New England Rose Petals

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1 New England Rose Petals January, 2019 Planting Roses in the Snow - A New Experience Editor s Note: Jim has illustrated his experiences planting roses in the snow at the E. M. Mills Rose Garden in Syracuse, New York. These same techniques can be used in New England under similar circumstances. On Rose Day 2018 one of the visitors was a Mrs. Sauro. She inquired whether it would be possible to donate some climbing type roses to the Mills Rose Garden. In subsequent discussions with her, we first selected the 'Veilchenblau' rose, a purple/mauve rambler type rose. Mrs. Sauro then indicated she would also like a red climber. We considered the 'Dortmund' rose that was in bloom at that time Upcoming Events (see page 5 for complete schedule) JANUARY 5 After Holiday Pizza Luncheon and Yankee Swap FEBRUARY 16 Jerry Amoroso, Weeks Roses Representative MARCH 16 Irwin Ehrenreich, The Well-Dressed Rosarian MARCH Boston Flower Show, Seaport World Trade Center. MARCH Yankee District Convention, Cape Cod, Massachusetts APRIL 20 Rose Rosette Disease presentation, Teresa Mosher and Andy Vanable Pruning and Planting rose demonstration Soil Testing by David Cannistraro MAY 18 How to prepare and enter your roses and arrangements in a Rose Show, Andy Vanable and Craig Dorschel 1 continued on page 20

2 From the Editor Happy Holidays, Everybody! What a summer and fall it has been. First, I would like to apologize to everyone for not getting out a newsletter in August and November. As many of you are aware, I have aging parents that have taken up a lot of my spare time. They are doing well in their new apartment, but have occasional setbacks that need my attention. The good news is that my family was able to buy their old house (c Cape that was once an apple orchard). The bad news is that I had to uproot all of my 150+ roses from the old house, and bring them along with me to the new house. Things were going as planned, but, along the way, my second family at work received the horrible news that the owner of the printshop that I work at, was diagnosed with lung cancer brought upon by exposure to asbestos. Very hard decisions had to be made, and, unfortunately, I had to devote any spare time to keeping his business running, while he has been undergoing treatments. His surgery was done mid-august in Boston, and as of last week, was given a clean bill of health. He will be re-evaluated in April. While he is nowhere near where he used to be, his increased health has given me a small window to finish up the newsletter just in time for the new year. While I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this issue, it is clear that we need more content from the membership. Some members are contributing to every issue, and we thank everyone for their contributions to all of the newsletters. But, there are many more members that haven t contributed anything to any of the newsletters. Please remember that this is your newsletter, and we need participation from all of the members, not just the few faithful participants. Speaking of participation, we were fortunate to have Maria Connell step forward and volunteer to help out as our new Treasurer. We still are looking for people to help out in other leadership positions in the Society as well. What hidden (or unhidden) talents do you have? Are you able to help out a few hours every month to help out our society? The health of any society can be determined by how many people are willing and able to give of their time. If you look on page six of the newsletter, you ll see many peoples names repeated. These people need a break. Now, I hear you... Who are you? And what do you mean you need a break? Why you ve only been doing the newsletter for little over a year, how could you possibly need a break? Why yes, I've only been doing the newsletter for little over a year, but I ve been doing other things as well not only with the NERS, but with the RIRS, the District, the Rose Hybridizers Association as well as the ARS. But, Andy, I ve got so many other things going on, I can t possibly help. Not even a little. Well, so do I. And, I find time to help out the NERS with three leadership positions, and I help out with the RIRS, and the Yankee District in four other leadership positions, two leadership positions in the Rose Hybridizers Association, as well as the ARS in four additional leadership positions. I also have a family, with one child in college, and another just out of college, but not ready to go on her own. I run a small business for my ailing boss with seven employees in a fast-paced and demanding industry, and I have over 150+ seedlings and named roses I take care of. If I can find time to help out, so can you. There are many positions open on the board, as well as positions being done as double- triple- and even quadruple-duty by the people who do them. Many of these positions take very little time and effort, and can be done in your spare time with relatively little effort. If interested in helping out your society, please contact Teresa Mosher (purplerosesinbloom@yahoo. com), or me at avanable1@cox.net. Andy VAnAble New England Rose Petals Co-Editor avanable1@cox.net Chair of Consulting Rosarians 2

