NRL July 2012 by Jim Harding

NASHVILLE ROSE LEAF

Official Publication of The Nashville Rose Society Serving Rose Enthusiasts Throughout Middle Tennessee

July 7th - NRS Annual Summer Picnic Hosted by Lee & Martha Jeffery 5 PM - 8 PM

By: Larry Baird Nashville was well represented at the 1st American Rose Society multi regional all arrangement show and judges school June lst – 3rd. NRS members Lori Emry, Cindy Worch, Mary Ann Hext, Sam & Nancy Jones, Jeff & Jennifer Harvey and Larry & Connie Baird were there to support the event, and have a good time, and in addition Lori, Cindy & Mary Ann, began their adventure to become accredited ARS Arrangement Judges. This unique and fun event began Friday night with the excellent Marriott Buffet Dinner and the first judge’s

NRS Summer Picnic July 7th! By: Marty Reich Hello everyone! Time to mark your calendars for the July Rose Society picnic at 5PM on Saturday, July 7, at the home of Lee and Martha Jeffery in Gallatin. The picnic is in place of a meeting. Bring a covered dish of your choice and chairs. They have tables, (though you might want to throw a card table in the car if you have one), and will furnish utensils, etc. as well as iced tea and lemonade.

class of the weekend. After a very short night, Saturday morning began with the grooming room opening at 6 a.m. for preparation for the show. Arrangers from all around the country were busy placing an unbelievable assortment of items into artistic and beautiful shapes. When all was said and done, the result was ninety arrangements. The next arrangement class was held while the show was being judged followed by the rush to see what the judges had decided. The arrangement show was open to the public from 11- 1. While Jim Harding wasn’t in class, he did manage to take time off from scrubbing his deck to stop by and take pictures for the Nashville Rose Leaf. Such dedication. Some of us who lugged in (Cont’d on page 6)

Photo courtesy of Jim Harding

Rockin’ & Roses In Music City

Affiliated with the American Rose Society - www.ars.org

Gold Certificate & Oriental Award ‘Marilyn Monroe’ Connie Baird Photo courtesy of Lee Jeffries

july 2012 Volume 45, Issue 6

Address is 1125 Lakeshore Dr., Gallatin, TN 37066. If you need it their phone number is 615-451-1041. Driving instructions - There are two ways to get there. If you are coming from Nashville, take 65 to Vietnam Vet. to the end, at the third stoplight turn right on 109 south. Go to the first stoplight and turn right on Hancock, go two blocks and turn left on Lock 4 Rd. Go about 1/2 mile, turn right on Lakeshore Dr. to the first house, 1125. The house faces both Lock 4 and Lakeshore Dr. There is plenty of parking. If you live east of Nashville, take 109 North to Gallatin, left on Nicoles Lane (Dollar General on corner) go 2 miles then right on Lock 4, then left on

Lee & Martha Jeffery’s Garden Lakeshore Dr. 1125. I don’t believe we have ever been rained out completely for a picnic and they say that we should come unless there is a flood, so there is no rain date. They have plenty of parking also. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

President’s Column Wow! What a great turnout we had for our first Grand Prix. Three tables were filled to overflowing with roses. It took two tables to hold the arrangement entries. There were truly some magnificent examples of our beloved rose. Long, thick stems with beautiful foliage, topped by huge blossoms were everywhere. We had many members enter roses for the first time. Congratulations to all the winners and to all who entered, as well. Yours truly took two fourth places for my “dwarf” hybrid teas. But, always the optimist, I figure that I have nowhere to go but up. Thank you again, to the Daylily Society for moving into the smaller Potter room. This allowed us the space we needed for the Grand Prix setup. We gifted their society two climbing roses, Iceberg and America, for their kindness. I apologize that our program ran longer than usual. I did not restrict our speakers to any set time. I’ll remember this in the future. However, the program was very well received. Some learned a lot. Others had their own maintenance programs confirmed as being on target. Keith Garman told us how he grows winning roses. His garden was a highlight of this year’s garden tour. Ron Daniels did the same, but with an emphasis on spreading our love of roses by giving them to others, thereby bringing joy to all who receive them. By the way, I bought a four foot long wand for my sprayer, upon Ron’s suggestion and I’m now spraying my climbers without a ladder. Last but not least, Cecil Ward taught me that I am under watering and under fertilizing my roses. Hence the “dwarfs” mentioned above. Thank you to all our speakers for sharing their knowledge with us. Sam Jones did a great job as unofficial auctioneer. He sold every rose we had as a fundraiser. A special thank you goes out to Dianne and Dillard Lester for all they do to make the Grand Prix as successful as it always is. We are looking for someone to assume their chair after the next Grand Prix. Please see Dillard and apprentice under him. Also, the prize winning newsletter that you are 2

