NRL September 2011

NASHVILLE ROSE LEAF

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

September 6th NRS Meeting at Cheekwood 6:30 p.m. Refreshments 7:00 p.m. Rose Show Basics + NRS Grand Prix

‘Betty Boop’ September Rose of the Month By: Mary Bates

As seen in the photo above and in Mary Bates’ garden below, ‘Betty Boop’, is a beautiful red blend floribunda with and 8.0 ARS Rating. The roses in the foreground are ‘First Kiss’ and ‘Europeana’ Read all about this wonderful rose on pages 3 and 4.

Photo courtesy of Mary Bates

Photo courtesy of Kathy Brennan

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

Tenarky District Convention & Rose Show 2011 Will be in Knoxville, TN from September 23rd-25th.

The fun begins Friday night with a picnic at the Beall Family Rose Gardens (pictured above). Turn to page 9 and read about all the details.

Photo courtesy of Jim Harding

Photo courtesy of Corinne Brown

september 2011 Volume 44, Issue 8

August NRS Meeting Highlights

Peggy & Jack Hays are all smiles as they line up for ice cream and desert at last month’s annual ice cream social. Turn to page 7 and 12 for more fun and highlights.

President’s Column Finally, September, when the weather is turning around, and the heat we have been fighting will slowly become a bad memory. If only the roses recover in time for the fall shows. The roses in my garden do not look promising for the Louisville show Sept. 17, but maybe can recover in time for the Tenarky district show in Knoxville on Sept 23-25 (schedules for both are available on the Tenarky website (wwww.tenarky.org) But, before we get there, coming up at our regular NRS meeting is our only Gran Prix of the year, so start searching for those great exhibition blooms, bring them to the meeting and join the fun. As always, we will have experienced exhibitors on hand to help, show and teach about entering your roses in the excitement. The grooming room will open at 5:30 to give you time to enter your roses. The program for the meeting will be an overview of what you might expect when you venture forth to enter the shows. Some of our top exhibitors will be on hand to explain what goes on from refreshments (my favorite part) to judging and all points in between.

We also still need volunteers for several areas of the show, including, Placement (putting the entries in their proper place), Clerks (helping the judges as they decide on the winners, placing ribbons on the winners, taking the winners to the proper places and overhearing the judges as they decide what, where and why the individual blooms and exhibits should win) this is a fun job, Welcome , meet and greet visitors to the show and invite them to join NRS, Bloom Sale, man the bloom table and provide information , sell roses to visitors and invite them to join NRS. The annual rose show is an exciting and fun time to enjoy our hobby, but as someone once said, ‘It takes a Village” to get it done so there is a need for many volunteers. To help call me, Larry Baird, at 931-729-5259.

You want to be sure and attend the October meeting which will feature a program on Old Garden Roses as a team of representative from M & T Nursery. In addition to the program, they will also bring a selection of their roses for your 2

approval and purchase. I know you will enjoy this program, make plans to attend.

We need volunteers to take over the offices of the NRS for 2012, from Vice President on so let your wishes be known. Any volunteer organization needs volunteers, so for NRS to continue as a viable energetic entity we need you. Also, we need a webmaster, Don Gill who has performed these duties the last few years with outstanding results, has notified us that he is not able to continue, Help, Help, Help.

Starla, we love you and are thinking of you.

—— Larry Baird

Editors Column The hobby we all share of growing roses has some pretty amazing attributes that a lot of other hobbies cannot claim.

If you gave a random stranger a golf ball would it immediately put a smile on their face? Likely not.

Can you take a cutting from your rare stamp and create a whole new stamp for someone to enjoy over and over again? Not even Houdini.

If you gave away a rare coin from your collection, would the recipient close their eyes and smell a wonderful fragrance that takes them away? Highly doubtful.

When Starla and I began sharing the hobby we all love of growing roses we had no idea what the real benefits were. Over the past several years we have learned the true joy of growing roses lies in sharing them.

Over the past several weeks we have learned about another way of sharing – sharing the grief of losing someone you love. Words cannot describe how much it has meant to my wife to receive the out pouring of support from our friends in the Nashville Rose Society during a difficult time.

Pretty amazing indeed. Thank you.

nashville rose leaf, september 2011

—— Jim & Starla Harding

Increasing Your Miniature Garden Without Cost By: Patsy Williams We are always looking for bargains so how does free sound to you? If you have some miniature roses that are at least three years or older, and have made well-rounded plants, it’s a perfect time to dig them up and divide these plants. A miniature rose is propagated and grown on its own roots, and that is what makes this easily possible to do.

Most miniatures have a tendency to get thick and woody as they age. As minis age and become woody, flower production usually is diminished. By dividing them at this time you rejuvenate them, plus you inherit another plant, maybe more.

Step I Dig up plant. Wash soil away from the entire root system, so you can see exactly where the plant should be divided.

Step II Using a keyhole saw or sharp pruners, divide the mini, so that you have sufficient root system for each plant.