3 Table of Contents Planting Roses in the Snow - A New Experience - Jim Wagner From the Editor President s Message New England Rose Society Schedule Board of Directors Committee Chairs Directors At Large Judges Consulting Rosarians Consulting Rosarian Emeritus Bronze Award Recipients Lifetime Achievements NERS Members, Symposium My Favorite Rose Show Moment Pam Murphy Mary MacDonald Andy Vanable Founders Day - September 20, New England Rose Show June 23, Consulting Rosarian Corner In Memoriam New England Rose Petals is the official publication of the New England Rose Society. It is published and distributed free of charge electronically to its members. All members are encouraged to submit items for publication in New England Rose Petals. The information contained within the New England Rose Petals is based upon the research, ideas, experiences and/or opinions of the authors. The New England Rose Society, its officers, directors, editors, the Yankee District of the American Rose Society, and the American Rose Society and its affiliates accept no responsibility for any commissions, errors, or omissions. No reprinting of the material located within this bulletin is allowed without the written permission of the author and editors. When reprinting information, please include author, photographer, editors, and publication date from which the material originated. Festival of Trees for NERS by Deb Morin 3

4 President, s Message We welcome any positive ideas you may have to help your society be successful. Please invite your family and friends to join our meetings and rose show. Hello Everyone, As we close our gardens and the year comes to an end, it s time to reflect on the past year and plan ahead. The New England Rose Society had a very successful year welcoming new members and sharing our knowledge and gardens with each other. We enjoyed hearing Rebecca Reed from David Austin Roses, Craig Dorschel on an Introduction to Floral Arranging and how to prepare for a floral workshop. We had hands on pruning, planting and winterizing demonstrations by David Cannistraro and Manny Mendes. David taught us how to set up our own misting system for rose cuttings. Our District convention that we hosted, was a great success, and our rose show at Tower Hill Botanic was well attended and enjoyed by all. At our 78th Founders Day Luncheon we learned about member Mary MacDonald s Rest Stop Ranch, and we honored Chu Jung with the New England Rose Society Bronze Honor Medal and Lifetime Achievement Award. We are very excited about the future of the New England Rose Society. The board has been working together to make our meetings, speakers, hands on demonstrations and rose show fun, exciting and a great learning experience for everyone. The 2019 Yankee District March Convention will be held at the Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster, Massachusetts on, March 29th - March 31st. If you have never been to a district convention, plan to attend. You will not be sorry! With speakers and raffles on Saturday, the famous rose auction is after Saturday dinner and, of course, all night talking about roses in the hospitality room Friday and Saturday night is always a favorite. See page five and six for our 2019 schedule and list of 2019 officers. We welcome our new Treasurer, Maria Connell, and thank Frank Hopkins for his service as past Treasurer. More convention information will be sent after the new year. Check our website: for meetings and event updates. The New England Rose Society board wishes you and your families a Happy New Year! TereSA mosher New England Rose Society President purplerosesinbloom@yahoo.com Author: A Year In My Rose Garden purplerosespublishing.com Festival of Trees for NERS by Deb Morin 4