currently reading is looking for a new editor. Jim and Starla have done a great job for a long time. Please continue our history of volunteerism and help keep our society strong. I gained a few pounds at the last meeting. The refreshment table was packed with some of the most delicious food I’ve tasted. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough room to sample everything, but I gave it the old college try. Our membership was extremely generous. I’ll thank all of us, from all of us. Cindy Worch has graciously volunteered to oversee refreshments. She will have a form to organize this activity. Please contact her. Ron Daniels is checking on a fried chicken connection. If that works out, then sides and drinks may be our only requests. What about desserts, you ask? Have you forgotten that August is our annual Ice Cream Social? I’m trying recipes already. Bob Bowen, watch out. Another food related story is that we are not having a meeting at Cheekwood in July. Instead we are meeting in Gallatin for our annual picnic. Lee and Martha Jeffery have graciously opened their home to us. Saturday, July 7th is the date. Be there or be square. More information is in this newsletter. Once again, I must say that I am very privileged to be your president. The cooperation that I have received is impressive. The helpful suggestions are invaluable. Thanks y’all. —— Tom Beath

Editor’s Desk The habit of talking to one’s roses is not an instantaneous result of purchasing a rose or two, but rather one that develops over a long progression of time. My very first utterances to our roses were not even words, just inaudible noises such as “ooooh,” “ahhhh” and “Huh?”. Later, actual words were spoken: “Look!,” “Wow!” and “Oh No!” This was followed by a brief, high-pitched form of baby talk: “Look at those pretty blooms!” or “Awww, what are those cute little black polka dots all over your leaves?.” The next thing you know I found myself fussing at rose predators: “Get off of there!”,

nashville rose leaf, July 2012

“How dare you!” and “My husband will kill you if you’re here when he gets home.” My particular vocal specialty, according to my husband and children, is the age-old guilt trip: “I break my back trying to give you a nice place to live, food, water and love that I defy you to find anywhere else and you can’t even muster up a single bloom for me??!!” And, yes, if you must know, our roses are fully aware of my occasional tendency to be a potty mouth. (Jim forbid me to cite any of those specific examples but let’s just say that that our ‘Brides Dream’ does not have virgin ears). Now, before you start seeking private moments with Jim suggesting professional intervention for me, do know that I have always mumbled these thoughts softly under my breath and have been exceedingly careful to assure nobody was within earshot. Well, at least until recently. But, before I elaborate I would just like to say that Jim and past NRS president Jeff Harvey share some culpability in my latest rose adventure. You see, Jeff found a rose that I had been looking to procure for years and Jim bought me SIX of them for my birthday this year. Thank you, Jeff! For years, I had been nursing my one and only French Perfume rose (LOVE IT!!). Meanwhile, it has been taunting me by limping along and almost threatening to take it’s own life lest I maintain a perpetual state of worry over it. While pruning the garden in which it resides recently, I thought the time was ripe for the two of us to reach a little understanding. “Look here”, I started “For three years now you have been taking up valuable space in my garden and your performance has been underwhelming, to say the least. But, guess what? Now, I have six more JUST LIKE YOU and any one of them would just LOVE to take your place. So you better shape up, or OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!” And let me ask you, folks, who makes the “off with your head” threat without also making the corresponding “off with your head” hand gesture? It’s not natural, I tell you. Of course, it is natural that this would be the precise moment a young mother with her toddler son would happen upon me, my hand gesture and my little rose rant. {Pause for awkward silence} (Cont’d on page 8)