Step III (Optional, but advisable) Mix 1/4 cup of Clorox to a gallon of water, and dip the mini divisions into this solution for about 30 seconds and then remove. This helps sterilize the root system from any unwanted bacteria, especially where the mini was separated or divided.

Step IV Either pot up divided parts, or plant them directly back into the bed. We like to use a root stimulator solution (Green Light) to water them in, to promote new feeder root growth on the divided mini.

Step V Cover the newly divided minis with some soil to prevent cane dehydration until new feeder roots can develop.

Sit back, and watch your newly divided plant grow and bloom.

Reprinted from Houston Rosette January 2011, Patsy Williams, Editor

Betty Boop - September Rose of the Month By: Mary Bates Floribunda Red Blend 8.0 ARS Rating Hybridized by Tom Carruth in 1999 and according to Carruth--one of his top ten favorite roses--‘Betty Boop’ has all the charm, vitality and sparkle of its namesake. The bright and cheerful rose was named for the 1940’s cartoon-Betty Boop. In 1999, the rose was selected as an All-American Rose Selection.

The naturally rounded plant carries its long-lived flowers over the entire plant and not just at the top of the bush. ‘Betty Boop’ reblooms without deadheading with lots of semi-double flowers accented by glossy green foliage. The clusters of flowers are generous and well spaced.

In an American Rose article in the November/December 2010 issue, Carruth declared, “The real beauty of Betty is the fact that she is a sterile female.

This directly results in more bloom production because the plant is constantly frustrated in its efforts to set seed. Since unsightly hips don’t set, you don’t have to deadhead Betty to encourage rebloom. She does it all on her own in a big way.”

When researching what the rose world thinks about a particular rose, the opinions of our rosarian friends from New Zealand always come to mind. According to our rosarian friends in the land down under, ‘Betty Boop’ was selected by the Australians to honor the 100th anniversary of the federation of Australia. Rumor has it that some of Australia’s rose lovers were disappointed to discover the rose that was offered with much fanfare to celebrate this prestigious occasion was not only American-made, but some thought the occasion called for a more seriouslooking rose with a more serious name so ‘Betty Boop’ was renamed ‘Centenary of Federation.’

Perhaps ‘Betty Boop’ was selected by the Aussies for this occasion because

of her prestigious parentage--‘Picasso’ and ‘Playboy.’ ‘Picasso’ was the first of a series of fabulous roses presented by Sam McGredy of New Zealand called “Hand-painted Roses” because of the unusual marbling and variation of colors on their petals. This red, pink and white rose seems to change from season to season and flower to flower.

‘Playboy,’ hybridized by Alex Cocker of Scotland, is a rose praised and adored throughout the rose world. The color is eye-catching with orange and scarlet adorning a deep yellow center. It is easy to grow and the foliage is glossy.

The New Zealanders describe ‘Centenary of Federation’ (aka ‘Betty Boop’) as a “fancy-coloured” rose. In the days when the majority of the roses were red, pink, white or yellow, the catalogs lumped all the other colors and the many roses which displayed two or even three colors in the one flower together under the term of “fancycoloured.” Here in America we use the term ‘blend,’ but New Zealand rosarians still like “fancy-coloured” to describe a rose which displays two or more distinct colors which contribute equally to its effect.

‘Betty Boop’ has indeed inherited the qualities of her famous parents and her namesake being bright and cheerful with a color that varies a bit--sometimes red with a pale yellow center and bright red edges and other times more orange-red with a deeper yellow center. The color softens a little to white and strawberry red as the flower ages.

Perhaps the New Zealanders are right.

‘Betty Boop’ is a “fancy-coloured” rose; and with her hardiness and charm, surely she will find a home in our gardens.

The author: Mary and Michael Bates live and garden in Knoxville, Tennessee. Their garden is an nineteen year old Zone 6b perennial and woodland garden with a sunny side and front yard where they enjoy growing climbers, shrubs, OGR’s and over one hundred hybrid teas and floribundas. They

fell in love with roses while traveling in New Zealand. Returning home to Tennessee from work in Antarctica, they began slowly with roses. Plant Society memberships include The American Rose Society, Tennessee Rose Society, Nashville Rose Society and American Hydrangea Society. Mary is an ARS Consulting Rosarian.

NRS Grand Prix 2011 By: Dillard Lester The ONLY Grand Prix this year will be held at our next meeting on September 6th at Cheekwood. The prep room will open at 5:30pm and all entries need to be on the tables by the meeting starting time of 7:00pm.

The first part of the 7:00pm program will be on “NRS Rose Show Prep”.

For the second part of the program, the judges will critique the Grand Prix entries and will explain why some roses became winners and why others were not.

The main purpose of the Grand Prix is to help members get ready to enter roses in an ARS sanctioned rose show, (hint: the NRS rose show is next month on October 1st & 2nd).

In other words, it is a dress rehearsal. For a successful Grand Prix, we encourage all members to make at least one entry in either the horticulture or arrangement division.

At our last meeting Denise Thorne presented helpful information and tips on making arrangements. The Grand Prix is an excellent opportunity to refine those skills before entering a sanctioned rose show. Let’s make this the best Grand Prix ever. Winners of the Grand Prix will be announced at our November meeting and awards will be presented at that time.