5 2019 New England Rose Society Schedule JANUARY 5 After Holiday Pizza Luncheon and Yankee Swap 12:00 p.m., Methuen Activity Center. FEBRUARY 16 Jerry Amoroso, Weeks Roses Representative 10:00 a.m., Methuen Activity Center MARCH 16 Irwin Ehrenreich, The Well-Dressed Rosarian 10:00 a.m., Methuen Activity Center MARCH Boston Flower Show, Seaport World Trade Center. MARCH Yankee District Convention, Cape Cod, Massachusetts APRIL 20 Rose Rosette Disease presentation, Teresa Mosher and Andy Vanable Pruning and Planting rose demonstration Soil Testing by David Cannistraro 10:00 a.m., Methuen Activity Center MAY 18 How to prepare and enter your roses and arrangements in a Rose Show, Andy Vanable and Craig Dorschel 10:00 a.m., Methuen Activity Center JUNE 23 Rose Show, Tower Hill Botanic Gardens Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Enter your Roses 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Judging 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Open to Public AUGUST 10 Visit member s Mary and Karl MacDonald s Rest Stop Ranch 202 Haverhill Road, Topsfield, Massachusetts :00 a.m. SEPTEMBER 6-8 Yankee District Fall Rose Show, Harwich, Massachusetts SEPTEMBER 21 NERS Nominations and Installing Drip Irrigation, David Cannistraro 10:00 a.m., Methuen Activity Center OCTOBER 19 Founders Day Luncheon, 12:00 p.m., Chateau, Andover, Massachusetts Presentation of member s gardens. NOVEMBER 16 Installation of Officers, Winterizing your roses 10:00 a.m., Methuen Activity Center After Every Regular Meeting, Consulting Rosarians Answer Your Rose-Related Questions During Our Ask the Experts Segment. 5

6 Board of Directors PRESIDENT...Teresa Mosher VICE PRESIDENT... Bibianne Fletcher TREASURER...Maria Connell DEPUTY TREASURER...Barbara LeDuc SECRETARY...Marlene Norton LIBRARIAN...Marlene Norton IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT...Manuel Mendes, Jr. Committee Chairs AWARDS...Teresa Mosher CONSULTING ROSARIANS... Andy Vanable DISPLAY GARDENS...Teresa Mosher HOSPITALITY... Sharon O Connor MEMBERSHIP...Manuel Mendes, Jr. purplerosesinbloom@yahoo.com bibifletcher@hotmail.com mrconnell79@comcast.net bmleduc420@rcn.com roseycrest@aol.com roseycrest@aol.com bettybigboy@comcast.net purplerosesinbloom@yahoo.com avanable1@cox.net purplerosesinbloom@yahoo.com s-oconnor@verizon.net bettybigboy@comcast.net NEWSLETTER EDITORS... Andy Vanable avanable1@cox.net Pam Murphy specmur@verizon.net NEWSLETTER LAYOUT... Andy Vanable NOMINATIONS...Jean DiVincenzo PROGRAMS/SCHEDULE...Teresa Mosher PUBLICITY... Corinne LaCharite ROSE SHOW... Craig Dorschel SPECIAL EVENTS Teresa Mosher WEBMASTER...Chu Jung YOUTH AND ROSES...Anthony Tortola avanable1@cox.net gardeningunlimited@verizon.net purplerosesinbloom@yahoo.com cmlacharite@yahoo.com craigdorschel@charter.net purplerosesinbloom@yahoo.com info@rosepetals.org jenny2004@verizon.net Teresa Mosher purplerosesinbloom@yahoo.com Directors At Large Chu Jung, Victoria Palmer-Erbs Jeannette Danehy, Jean DiVincenzo Dave Cannistraro, Manny Mendes, Jr. Judges Dave Candler Dave Cannistraro Dave Ciak Craig Dorschel* Dave Long Lee Macneil Marci Martin Teresa Mosher 6 Audrey Osborn Oz Osborn Clarence Rhodes Andy Vanable *Arrangement Judge

7 Consulting Rosarians *Dave Candler *Dave Cannistraro Jeannette Danehy *Craig Dorschel Cindy Ehrenreich *Irwin Ehrenreich *Cynthia Fraser *Chu Jung Barbara LeDuc *Dave Long Lee Macneil *Marci Martin Becky Martorelli Teresa Mosher *Audrey Osborn *Oz Osborn Andy Vanable *Jim Wagner Consulting Rosarian Emeritus Marion Cafferky Manuel Mendes, Jr. George Doorakian Clarence Rhodes Bronze Award Recipients Lifetime Achievement Award Betty & Manny Mendes, Jr Dave Cannistraro Marlene Norton George Doorakian Jim Wagner Frank & Belva Hopkins Chu Jung *Master Rosarian Terry Dorr Craig Dorschel Robert Chapin Teresa Mosher Dave Cannistraro Betty & Manny Mendes, Jr Ann Kirwin Barbara LeDuc John Waterman George Doorakian Marion Cafferky Jim Wagner Valerie Fisk Frank & Belva Hopkins Lee Macneil & Jack Lavacchia Chu Jung Ken & Nathalie Jones 7