The Heat is On! By: Jim Harding As I watch the Miami Heat run away with game five and an NBA Championship I think about our own heat here in middle Tennessee. I check the ten day forecast and see no rain in sight. Even at ten o’clock at night the thermometer reads 85 degrees. Under these conditions it is easy to think our roses are melting like the Oklahoma City Thunder, but unlike the Thunder, we have an answer for the Heat! At the June NRS meeting consulting rosarians Keith Garman and Ron Daniels along with master rosarian Cecil Ward offered their advice on summer rose care and beating the heat. Cecil was kind enough to share his notes; many of which I have incorporated into this article which begins with Cecil’s philosophy on roses, “They are elegant, enjoyable and easy to grow. They just need the proper care.” WATER - The number one way to help your roses beat the heat is to water, water, water. This may be as often as every few days during July and August. A few key points about watering: 1. Watering regularly helps reduce heat stress on your roses. 2. Water deep with a thorough soaking. Large rose bushes will need six gallons a week. Three gallons per rose twice a week will get the nutrients down to the roots. One gallon six days a week will not soak deep enough and the feeder roots will grow to the surface resulting in either a weak, or even worse a dead rose. 3. Watering in the early morning is best. The evening is okay too, just allow enough time for the leaves to dry out before nightfall to help keep blackspot under control. 4. If watering by hand take a five gallon bucket and your water nozzle of choice and count off how long it takes to fill up the bucket a little over half way. That is how long you want to water each bush twice a week.

5. Mulch absorbs water, so back to point number one; water deep to make sure the soil below the mulch gets enough water. 6. Water the whole rose bed. Spot watering will seek its level and then spread to the dry soil, thus robbing the rose of water. Watering beyond the drip line also encourages roots to spread out and makes for a healthier bush. This is very true for roses on Fortuniana root stock that spreads out naturally. 7. When the rose leaves droop and hang limp, a quick shower will bring the plant’s temperature down swiftly. 8. Water your roses well before and after any kind of fertilizer is applied. 9. Two to four inches of mulch will help keep the root system cool as well as retain moisture. 10. If in doubt, dig down into the soil and check how deep the water has penetrated. Your roses need a minimum watering depth of one foot to reach the root zone. NUTRIENTS - Not only is water needed to keep plants adequately hydrated but water moves nutrients down through the soil to reach the roots. There are lots of ways to fertilize roses, granular, liquid, and foliar. A 1/2 cup of a balanced granular fertilizer with trace elements like a 13-13-13 formulation can be applied three times a year on large roses. Use half these amounts for miniature roses and double for large climbers. Granular fertilizers are man made chemical fertilizers so when spreading this type of fertilizer start six inches from the trunk of the rose and extend to at least eighteen inches from the trunk. The reason is that any chemicals that come into contact with the bud union that are not fully dissolved can damage the rose from the salts in the fertilizer. Liquid fertilizers like Mills Easy Feed and Miracle Gro are some of the easiest to use and go to work instantly, but have to be applied more frequently than slow release granular fertilizers. Organic or natural fertilizers are also a great way to feed your roses and im-