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‘Betty Boop’- Little Darling or Not? By: Mary Bates, ARS Consulting Rosarian The question of mixing roses with companion plants often arises. Most serious rosarians relegate roses to their own special beds where they are more easily cared for. Roses do not like to be crowded and often stress and drop their leaves in protest. Perhaps the secret to growing roses with companion plants is soil enrichment and plenty of water. Perhaps the secret is to learn to grow roses first and add a few companion plants after the roses are established. How you use roses in your garden is a personal decision, but the most important decision is to add roses to your garden and enjoy them!!

Each rosarian’s garden is different and has its own personality. Our twenty year-old garden is best described as a Spring Woodland Garden with sunny front and side yards. With a wooded backyard and most of the formal landscaping in place, we made the decision to develop a series of garden beds around our home where we added many pass-along plants handed down from my mother and grandmothers.

Our favorite hybrid tea roses have their own beds, but more care-free, hardy roses have been added to existing gardens beds. This decision was made because the garden was established before the rose-addiction set in, but also because of the influence of the beautiful New Zealand gardens where roses are often mixed with companion plants in a glorious riot of color.

When one looks at the history of roses, the formal roses-only garden beds date only after the time of Empress Josephine. Before that time roses grew in happy harmony with other plants. With all this in mind, I want to share how ‘Betty Boop’ came into our then fourteen year old garden where orange and red tones had been avoided and how she came to dominate our front garden with her color, size and charm and how she continues to do so even today.

It all started innocently enough six years ago-- my circular front garden 4

bed was about to be invaded by roses.

This also was about the time that my rose-addiction set in. A hybrid tea bed had been properly prepared and was ready to plant. All the roses had been carefully selected and ordered, but the Nashville Rose Society Annual Rose Sale enticed me with even more fortuniana rootstock roses. I impetuously ordered 6 more roses. Four were floribundas—‘Europena,’ ‘First Kiss,’ ‘Sunsprite,’ and ‘Betty Boop’ and the other two were hybrid teas—‘Pop Warner’ and ‘Mavrik.’ I am not quite sure why I selected this particular group of roses. Maybe I had read about them, but I certainly wasn’t thinking of color or even putting them all together. I just knew I wanted them. For lack of proper planning, all the roses ended up in an existing 10 x10 circular bed in my front yard. I grouped the floribundas with the two hybrid teas in the front all the while dodging and moving sleeping bulbs and perennials.

herself. I am surprised at how large she has grown. I think about how this little bed was planted—almost reverse of what it should have been with little regard for color co-ordination, but I also have discovered this is one of my favorite beds.

Soon the roses began to bloom—so much for my carefully color co-ordinated garden!! The roses were absolutely beautiful and somehow it all seemed to work! The roses became the crown jewels of this little garden.

I named this bed—“In the Hands of a Child” for this is exactly what it looks like-- a happy random bouquet picked by a child for her mother.

My good friend, Dan Brickman, Tenarky’s CR Chairman, introduced me to a better way of mixing spray chemicals. Using a battery powered electric drill and a painter’s mixing spoon improves this chore. Powdered forms that often clump are easily mixed with this method. A 17-inch metal mixing spoon (available at Lowes and Home Depot) attached to the chuck of a drill, will perform excellently. Battery powered drills reduce the possibility of electric shock around water. Be sure and wash the spoon well after mixing.

As the roses grew I cautiously pruned all except ‘Betty Boop’ who had ended up in the back of the bed. Perhaps it was the well-shaped bush—not at all floppy. Perhaps it was her name—so sweet and innocent, but perhaps it was the pact that I had made with my roses in this highly visible bed in my front yard—“If you will please just grow for me, I will let you grow as you please.”

(Not always the preferred plan of care but new roses resent pruning with a heavy hand.)

Well, grow they did and now six years later, ‘Betty Boop’ is ten feet tall and twelve feet wide and claims at least one half of the now 18 X18 circular bed for

nashville rose leaf, september 2011

This bed is a good example of how hardy roses really are if you meet their needs—so venture forth and add more roses to your garden. Enrich the soil with organics and provide plenty of water. Organics are the primary source of plant nutrients and soil organisms such as earthworms. Learn the basics of good rose culture that have been passed down to us from generation to generation but do not be afraid of roses. If you love and care for them, they will love you back even if you make a few mistakes along the way.

September Rose Tips

Never leave left over chemical spray in the sprayer hoping to use it on the following spray date. Since it loses potency once diluted, dispose of it. Always use fresh spray to treat rose bushes.

Thoroughly flush the sprayer with clear water once the spraying is completed. This careful maintenance holds true with automatic fertilizing equipment as well. A good policy is to keep this apparatus “hospital clean.”

—— Ted Mills, Master Rosarian

Line & Line Mass Designs

By Ray Hunter A very wise writer once said “I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds around my neck”. To some this may be a debatable statement but there is no debate to the conclusion that roses are the diamond equivalent in the flower world.

