sale. Following lunch on your own three informative and totally different talks will be presented. Baldo Villegas, Entomologist for the State of California will speak on Rose and Garden Pests, Debbie Mola of Walt Disney World will speak on the Roses of Disney World and the ARS Test Garden at Walt Disney World, and Paul Zimmerman of Paul Zimmerman Roses will speak on growing Garden Roses and treating them as nothing more than flowering shrubs in the garden. The DSD business meeting will be held late in the afternoon after which you will have time for a quick rest be-fore the evening festivities begin! A cash bar will be open before the banquet of Char-Grilled Hormone & Anti-biotic Free NY Strip Steak with White Truffle Honey; Buttermilk-Pecan Breast of Chicken with sweet Vermont Maple cream sauce; or Wild Mushroom Ravioli sautéed with roasted garlic, grape tomatoes, and asparagus in a light mushroom jus, finished with shards of aged parmesan. The Rose Show Awards will be presented with later entertainment provided by the Skylights. No sleeping in on Sunday! Buses will begin boarding for the rose garden tour at 9 a.m. Sunday morning. Buses will take you to three lovely gardens of Tampa Rose Society members filled with Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Climbers, OGRs and more. It will delight your senses! The buses will return to the hotel by 1:30 p.m. for your trip home. The members of the Tampa Rose Society hope you will join us for an exciting and fun filled weekend this Fall and help us “Salute our Veterans”.

Orlando Area Historical Rose Society Meets monthly on the first Sunday of the month,

Sept thru May

at City of Orlando’s Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N.

Forest Ave.,

Orlando, FL 32803-1537,

programs info: 407-647-1219,

Doors open 2:00 pm, program starts at 2:30 pm.

Free admission for first time visitors. Free parking.

President………… Tom Burke, 407-721-9852, tjburke@cfl.rr.com Vice President…. Charlie Lang, bclang2@aol.com Treasurer.………... Ken Friedland Secretary…………. Bobbi Lang, bclang2@aol.com Programs Coordinator: Margie Brown, 407-497-1639, brown2010@aol.com Membership: Carole Scarlett & Jean Webber Publicity: George Williamson, Roses4Friends@aol.com Hospitality Hostess & Host: Colette & Jerry Cadwell Photography: Lydia Friedland Directors: Elaine Ellman, Margie Brown, George Williamson Historian: -vacant- Web Master: -vacant- www.oahrs.org ARS Master Rosarian -- George Williamson, 352-556-3936 ARS Consulting Rosarians -- Tom Burke, 407-721-9852; Elaine Ellman, 407-629-1956; Wayne Gamble, 407-699-6425 Newsletter Editor & Publisher: George Williamson mailing address: 6374 Lost Tree Lane, Spring Hill FL 34606 eMail: Roses4Friends@aol.com Founding Officers of OAHRS: (est. FEB 23, 1997) Elaine & Ron Ellman, Midge Mycoff, George Williamson, and Peggy Coven Past Presidents : (calendar year, Jan thru Dec)

Elaine Ellman 1997-1999 Margie Brown 2000-2003 Susan Machalek 2004-2005 Joyce Sydnor 2006-2007

George Williamson 2007-2008

DISCLAIMER: While the information and recommendations in this publication are believed to be correct and accurate, neither the authors, Editor, nor the Orlando Area Historical Rose Society can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made. Additionally, the Orlando Area Historical Rose Society makes no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material herein.

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