prove the soil as well. As simple application of alfalfa pellets from your local Co-op is an inexpensive option. Various forms of well composted manures and worm castings are good choices too. Products like Mill Magic Rose Mix contain a host of natural based nutrients your roses will love. All of these organic options attract earthworms which aerate and further improve the soil. There will also be an increase in beneficial soil bacteria that will aid in a slow, steady breakdown of the organics. The result will be a steady supply of macro and micronutrients for your roses, and an improved soil from the earthworms. Foliar feeding is not exactly a secret anymore, but can yield excellent results. Like most plants roses are capable of absorbing certain nutrients through their leaves. Products like Monty’s Joy Juice, Nature’s Nog, a combination of seaweed extract and humates, or fish emulsion are all good choices. To make it even easier, all of these options can be mixed in with a regular fungicide spray program. The benefit of foliar feeding your roses is it instantly gets the plant food right where it’s needed and wanted, in the stems, leaves and buds. The results produce stronger, thicker stems along with denser foliage, and most importantly, rose blooms that are larger, more numerous and of a better color. Start at the top of the rose bush and mist the entire plant to the point it is dripping off the leaves. Foliar feed in the cool hours of the early morning or late evening when the plant’s pores are open and receptive to liquid food, (make sure to allow enough time for the leaves to dry before nightfall). Foliar feeding does not feed the rose bush’s roots, so you will still need to apply one of the above fertilizers to the soil during growing season to feed the rose bush from the roots up. When using any of the above fertilizers follow the manufacturer’s instructions and if you have questions ask an NRS consulting rosarian, (see list on page 7). SPRAYING - Summer time can also mean vacation time, but it is definitely no time to be lax in your spray regimen. Stay true to your spray schedule with (Cont’d on page 6)

nashville rose leaf, July 2012

Rockin’ & Roses In Music City By: Larry Baird (Cont’d from page 1) vases, flowers, line material, kensans, backboards and underlays, forgot our camera, so thank you Jim. More classes were held Saturday afternoon. Arrangement judges included a who’s who of ARS arranging like Jim Harrell (editor of the ARS Rose Arrangers Bulletin) as well as Lew Shupe and Gary Barlow who assisted in writing and editing “Guidelines for Judging Rose Arrangements”, who offered their expertise in a most unusual Avant Garde style not often seen in Rose Shows. They are always pushing the envelope. And after a short break, of course there was the delightful Chicken Dinner Saturday night along with the praise and awarding of winners of the rose show. Sunday, Lori, Cindy, and Mary Ann began the task of the written judge’s test followed in the afternoon with a practical exam. As of this writing, they have not received word on the results of all that work, but we have great expectations. Good Luck Ladies!

exceptional. In design and in the quality of the roses it was just a beautiful show. The only shortcoming was that it wasn’t open to the public very long. Sandy Dixon, our National Arrangement Chairman, created this event and I think she has a winner. I am already looking forward to the next one.

Princess - Connie Baird

Miniature Princess - ‘Autumn Splendor’ Sam & Nancy Jones

The arrangements division of our Rose Show has steadily been growing over the years. This also seems to be the trend with other societies in the Southeast and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to exhibit a rose, and the visitors to our shows seem to spend more time looking at the roses in arrangements. Arrangements generate interest. Hopefully NRS members will consider entering an arrangement in the second NRS Grand Prix in September, or the Annual NRS Rose Show in October. This ARS Arrangement show and school was the first time a show and school were combined, and it was a great idea, and special thanks to Sam and Nancy Jones for spearheading the effort to obtain location and approval for the event. Most of the arrangements were done by accredited ARS Arrangement judges who came from many parts of the country (exhibitors and judges from Nevada to Georgia and from Iowa to Florida were in attendance making it almost a national show), and they were all 4

nashville rose leaf, July 2012

Jeff & Jennifer Harvey prove that husband’s and wives can both enjoy designing arrangements!

Miniature Artist - ‘Bee’s Knees’ Connie Baird

The Court of Etiquette & The Bronze Certificate ‘Let Freedom Ring’ - Connie Baird

Miniature Duchess ‘Nancy Jean’ - Barbara Taube

NRS 2012 Grand Prix I Award Winners By: Dillard Lester In the Horticulture Division, Larry Baird and Sam Jones tied for earning the most points as Advanced Exhibitors. Millie Dolinger earned the most points as an Intermediate Exhibitor and Lanni Webb earned the most points as a Novice Exhibitor. In Section 1: Hybrid Tea Rose Specimen, Larry Baird won Queen of Show with ‘Moonstone’ and won King of Show with ‘Crescendo’. Gene Meyer won Princess of Show with ‘Crystalline’. In Section 2: Non Hybrid Tea Rose Specimen and Sprays, Jim & Starla Harding won Best of Section with ‘Clair Matin’.