In this article, two wonderful and somewhat unique approaches are discussed for placing roses on your table...the line and the line-mass rose arrangements.

The line and line-mass arrangements are outgrowths of the Far East influence on Western floral design. The oriental essentials of heaven, earth, and man are displayed vertically where linear design dominates rather than the oriental triangular shaped pattern.

The roses in a line design should be directly above one another; the straighter the better. A line design could be done at a 45 degree angle; however, some consider this as not conforming to the traditional design. A horizontal line design is viewed as a modern design.

Here are a few clues on how to do a line design simply and beautifully for your next rose show.

The Traditional Line Design Let’s discuss three major elements in traditional line design: the roses, the container, and the mechanics.

The Container: Since the silhouette in a line design should be straight as an arrow, the container should be slender and vertical. The height of the container depends on the size of the roses to be used and how many roses will be in the design. Often in line designs the container is selected first, and then the arranger determines how many roses can be fit into the vertical spaces (above and below the lip of the container). A candle stick or tall vertical glass or metal vase is terrific. It is best that the container does not have too much pattern or too bright an appearance in that this could create a distraction in viewing the roses and harm the dominance or harmony of the arrangement.

The Roses: The most important rose

in the line design will be at the lip of the container as this rose will be the focal point. This rose should be ¾ to fully open and be exquisite in appearance.

A rose either with fully open stamens or petals with a beautifully tight spiral is important in making this a much admired rose. Since there are few roses in the arrangement, it is usually best to have roses (1) of the same or similar color or (2) of a gradation shading (darkest at the middle focal point to lighter at the ends) to strengthen the balance and dominance appearance of the arrangement. The arranger has to make a decision as to how many roses will be in the design. Three roses can be used but is often viewed as needing a bit more. Five can be used very successfully, or seven even better, or nine roses, or more. The more roses in a line the higher the height of the container needs to be.

Ideally the bottom rose needs to be ½ to ¾ down the front length of the container. Likewise the top rose should be 1 to 1 ½ heights above the top of the container. This achieves the correct proportion and scale for the design.

After placing your best rose at the focal point, start placing a slightly smaller rose above and below the middle rose.

Allow a space between the roses so they do not overlap. This will create an appearance where the viewer has to view each rose separately and will generate a rhythm (eye will move from rose to rose). When roses overlap, the rhythm is damaged. The top (Heaven) and the bottom (Man) rose in the design should be a bud shape rose. This will create a unified balanced arrangement with the largest rose in the middle and roses gradating to smaller and smaller sizes with buds at the end points.

The Mechanics I: The means of how to put the arrangement together is a true art form and is referred to as the mechanics. Mastering the mechanics is what can transform a beginner into an excellent arranger. How would one stick flowers into the top of a candlestick and have some roses going up and some going down from the middle? Here is one

approach. Hot glue the bottom of an empty tuna fish or cat food can to the top of the candle stick or vertical container. Before attaching the can to the candlestick or container, drill one to two small holes in the front side of the can one above the other. The holes should be large enough that rose stems can be stuck through either hole. A wise move is to then paint the can a dark leaf green color so that it is easy to camouflage later. Once the can is secured, hot glue or use floral tape to attach a kenzan, (also called a spiky frog), to the inside of the can. To this kenzan, firmly push down a piece of fully wet Oasis® which has been cut to be about the same width as the container. By having the Oasis® about 1/3 the height of the container, enough space will be available to insert all the roses above and below the midpoint.

Placement of the Roses: Take your focal point rose and cut the stem to 2-3 inches in length. Place this at the top edge of the “tuna can” into the Oasis®.

This rose should directly face the viewer. Your focal point is now done. Select the two next smaller rose and place one above and one below the middle rose. The one going toward the bottom can be stuck into the Oasis® through one of the drilled holes in the front of the container. Then take a slightly smaller rose and stick it into the Oasis® directly above and below the others. (If you need a slightly smaller rose, pluck off some petals). The roses in the end position should be the smallest. To obtain a higher distinction in the design, consider a pointed plant leaf or bloom at the ends to create even more of a straight line design. Your line arrangement is now near complete.

The Mechanics II: The second phase of the mechanics is to camouflage the can and the Oasis® such that the visual concentration is completely on the roses. The simplest approach is to use rose leaves and attach them with double sided tape to the can and the harder elements. Rose leaves can be attached to the Oasis® by using very small straight (Cont’d on page 6)

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Line & Line Mass Designs

By Ray Hunter (Cont’d from page 5) pins. Once the elements have been covered your design is virtually done. Often the line design can be enhanced by inserting a filler of very small flowers sparingly from the top to the bottom.

This filler will enhance the unity of the design and further improve its distinction (superiority) and beauty. Your line design is now complete. You will receive many favorable comments on your wonderfully creative floral line design.

The Line-Mass Design The straight line-mass design can be done in a similar approach as the line design; however, the line mass is bulged in the middle by adding more roses and filler. The line mass has more flexibility in that it can be done not only vertically but also in a crescent or an S-shape (Hogarth) curve. The arc of these designs can be achieved by using curved stem roses and fillers to accentuate the creative elements of these approaches.