8 NERS Members, Symposium My Favorite Rose Show Moment You may have read in the February, 2018 New England Rose Petals newsletter why I began to grow roses and that I have had some success. Well, in the spring of 2017, some of my friends in the New England Rose Society encouraged me to enter my roses in the June Rose Show. Dave Cannistraro says, You can t have a rose show without roses. Never having done this before, I was a little apprehensive but made the commitment to try. I entered a Floribunda spray, 'Cinco de Mayo,' in the novice category figuring I had a pretty good chance since there were no other novice entries. I did win a blue ribbon for my novice entry. But, what also happened, unknown to me, was that my winning novice spray was judged amongst other Floribunda sprays which had won blue ribbons. Unbelievable, my spray won overall! This proves that you don t have to be a Rose Rock Star to win in a Rose Show. Get advice from the Rose Rock Stars Grow the roses Enter your roses Who knows, blue may become your favorite color! PAm murphy New England Rose Petals Co-Editor specmur@verizon.net Accessible Roses Awarded at Rose Show It was our first year entering our Wheelchair- Accessible Roses in the annual New England Rose Society (NERS) Rose Show, held at Tower Hill Botanic Garden on Sunday, June 24, 8:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. There were many ribbons awarded across many classes. Only a few made it to the head table. Best Novice made it, along with King and Queen Miniature King and Queen English Box Set Most Fragrant Rose etc. Here s a summary of our 2018 NERS Spring Awards: Best Novice and 1st Prize Ribbon (Class 33: Novice): Climbing Rose Night Owl, displayed in a vase. 2nd Prize Ribbon (Class 16: One Hybrid Tea or Rose Show: Best Novice, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Ribbons Grandiflora Open Bloom): Fragrant Rose Rock & Roll, displayed in a vase. 3rd Prize Ribbon (Class 31: Rose Bowl, Large Rose): Large Rose Gold Medal displayed in a bowl. 8

9 Members, Symposium continued Thanks to Teresa Mosher and Pam Murphy for their help selecting which four of twelve roses we brought to the show were worthy for display and judging. They assisted with: 1. figuring out which classes to enter. 2. getting the roses cleaned up and near-perfectly set in the display vases and bowls. 3. coaching on how to fill out the rose entry ID tags. The eight roses we brought that were not showready but still in great shape were sold for $1.00 each at the NERS fundraising table. I said a few times to different people (to my spouse Karl, to Teresa and Pam helping me, and to Ann Gibson, a rose judge from Syracuse, New York), We re not here to win ribbons. We re here to belong to a group, to participate in the group, to learn from the group, and to continue the great tradition of showing roses for public education and enjoyment. Hopefully the ribbons and the Best Novice award show that we re serious about growing our (Wheelchair) Accessible Rose Rodeo festival, and that we re taking advice and taking notes from the experts. It s our second year belonging to this great group of people who have taught us so much about how to grow our 80+ rose plants. mary macdonald CEO & Foundress, MaryMac Missions LLC mary@marymacmissions.com My Top Ten Favorite Rose Show Moments Hera Votolato and Andy Vanable at the RIRS Rose Show This issue s symposium asks a very interesting question what is my favorite rose show moment? That s an almost impossible question to answer. Why there s no way I could boil all of my favorite moments down to just one. Following are my top ten rose show 9 moments. These moments have spanned some twelve years in ten different shows at three different levels. Two of my favorite moments happened this past season, and one happened some twelve years ago. All of the shows that I have competed in have been special to me, and every time I make it to the head table, I feel some type of stamp of approval in roses and as a rosarian. 10) Getting up to the head table can be quite fulfilling. My first trip to the head table was way back in The theme of the show was My First... Rose, put on by the Rhode Island Rose Society (RIRS), and chaired continued on page 22