Larry Baird with Grand Prix Queen ‘Moonstone’

Section 2: Non Hybrid Tea Rose Specimen and Sprays, Jim & Starla Harding won Best of Section with ‘Clair Matin’.

In Section 3: Miniature Rose Specimen, Miniature Queen, King, and Princess of Show awards were not given. In Section 4: Miniature Sprays, Sam Jones won Best in Section with ‘Baby Boomer’. In Section 5: Rose in a Bowl, Sam Jones won Best in Section with ‘Honey Dijon’. In section 6: Lanni Webb won the Most Fragrant Rose Challenge with ‘Pink Peace’.

Gene Meyer won Princess with a beautiful bloom from ‘Crystalline’

In the Arrangements Division, Sam Jones earned the most points. He won the Best Large Rose Arrangement using ‘Crescendo’ roses and the Best Miniature Rose Arrangement using ‘Autumn Splendor’ roses. Photos courtesy of Jim Harding

Sam Jones won best miniature arrangement using ‘Autumn Splendor’

Points earned in this Grand Prix will be added to the points earned in Grand Prix II on September 4th to determine the winners of the Grand Prix. Mark your calendar and be sure to enter roses. Thanks to Ruby Worsham for Judging, Connie Baird for helping judge the arrangements, Marty Riech for helping in the Prep Room, Linda Correll for Clerking, and everyone that entered roses.

Sam Jones won best large arrangement using ‘Crescendo’

Table arrangement design by Gloria Minter nashville rose leaf, July 2012

July Beginner’s Rose Tips TRAINING LARGE ROSES If you are looking for an inexpensive way to train a rambler, LCl (Large flowered climber) or just a shrub that wants to climb consider using 10 foot pieces of ½ inch rebar. They are available at most building supply companies for about $5.00 per piece. Just form a tee-pee type structure with 3 or 4 pieces of rebar spaced a couple of feet or so away from the graft of the rose. Lean the tops of the rebar together and tie with rebar wire. Before pounding the rebar into the ground, be sure to saturate the spot with water for easier installation. Usually installing the rebar 10-12 inches into the ground will hold most climbers. As the rose grows, train it as you wish. Initially you will not appreciate the beauty of this structure but soon the rose will grow over and conceal the rebar. This works great for pillar structures in the middle of the garden or in landscape beds. Rebar is great for training most roses. Just cut the 10 foot pieces in half with a hack saw and use a rebar cap on top of the stake to prevent injury. The stakes are sturdy enough to guide the strongest rose. Velcro Strips from Home Depot work well for gently attaching the cane to the rebar- just leave a little room for the natural movement of the rose. My husband tells me I have enough rebar in our garden for a footing for a commercial building but one would never know as they are all hidden by the foliage of the rose. Mary Bates, ARS Consulting Rosarian BE ING A GOOD EXHIBITOR There are two things that will help you to be a good exhibitor in a rose show. One is to get hands-on advice from an experienced exhibitor and the other is to have a copy of the guidelines that judges go by when they critique your roses. The following note from ARS tells you how to get the guidelines:

nashville rose leaf, July 2012

The newly revised Guidelines and Rules for Judging Roses are now available. There are two ways to get it. You can purchase the Manual from ARS. Cost is a modest $10 plus shipping of $3.50. The Guidelines can also be downloaded as 8 ½ x 11 pages which can be printed at home, two-sided, on 3-hole punched paper (but remember the cost of paper and ink). If you wish to order a copy, email Peggy Spiviey at Headquarters. Her e-mail is Peggy@ars-hq. org. You should receive your copy within a week. If you already have a binder, you don’t need to order one. Order yours today, the rose shows are just around the corner. Marty Reich, Master Rosarian FIGHTING BLACKSPOT Never surrender to blackspot. Although there is no cure for infected leaves, the following spray action will prevent re-occurence. First, clear the bushes of blackspot leaves. Dispose of them far removed from the rosebed - never in or near compost pile. Spray with combination of surface chemical and systemic chemical three times weekly for two weeks. Then resume regular spray frequency. RoseDoc’s preference is Banner Maxx (systemic) and Pentathlon DF (surface). Be sure to spray the entire bush. Spray the leaf undersides and canes, too. Use Indicate 5 as a spray material buffer and sticker. Keep a close watch for blackspot infection after two weeks treatment. This works for RoseDoc and should help others as well. Ted Mills, Master Rosarian