Because the line-mass is bulged in the middle, larger containers can be used.

The mechanics involved are basically the same as in the line design. The focal point is still at the lip of the container.

The same approaches are used for rose placement with the largest roses in the middle and gradations with smaller size roses to buds at the end points.

To visualize the line and line-mass arrangements, here are four examples of

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excellence in arrangements with roses. It helps to learn from the best, so let’s do a critique on what would have made them better, similar to what a judge would do in a rose show.

Photo 1 of the pink roses in a line design is absolutely wonderful using a candlestick as the container. It is a bit off a complete vertical composition and has too many rose leaves in the middle for achieving a sleek appearance. The snapdragons at the end enhance the vertical of the arrangement. The quality of the focal point rose could be a bit better. It is a wonderful line design.

Photo 2 is a marvelous vertical line mass with yellow roses. It could have a larger rose in the middle at the focal point to enhance this rose’s distinction from the others. The size gradation from the middle to the bottom could have been enhanced with more of a bud rose at the bottom (pluck off one or two petals). The top roses tend to go back and if brought forward would have added further to the distinction or superiority of the arrangement. The roses are too tight in the middle and by overlapping tend to take away from the design’s rhythm. It is still absolutely superb.

Photo 3 of the yellow and orange roses is a marvelous example of the S-shaped or Hogarth curve in a line-mass. It could have a bit more curvature at the top to

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enhance the S appearance. There is a bit too much filler. The container is marginal for a traditional approach as pitchers with handles are occasionally frowned on as a traditional container. The arrangement could have been visually improved if a solid color niche had been placed behind it. The striped wallpaper and chair rail act as visual distractions.

The niche would have added distinction (superiority). The arrangement is an absolutely beautiful line mass design.

Photo 4 of the pink roses is a superb example of a crescent line-mass arrangement. A few petals could have been removed from the end roses to attain an even greater size gradation and pointed arc (expressiveness). The three fillers used (statice, berries, and rose leaves) makes the appearance look a bit crowded. This design is my favorite of the four.

It is unbelievably gorgeous.

Make plans on making a line or linemass design for the upcoming Nashville Rose Show on October 1st and 2nd at Cheekwood. You will have fun and learn more about mechanics which will in turn help you tremendously with future creative arrangements. Line and line-mass arrangements do not require many roses and will elicit many wonderful comments on the uniqueness and beauty of the composition. You will be so happy with your achievement and others will appreciate it so very much.

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Highlights fro (Cont’d on page 12)

Photo courtesy of Ken Wood

Photo courtesy of Ken Wood

Highlights from the August Rose Meeting

Congratulations!!!! Martha & Lee Jeffery’s blackberry cobbler was voted best desert and Charles & Ann Lott’s German chocolate was voted best ice cream.

Photo courtesy of Jim Harding

Photo courtesy of Jim Harding

Denise Thorne sharing her knowledge on arranging roses

Ruby Worsham shares her peach ice cream with Cindy Worch.

Looks like we may need bigger plates next year!

Photo courtesy of Jim Harding

Photo courtesy of Ken Wood

David Hazelwood is greeted by Hayes Gibson and Marty Reich as he picks up his name tag and a ticket for the door prize drawing

Visitors from Spring Hill Garden Club!

Remember “show and tell” from 1st grade? The rose table fills up with roses from NRS member gardens. nashville rose leaf, september 2011

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September Rose Care

By Jim Harding Provided you have done your duty of keeping your roses healthy through the summer, September and October can be two of the most enjoyable months for rosarians.

1. The blistering heat of summer should be fading in the rear view mirror.

2. The precipitation we have been missing during heat stroke season should return to help lighten the watering chores. Our roses always seem to respond better to oxygenated rainfall than the chlorine laden tap water.

3. The end result will be a garden full of beautiful blooms to share and show.

The September meeting features our only Grand Prix this year (see page ?) followed by the NRS Fall Rose Show the first of October.

September is also a good time to share your roses and there is more than one way to share them. If you have never shared your roses before you do not know what you are missing. Make yourself a promise to cut and share them. Whether it is a single rose or a beautiful bouquet you will be blessed when you see the smile you put on someone’s face. You can also share your garden. Fall blooms are some of the best so invite some friends over and have a garden party. Another way to share you roses is to root a rose from a cutting. It is both fun and easy to learn.

Just ask any of our wonderful consulting rosarians and they will be glad to show you how. By next spring you will have a brand new rose to share!

Maintenance - The good news. Only two more months of regular rose maintenance! Fungus, keep spraying regularly for blackspot and once the temps cool down to 65 degrees at night powdery mildew becomes a concern. If you see new growth covered with a white, powdery material most likely your roses have powdery mildew. It is not devastating to roses like blackspot, because it does not cause the plant to defoliate.

Powdery mildew is easily prevented.

Eagle 20EW used at the rate of 1/3 to 8

2/3 teaspoon per gallon is effective and may be mixed with other sprays. Many rosarians do not spray the entire rose bush, but will spray only across the top of their roses since new foliage is where you will find the powdery mildew.