10 Founders Day - September 20, 2018 Chu Jung 2018 New England Rose Society Bronze Award Recipient with Bibianne Fletcher, Teresa Mosher Dave Long & Craig Dorschel Deb Morin and Bibianne Fletcher Ellie Boucher Teresa Mosher, Dave Cannistraro, Cindy Fraser and Maria Connell 10

11 Founder, s Day continued Mary MacDonald from Rest Stop Ranch Chu Jung Marion Stevens and Jean DiVincenzo Clarence Rhodes, Jeannette Danehy, George Doorakian and Ellie Boucher 11

12 Founder, s Day continued Master Rosarian Roundtable Dave Cannistraro, Clarence Rhodes, Dave Long, Teresa Mosher, Craig Dorschel, George Doorakian and Manny Mendes Roberta LaValley, Sandra Zerdelian, and Jean DiVincenzo Sandy Long 12 Clarence Rhodes and Dave Long

13 Founder, s Day continued Dave Cannistraro Clarence Rhodes All photos Chu Jung and Andy Vanable Craig Dorschel and George Doorakian 13

14 Best Red Rose (Frazer Cup) Liebeszauber Jon Heino Multiple Rose Bowl (Large) Darlow s Enigma, Hera s Song R. arkansana Andy Vanable Multiple Rose Bowl (Miniature/Miniflora) Sleeping Beauty Dave Cannistraro Roses Through the Generations Sweet Chariot, Our Forever Young Andy Vanable English Box, Shrubs Darlow s Enigma Andy Vanable English Box Anything Goes Life of the Party, Julia Child Pamela Murphy Born & Bred in New England George Oliva Jacqui Nye Shot Glass Roses Hera s Song Andy Vanable Small Rose Garden Raspberry Cream Twirl Lee Macneil Queen Love & Peace Jon Heino King Whisper Jon Heino Princess Touch of Class Belva Hopkins Hybrid Tea and Grandiflora Spray Cherry Parfait Dave Cannistraro New England Rose Show June 23, 2018 Hybrid Tea and Grandiflora Open Bloom Olympiad Dave Cannistraro Floribunda Bloom Sexy Rexy Belva Hopkins Floribunda/Polyantha Spray (Karl Jones Trophy) Brass Band Jon Heino Large Flowered Climber Tropical Lightning Lee Macneil Miniature Queen You re the One Dave Cannistraro Miniature Spray (nor East Miniature Roses Trophy) Cutie Pie Dave Cannistraro Miniature Open Bloom You re the One Dave Cannistraro Dowager Queen Baronne Prevost (Denman-Whidden Trophy) Jon Heino Victorian Award Rose de Rescht Craig Dorschel Classic Shrub Linda Campbell Craig Dorschel Modern Shrub Queen (Edmund Albert Lowe Memorial Trophy) Yellow Submarine Belva Hopkins Modern Shrub King Oranges & Lemons Lee Macneil Modern Shrub Princess Bright Melody Jacqui Nye David Austin Rose Crocus Rose Craig Dorschel Rose-in-a-Bowl (Large) (Peck Award) R. gallica versicolor Andy Vanable Rose Bowl (Miniature/Miniflora) Empty Pockets Andy Vanable Novice Night Owl Mary MacDonald Judges of the Show Grande Amore Ann Gibson Most Fragrant Rose (People s Choice) Fragrant Plum Jon Heino Honoring our Elders Arrangement Gold Certificate George Oliva Jacqui Nye The Future is Now Arrangement Sunshine Daydream Jacqui Nye Childhood Memories Arrangement Cupid s Kisses & Diamond Eyes Jacqui Nye Best English Box Darlow s Enigma Andy Vanable Sweepstakes (Arnold Trophy) Jon Heino Best in Show Honoring our Elders Arrangement George Oliva Jacqui Nye 14