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! Last but not least a reminder to all ARS members to vote for Vice President in the ARS Triennial election. See instructions in the May/June issue of the American Rose

The Heat is On! (Cont’d from Page 3) regular applications of fungicides. Alternate with preventative fungicides and if your roses have a blackspot breakout add Mancozeb that kills blackspot on contact. Using Mancozeb every three days for three successive applications will typically get the blackspot under control and then resume your regular spray schedule. PESTS - The two primary pests this time of year are Japanese beetles and spider mites. Knocking them off into a jar of soapy water is environmentally friendly, but the fun of watching them drown tends to wear off long before the beetles are gone. Chemicals such as Sevin will kill them on contact, but can create a void of beneficial insects that allows the spider mite populations to explode. Speaking of spider mites, if you see a bronzing, speckling, of the leaves check the underside for mites. They are hard to see with the naked eye. A simple way to check is shake the leaves over a piece of white paper. If you see what looks like pepper, then you have spider mites. Insecticides will not work. Only miticides kill mites. If left unchecked the spider mites will completely defoliate a rose. SUMMER PRUNING - I remember our beloved NRS member, Glenda Whitaker recommended letting the rose tell you where to prune by simply deadheading (removing the spent bloom) and then watching and waiting to see where the new growth appears on the cane before pruning. This a good summer practice because the rose keeps as many leaves as possible during the heat and you don’t have to worry about over pruning and stressing your roses. Last but not least while taking care of your roses during the hot summer months, don’t forget to take care of yourself with a wide brim hat, liquid refreshments, and some sunscreen. Thank you Cecil Ward for reminding us that with proper care, roses are elegant, enjoyable and easy to grow!

A Rose Lover’s Calendar

NRS, Tenarky, & ARS Coming Events JULY 7

NRS Annual Picnic – Hosted by Lee & Martha Jeffery 5 PM - 8 PM See details in newsletter.

Remember to vote in the

Deadline for voting - ARS Triennial election for Vice President

ARS Triennial election for

27-29 National Miniature Rose Show & Convention - Columbus, Ohio Contact Brian Burley 614- 846 –9404, for information.

AUGUST 7

NRS Meeting & Ice Cream Social at Cheekwood - 6:30 PM Refresh ments, 7:00 PM Program - Wendy Wise

Vice President. See page 3 of the May/June American Rose magazine for voting instructions.

SEPTEMBER

NRS Meeting Grand Prix II at Cheekwood - 6:30 PM Refresh ments, 7:00 PM Program

27-30 ARS 2012 Fall Convention in beautiful San Ramon, California

Details & other event news available at www.nashvillerosesociety.com Nashville Rose Leaf is printed by: The Print Authority, Brentwood, Tennessee

Contributions

Nashville Rose Society is a 501c-3 organization and all contributions to the society are tax-deductible. Contributions may be made as memorials or to honor some person, group or occasion. Checks for contributions should be made payable to Nashville Rose Society and mailed to: CINDY WORCH 137 Urban Farms Rd. Manchester, TN 37355 ((931) 723-2142

rosegardener@hughes.net

Nashville Rose Leaf

The Nashville Rose Leaf is published eleven times annually by the Nashville Rose Society, Nashville, TN Editors: Jim & Starla Harding, Sam & Nancy Jones Editorial Advisory Committee: Marty Reich

Nashville Rose Society 2011 Officers President Tom Beath.........(615) 481-3589 Vice-Pres Gene Meyer....... (615) 373-0303 Treasurer Gary Spencer......(615) 662-3819 Rec. S’ty Hayes Gibson .......(615) 794-1708 Cor. S’ty Cynthia Worch .....(931) 723-2142