Pests - If your garden is like ours you will see some bud damage but no bugs. Odds are it is a large grasshopper munching on the ends or sides of the buds. How about finding little buck shot like holes in the petals as the blooms open? These holes are caused by corn ear worms chewing into developing buds. Thrips can still be a “pain in the you know what” this time of year.

Good news. You can take care of all the above pests by using either Orthene or Conserve to mist across the tops of the buds. This will either kill the pests that are present or discourage them from hanging around. Note: Conserve is an organic insecticide and is supposed to retain high numbers of beneficial insects. A quart of the concentrated Conserve SC will cost over $150. Two economical options are Conserve Naturalyte by Southern AG and Monterey Garden Insect Spray. Both have the same active ingredient, spinosad, and cost between $20 and $40 respectively. In these tough economic times you don’t have to break the bank to have great roses! As always follow label instructions for all chemicals.

One additional thought on thrips. Consider applying a garden grub killer that will take care of the thrip larvae that live in the soil. Just make sure to read the label and find a grub killer that is earth worm friendly. Last but not least, if you are contemplating skipping your regular rose maintenance remember that a strong healthy rose entering the winter disease free has a better chance of making it through until spring damage freeze.

Watering - While the fall season usually brings cooler temps and more rainfall – a nice relief from August, your roses may still need some help so keep watering if there is not sufficient rainfall.

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Fertilizing - This is the time of year to stop using granular fertilizers. Why? Because these slow release fertilizers will keep on feeding your roses well past the time when they need to begin their dormancy period. Our roses need to rest and feeding them well into the winter stimulates new growth that will die back when the temperatures freeze.

However, if you want to exhibit in a rose show this fall or simply maximize this last bloom cycle feeding your roses with a soluble fertilizer is okay because it does not stay in the ground as long.

This is why top exhibitors alternate applying fertilizers like Mills Easy Feed, fish emulsion, and alfalfa teas in the weeks leading up to the rose shows.

Pruning - If you want to maximize enjoying your rose garden this fall you should already have your fall pruning done by mid August for the rose shows and no later than Labor Day. We never know when that first hard freeze will hit and end our rose season. How much to prune back? Height and shape do factor into the equation, but a simple rule to follow to get the best results is cut back to a cane the width of a pencil.

Evaluation - If your roses have not performed as well as they should this year you may want to begin by evaluating your soil. It is easy. Contact the University of Tennessee Soil, Plant and Pest Center is located at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville. It is equipped for routine soil analysis to make lime and fertilizer recommendations and offers its services to all Tennesseans (615) 832-5850.

Planning - Fall is also a great time to begin planning for next year. It will not be long before the rose catalogs begin arriving and the NRS Rose sale order forms will show up in the newsletter. The temptation to buy more roses is too strong and our will is too weak so go ahead and get started by identifying any under achievers in your garden. A little tough love now will make sure space is ready for new arrivals next spring, and you can order new roses without worrying about where they will go.

TENARKY District Convention and Rose Show 2011 The Tennessee Rose Society is celebrating its 65th Anniversary and hosting an exciting TENARKY District Convention and Rose Show for September 23, 24 and 25th at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Don’t miss this fun-filled event with more roses, more friends, more new rose information and just more fun.

Dr. Sam Jones, TENARKY District Director, says this year’s district fall show and convention is a “don’t miss” occasion. “Exhibitors from three states will offer some of the finest examples of blooms and varieties of roses that can be seen at one time--including beautiful hybrid teas, minifloras, miniatures, and exciting landscape and old garden roses. Lovers and growers of roses, both beginners and veterans, will have unique opportunities to be inspired, learn, and enjoy roses during this weekend in Knoxville.”

Co-chairs, Kay Rodgers and Kathy Brennan are hard at work co-coordinating this exciting event. Kay Rodgers declares, “Wow! A rose show that includes everything from a national challenge, district challenges, and a challenge for no-spray roses is something special.

Jeff and Jennifer Harvey have created a beautiful artistic schedule. I cannot wait to see the arrangements. A day for rose education for all rosarians and future rosarians is being planned. Now, what would make that event more special?

Having you attend!”

Kathy Brennan, Tennessee Rose Society President, extends a Special Invitation to all our rose friends by saying, “We are so honored to be hosting this beautiful event on the Agricultural Campus of UT and proud to be able to share this event with all of TENARKY and anyone who wishes to come be with us. Just the Rose Show and the UT Gardens will be worth the trip, plus you will get the seminars as well. I look forward to seeing everyone there.”

On Friday September 23rd, the Welcome Reception/Picnic will be held in

the UT Gardens off Neyland Drive. Registration will be from 4:00-6:30 with a Buddy’s Best Bar-b-q Buffet. This favorite bar-b-q became famous in Knoxville during the 1982 WORLD’S FAIR. Enjoy bar-b-q pork and chicken with all the trimmings, tour the beautiful gardens before and after eating, and listen to genuine bagpipe music. Don’t miss the new Beall Family Rose Garden.