15 New England Rose Show Victorian Award Craig Dorschel with President, Teresa Mosher Floribunda/Polyantha Spray (Karl Jones Trophy) 'Brass Band' exhibited by Jon Heino Dowager Queen 'Baronne Prevost' (Denman-Whidden Trophy) exhibited by Jon Heino Small Rose Garden 'Raspberry Cream Twirl' exhibited by Lee Macneil Miniature Open Bloom 'You re the One' exhibited by Dave Cannistraro Best in Show Honoring our Elders Arrangement Jacqui Nye 15

16 New England Rose Show Multiple Rose Bowl (Large) 'Darlow s Enigma,' 'Hera s Song' & R. arkansana exhibited by Andy Vanable Victorian Award 'Rose de Rescht' exhibited by Craig Dorschel Shot Glass Rose 'Hera s Song' exhibited by Andy Vanable Modern Shrub Queen (Edmund Albert Lowe Memorial Trophy) 'Yellow Submarine' exhibited by Belva Hopkins English Box Anything Goes Pamela Murphy with Craig Dorschel Novice 'Night Owl' exhibited by Mary MacDonald 16

17 New England Rose Show Princess Belva Hopkins Roses Through the Generations 'Our Forever Young' & 'Sweet Chariot' exhibited by Andy Vanable Large Flower Climber 'Tropical Lightning' exhibited by Lee Macneil Born & Bred in New England 'George Oliva' exhibited by Jacqui Nye Rose-in-a-Bowl (Miniature/Miniflora) 'Empty Pockets' exhibited by Andy Vanable Best in Show Honoring our Elders Arrangement Jacqui Nye 17

18 New England Rose Show Classic Shrub 'Linda Campbell' exhibited by Craig Dorschel Shot Glass Rose Andy Vanable with Craig Dorschel Hybrid Tea and Grandiflora Open Bloom 'Olympiad' exhibited by Dave Cannistraro Most Fragrant Rose (People s Choice) Jon Heino with Craig Dorschel and Barbara Leduc Rose-in-a-Bowl, large (Peck Award) R. gallica versicolor exhibited by Andy Vanable The Future is Now Arrangement 'Sunshine Daydream' exhibited by Jacqui Nye 18 Photo: Patsy Cunningham

19 New England Rose Show Hybrid Tea and Grandiflora Spray 'Cherry Parfait' exhibited by Dave Cannistraro Floribunda Bloom 'Sexy Rexy' exhibited by Belva Hopkins English Box, Shrubs & Best English Box 'Darlow s Enigma' exhibited by Andy Vanable David Austin Rose 'Crocus Rose' exhibited by Craig Dorschel Photo: Patsy Cunningham Childhood Memories Arrangement 'Cupid s Kisses' & 'Diamond Eyes' exhibited by Jacqui Nye 19

20 Planting Roses in the Snow continued but found it was not available at Palatine so we then found the 'Florentina' rose, a bright red climber that people enjoyed at the tour at Leon Ginental s in June, and that he recommended highly. So, both of these roses were ordered from Palatine in July. Then, shortly before the time for Palatine to ship roses in November, Mrs. Sauro requested that we double her order. In anticipation of receiving this order in the middle of November, places for five roses were prepared in advance with a mix of the soil and Pro-Mix a couple or so weeks prior to the planting of these roses. The fifth rose was also a 'Veilchenblau' that was planted in the Lawrence Johnson row, the first to bloom climber, to provide more color in this area. The other two 'Veilchenblau' roses were planted on the outside of two trellises with intent that they will meet at the top of the arch in the future. On the inside of this trellis we will continue to have the shorter 'Fourth of July' roses with their attractive red and white blend blooms all season. One of the 'Florentina' roses was planted on the outside of a different trellis with 'Dublin Bay' on inside and the other 'Florentina' was planted in the same row as one of the 'Veilchenblau' roses with the Improved Blaze ('Demokracie') being on the inside of this trellis. On page twenty-one, there are a series of photos showing the progress from hydrating to transporting to planting where 1 1/2 gallons of water were added to each planting to mulching and then covering the mulch with snow that was in ample supply. At the agreed time for planting, Mrs. Sauro arrived with her checkbook in hand and after observing the planting of the first bush, asking who to make the check payable to. She stayed for the better part of two hours asking questions and towards the end advising that these roses were being donated In Honor of her father, Francis Ralph Mahaney, and In Honor of her father-in-law, Angelo Sauro. And, just before leaving she advised that she would like to make another donation next year for additional roses. The Syracuse Rose Society and the Mills Garden volunteers and visitors appreciate the generosity of Mrs. Sauro in enhancing the rose garden with these new climbers. jim WAgner jimdoriswagn@aol.com Master Rosarian Photo: Joe Gibson E.M. Mills Rose Garden Syracuse, New York 20