Nashville Rose Society Membership

We are a non-profit organization serving the middle Tennessee area to educate persons on growing and exhibiting roses. Membership is open to everyone who supports the objectives of the organization. Annual dues of $20.00 per household include a subscription to The Nashville Rose Leaf, the official newsletter of the society. To join, send a check payable to Nashville Rose Society to: Marty Reich, 5020 Dovecote Dr., Nashville, TN 37220-1614 Phone: (615) 833-0791; E-mail: marty615@bellsouth.net

Disclaimer: While the advice and information in this newsletter is believed to be true and accurate at the time of publication, neither the authors nor the editor(s) accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The Nashville Rose Society makes no warranty, expressed or implied with respect to the material contained herein.

ARS Consulting Rosarians South Nashville Leann Barron Marty Reich*

(615) 269-0240 (615) 833-0791

West Nashville Tom Beath (615) 481-3589 Keith Garman (615) 352-6219 Sam* & Nancy Jones (615) 646-4138 Brentwood Area Cecil* & Bessie Ward (615)373-2245 Gene Meyer (615) 373-0303 Franklin Area Anne Owen* (615) 794-0138 Logan* & Joan Shillinglaw(615) 790-7346 Robbie*&Marsha Tucker(615) 595-9187 Hendersonville Area Ron Daniels (615) 330-7083 Charles Lott (615) 824-5614 Jack Wedekind (615) 824-8696 Murfreesboro Area Dillard & Diane Lester(615) 896-0203 Columbia Area Lyle Worsham*

(931) 388-4547

Lebanon-Watertown Area Jeff Harvey (615) 268-7089 Jennifer Harvey (615) 268-7032 Denise Thorne (615) 237-9757 Duck River-Centerville Area Larry* & Connie Baird(931) 729-5259 Manchester Area Cindy Worch

(931) 723-2142

*Indicates ARS Master Rosarian

nashville rose leaf, July 2012

5020 Dovecote Drive Nashville, TN 37220-1614

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID BRENTWOOD, TN PERMIT NO. 162

Address Service Requested

www.nashvillerosesociety.com

(Cont’d from page 2)

To her credit, she did scope out the entire area to see if, perhaps, someone was hiding in the rose bushes. But all too quickly thereafter, she appeared to be contemplating how fast she could run with a toddler on her hip. Embarrassed, I began to explain my irritation with the rose and I tried to distract this very “concerned citizen” by inviting her to smell a ‘Lemon Spice’ bloom. She was immediately neutralized. Perhaps the simplest solution for world peace is sharing the fragrance of a rose. Now, I’m not suggesting we try this tactic on gun-wielders or terrorists, but you cannot deny the hypnotic power of a rose when it can literally extinguish a frightened young woman’s instinct to “run like the wind.” She even agreed to wait for me while I went in the house to retrieve something in which to transport her freshly-cut ‘Bella Roma’. As I returned, I overheard her toddler, “Momma, why her yell to them?” to which she responded “It’s kind of like when Mommy is mad at you when you are bad boy”. (How many times have I compared unruly roses to toddlers?!) You should also know that when the young mother handed the rose to her child, he immediately pointed an accusing finger at it and lectured “you be good!” Jim accused me of now teaching children to talk to roses, but I maintain it is instinctual. Whether you are a closet rose-talker or one, who like me, comes clean with my habit, I would recommend that, although we tend to our roses outdoors, we should probably consider conversing with them using only “indoor voices”. —— Starla & Jim Harding

Highlights from June NRS Meeting

The three amigos? Consulting rosarians Keith Garman, Ron Daniels, and master rosarian Cecil Ward share their rose growing knowledge with NRS members.

NRS members Gene & Angela Leach enjoy their refreshments while admiring the Grand Prix entries.

Photos courtesy of Jim Harding

Editor’s Desk

From right to left - NRS members Lyle & Ruby along with Ginny Russell are all smiles. The refreshment table was overflowing with delicous treats for The Grand Prix tables were full of beautieveryone! ful blooms and arrangements