Saturday, September 24th will be Rose Education Day held in the Hollingsworth Auditorium located in the Ellington Building on AG Campus, College of Veterinary Medicine. The rose grooming area will open at 6:30 with last call for horticulture entries at 10:00 a.m. and last call for artistic arrangements at 10:45 a.m. The Rose Show Judging of Horticulture will begin at 10:30 a.m., and judging of the Artistic Designs will begin at 11:00 a.m. The Rose Show will open to the public from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

An exciting day of Rose Education Day Seminars will be held from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. with the public invited to attend all seminars.

Noah Wilson – “Getting Started with Roses” – rose-care advice for beginners. With 40 years of experience growing roses, Noah is a Master Rosarian and an Accredited Rose Judge. At one time, he grew over 400 roses. He frequently presents “down-to-earth” rose-growing programs to garden clubs, master gardeners, and at local nurseries. Noah lives in Morristown, TN, and is a member of the Holston Rose Society in Knoxville, TN. Connie Baird – “Flower Arranging with Roses” – Connie will appear as a Minnie Pearl-like character, Wilma Wrongfoot - a thoroughly entertaining and informative character who will instruct and demonstrate techniques in flower arranging. Connie Baird, herself, is a Master Rosarian, a member of the Nashville Rose Society, and the recipient of numerous flower arranging awards on both the district and national

levels.

Jimmy Moser – “Growing Knockout Roses and Successfully Winterizing All Types of Roses” – Jimmy is a Master Rosarian and currently grows over 700 roses including hybrid teas, floribundas, climbing roses, miniatures, minifloras, and knockouts. Recently, he helped design a public park with over 100 knockout roses. Jimmy lives in Bartlett, TN, and is a member of the Memphis-Dixie Rose Society.

Tom Stebbins – “Identifying Rose Diseases and Pests” – Tom will appear as the detective, Sherlock Holmes, and will conduct a CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) to help the audience accurately diagnose problems with their roses.

Tom is currently the UT Extension Agent with Hamilton County in Chattanooga, TN, and previously worked for eight years as the Plant Disease Diagnostician for Tennessee.

Susie Epperson – “Fragrant Garden Roses” -- Susie is a Consulting Rosarian, a TN Master Gardener, and a member of the TN Rose Society in Knoxville.

In her formal rose garden in Maryville, she grows 240 roses (mostly hybrid tea roses and several David Austin English roses). She enjoys sharing roses with family members, friends, and neighbors and always includes several fragrant roses in each bouquet.

Sara Johnson – “Johnson Nursery and Garden Center” – Located in Cookeville, TN, this family business has been voted one of the top 100 garden centers in the USA for the last 5 years.

They have healthy roses galore – thousands of hybrid tea, floribunda, and knockout roses. Sara will describe their growing rose business and rose-care products. Sara is an active member of the Cookeville Area Rose Society.

The TENARKY District Meeting will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

(Cont’d of page 12)

nashville rose leaf, september 2011

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NRS News

September Program Rose Show Basics Ask any exhibitor and they will all tell the hardest part of entering a rose show is simply showing up. Another thing you will consistently hear is that it is a great way to add enjoyment to a hobby you love. Your editor can attest that both statements are true.

There is no need to worry about showing up and not knowing what to do. There is always experienced exhibitors ready and willing to lend a hand. With that said competition in the rose world is a bit different.

Case in point, Lyle Worsham, who is known for his quips, has often said “Rosarians will do just about anything they can to help you, and then turn right around and do everything they can to beat you!”

Master rosarians and award winning exhibitors will cover the basics of how a rose show works, including a review of the rose show schedule, (the bible of the rose show). You will also learn everything you need to know to help you be successful on rose show day.

We all have heard of the bride and groom - having your dog groomed and even being groomed for sucess as you climb the corporate ladder, but who would ever have thought about grooming a rose? So learning things like how to cut your roses, condition them, prep them and the most important part - how to groom them will be part of the program.

Another feature of the September meeting is the opportunity to listen to ARS accredited judges explain how they judge a rose, what they look for in a blue ribbon rose, as well as why a rose did not receive a blue ribbon.

This is a great opportunity for novices and experienced exhibitors alike to see roses through the eyes of the judges!

10

Arrangement Workshop

ARS Trial Membership

You are invited to enjoy a day of flower arranging in the country. Join us for a hands on workshop on Saturday, Sept. 17th at our home in Totty’s Bend.

We will work with flowers in a vase, oasis & kensan arranging, or whatever you would like learn or practice. Supplies and vases will be available, or bring your own container.

The American Rose Society is now offering a four-month trial membership for only $10 to anyone who is interested in becoming members of our organization ($5 for new NRS members). Most ARS members are home gardeners who enjoy growing roses and want to expand their knowledge of rose culture.

The Nashville Rose Show Arrangement schedule will be available so if you would like, we can practice on various classes for the show. We will begin around 9:00 and stay as long as you like. Lunch will be provided.

Bring your cutters, flowers and your spirit of adventure. Please RSVP at 931-729-5259 or duckriverose@yahoo.com and we will provide directions.