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22 Members, Symposium continued by my good friend, Linda Shamoon. In retrospect, the theme of the show was quite revealing, and not too many people in attendance (present company included) would have thought that someday I would become a judge, and judge at a national show. The rose that I first put up to the head table that day was 'William Shakespeare 2000.' He made it to the head table in a heavily contested David Austin Rose class, and I thought at the time that any accomplishment in roses beyond this was out of my reach. Little did I know what the rose had in store for me? The show was held in the old horse barn that the Providence Police used to house their mounts. Unfortunately, the City of Providence did not put any wood chips on the floor that day to keep the dust down. The show was one great big dust storm. I really don t miss that old horse barn and all of the dust there that day, but I will never forget getting my exhibit up to the head table for the first time. 9) I had been showing roses for a couple of years, and while I had put a couple of roses up to the head table at the RIRS and the New England Rose Society (NERS) shows, it seemed as though a higher level of competition was preventing me from getting to the head table at the Connecticut Rose Society (CRS) show. And, the competition at the CRS seemed to be best in the hybrid tea, miniflora, and miniature classes. Members of the CRS are extremely talented in showing roses, and have received national recognition for their accomplishments. But, this did not stop me from trying. I remember well the day that I was able to have my first success at the CRS show. I got three of my entries up to the head table that day. One of the three was for the Most Fragrant Rose. While I am proud of receiving this award, the award is judged 70% on fragrance and 30% on horticulture excellence. The rose I put up to the head table was 'Golden Celebration,' and one of the CRS members 22 'William Shakespeare 2000' Best David Austin Rose RIRS Rose Show wanted to know my secret as to how my specimen was so overpowering with fragrance, as his plant was nowhere nearly as fragrant as mine. While there is no secret to how my plant is like this. I do attribute the possibility to using alfalfa pellets and fish emulsion as fertilizer. These may?? have contributed to the added fragrance. My two additional entries that made it to the head table were a spray of the miniature 'Gourmet Popcorn,' and the species rose, R. gallica officinalis. The miniature spray class that day had many entries, and my entry did not stand out in any great way in my mind. That day, the rain fell early and often, and definitely put a damper on the day s events. I was completely taken aback when the judges chose my entry over all of the other entries in the Miniature Spray class. The third entry of mine that made it to the head table that day was R. gallica officinalis. Now, my plant of Officinalis is one of survival and defying all odds. I found my plant happily growing in an abandoned house lot about a mile from my house. I dug the plant out in the early morning hours and took it home as a found rose. Now, this lot was not abandoned once but twice in the past 75 years or so. The original house that was on this lot was abandoned sometime between the 1950 s s. I found the lot