Connie & Larry Baird

ARS News

Roses in Review Roses in Review is for EVERYONE. Whether you grow only one plant of one variety on the list or many of them the ARS needs your input. You do not have to be a member of the American Rose Society to access the online survey and participate.

It is easy and actually fun. Just go to www.ars.org and on the left side of the screen under NEWS click on Roses In Review. You need only evaluate roses on the lists that you grow. When using the online system, be sure and carefully read the instructions. Also, remember to click the save button after completing the review for each variety.

nashville rose leaf, september 2011

The Four-Month Trial Members receive a long list of benefits. To sign up for your trial membership you may complete the online form at www.ars.org or call toll free at 1-800637-6534.

If you are not an ARS member and need a little more encouragement, then check this out below!

ARS Quarterly Bulletins ARS publishes quarterly bulletins for Arrangers, Old Garden Rose and Shrub afficionados, Miniature-Miniflora lovers and our rose show exhibitors. The latest issues are on the ARS web site under Members Only / Quarterly Bulletins. The key words here are “Members Only”, but you too can be trial member and have access to all of these quarterly bulletins too!

So sign up now for your trail membership (see above) and then go get the latest password at the bottom of the ‘Departments’ column on page 5 of the American Rose magazine. The latest postings are for: •

Mini/Miniflora Bulletin Second Quarter 2011

•

Old Garden Rose & Shrub Journal Vol. 7, Issue 4

•

Rose Arranger’s Bulletin Summer 2011

•

Exhibitor’s Quarterly Spring 2011

A Rose Lover’s Calendar

NRS, Tenarky, & ARS Coming Events

Welcome

SEPTEMBER 2 NRS Meeting at Cheekwood - 6:30 PM Refreshments

7:00 Rose Show Basics + Grand Prix 23-24 Tenarky District Rose Show and Convention - Knoxville, TN

(See article on Page 9

1 & 2 NRS Rose Show at Cheekwood

Contact Sam Jones gsamj@bellsouth.net NRS Meeting at Cheekwood - 6:30 PM Refreshments 7:00 Rose Show Basics by NRS Master Rosarians and Exhibitors

16 The Memphis and Dixie Rose Society Rose Show

Contact Jimmy Moser mrmosesroses@aol.com 12-16 ARS Fall National Convention & Rose Show - Universal City, CA

For details go to www.losangelestinseltownrs.com

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 Jones & Leann Barron Editorial Advisory Committee: Marty Reich

Members!

Janis Buford 3773 Parkers Mill Rd. Lexington, KY 40513

OCTOBER

4

New

Nashville Rose Society 2011 Officers President Larry Baird.........(931) 729-5259 Vice-Pres Tom Beath..........(615) 673-2435 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.

Mariwyn Evans 115 Lafayette Ct. Nashville, TN 37205-3602 615-354-5814

ARS Consulting Rosarians South Nashville Leann Barron Marty Reich*

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

West Nashville Keith Garman (615) 352-6219 Sam* & Nancy Jones (615) 646-4138 Brentwood Area Cecil* & Bessie Ward (615)373-2245 Jerry & Marise Keathley(615)377-3034 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, september 2011

11

NON-PROFIT OR G A N I Z A T I O N U.S. POSTAGE PAID BRENTWOOD, TN PERMIT NO. 162

5020 Dovecote Drive Nashville, TN 37220-1614 Address Service Requested

www.nashvillerosesociety.com

Highlights from the August NRS Meeting (Cont’d from page 7)

The Saturday night banquet will be held from 7:00 p.m.

- 9:00 p.m. at the Four (Cont’d from page 9)

Photo courtesy of Jim Harding

Points by Sheraton Knoxville. Wine and cocktails will be available in the hotel lounge. The buffet will feature beef tips with mushroom bordelaise and rosemary marinated chicken. The Featured entertainer will be Jerry Maloy, Pianist. Dr. Mark Windham, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will be the keynote speaker.

Out-of-town guests should plan to stay in the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, which is convenient to the TENARKY District Convention and Rose Show location at the University of Tennessee.

On Sunday, September 25th, Garden Tours will begin at 9:00 a.m. and include four local rose gardens of Tennessee Rose Society members.

Keith Garman (left) and Mary Ann Hext (right, from Bowling Green) stop by the rose table to admire the beautiful blooms.

Photo courtesy of Ken Wood

Tenarky District Convention & Rose Show 2011

“Miss Peachy”, aka Ruby Worhsam, dishes out her wonderful peach ice cream to the long line of happy NRS members.

•

Dr. Joseph and Rhonda Spruiell- 9705 Tunbridge 37922

•

Dr. Tom and Mary Frances Carlson- 917 Hayslope Drive 37919

•

Kathy Brennan- 525 Altamira Drive 37934

•

Michael and Mary Bates- 513 Altamira Drive 37934

There is an early-bird discount for registering before September 1st.

For Registration, Rose Show Schedule and Rose Education Day Seminar information visit: www.tenarky.org Arrangement exhibitors may reserve spaces for arrangements by emailing Kay Rodgers at corgiperson@ comcast.net or call 865-539-5226.