23 Members, Symposium continued with the first abandoned house sometime in the 1970 s while exploring on my bicycle with my dog, Lucy. These were the days when a teenage boy could ride around town for hours without adult supervision and without fear of anything bad happening. When I first found the lot, I was more interested in the abandoned cars and license plates that were there left to rust away to nothing. The rose was probably planted on the site while this original house was occupied in the 19th and early 20th century. I have seen other houses of the same vintage elsewhere in the town with Officinalis growing there as well, and these plants were probably shared among the townspeople back then. Not too long after I had discovered the abandoned lot, there was another house built in exactly the same spot as the previous one. However, a few years later, this second house was also demolished when a power plant was constructed, and the house was considered uninhabitable. The rose probably just happily survived on her own throughout the entire lot through the years, until I rediscovered her decades later. Back at the show, the day was a wet and soggy day the kind of day where good-looking roses were drenched beyond drenched. When I cut my entry of Officinalis early in the morning, it wasn t open, and I thought that it might not open at all before judging began. But, by the time at show time came around, she started to open, and there were three other entries of Officinalis entered in the show as well. I thought that with all of these entries, my chances of getting my entry to the head table were slim-to-none. But, somehow, my entry was chosen as best. I felt great satisfaction that day, and felt as though I had accomplished something worthwhile that was going to be hard to duplicate. 8) I decided early on in my rose-growing exploits that I would be dabbling a little in creating my own roses. This was largely due to the fact that I wasn t very successful at rooting cuttings, but I also didn t want to spend a lot of money buying roses. I still remember one of our local consulting rosarians saying how glad he was that they didn t have to deal with peoples problems germinating seeds. I m really glad I didn t listen to him. Choosing to grow my own seedlings was one of the best things that I have decided to do. I glean the most satisfaction in roses doing this, and I have learned so much by taking care of tiny seedlings and getting them to full size. I consider all of my seedlings special, and it can be extremely hard to destroy one that isn t living up to the standards I set forth for them. Some of my creations have even defied all of the odds and thrived in spite of my best efforts to kill them. These are the survivors. These are the ones that are the best of the best. The first rose that I created to make it to the head table was an open-pollenated seedling of 'Abigail Adams Rose.' I always thought that it would be another open-pollenated seedling of 'Darlow s Enigma' (later named 'Hera s Song') that would make it there first. Ironically, Hera never did make it to the head table as an unnamed rose. The seedling that made it there first, was later named 'Grandma Bunny.' The thrill of getting something that I created deemed to be the best is something that is hard to replace. 7) Along the way, a fellow rosarian put the idea in my head that I should become a horticulture judge, and I should attend the upcoming judges school. I read over the requirements, and realized that I would never meet the requirements in time for the school. But, that seed was planted, and I quietly waited until the next judging school, when I would qualify. I attended the school and passed. Yikes! I was considered ready to start apprentice judging for real. Was I nervous? 23

24 Members, Symposium continued Absolutely! I remember stepping in the hall to start my judging apprenticeship and realized it wasn t that bad, and I was much more prepared than I thought. There were a few mistakes made, and in due time I earned my accreditation, and became a full-fledged judge. Since that day, I have judged at many shows at the local, district, and even at the national level, where I even judged with ARS Past President, Jim Hering. Every time I judge, I still get a little nervous and worry that I ll not make the right choice, but stepping on the floor for the first time as an apprentice judge is something that I consider one of my proudest moments. 6) During my first three years of showing roses, I decided that I needed more experience showing roses in order to get better at doing it. I had made it to the head table at the RIRS show, but it seemed like a fluke a one-time deal that was going to be hard to replicate. I asked my good friend and mentor, Manny Mendes, about upcoming shows at the NERS, and within a day or two, I received a schedule in the mail. Now, how was I ever not going to enter my roses after Manny did that? Early the morning of the show, I went around the garden, and picked a few varieties here and there, and among the roses I cut were 'Dream Come True,' 'Showbiz,' and 'Tahitian Sunset.' There had to be more that I brought, but I can t remember everything that I brought that day, and what did/did not make it to the head table. I do remember while I was setting up the entries, I was having trouble getting my specimen of 'Showbiz' into the Andy Vanable, Jim Hering, and Jim Redington Judging Team ARS Fall National, Syracuse, New York fit). Then, after I got the specimen in the container, it had so many blooms on it, that it kept wanting to tip over. I entered my roses, and then I had to leave to take care of my children. They were still very young at the time, and didn t belong at the show waiting for hours for the judging to end. When we returned a few hours later, I was met at the door by one of the judges and he congratulated me for a job well done! I was surprised by this, and went in to see my entries. By this time, the show was already being broken down, and I was having trouble finding my entries. To my surprise, my entry of 'Dream Come True' (Rose-in-a- Bowl) was at the head table. There right next to it I saw my entry of 'Tahitian Sunset,' and it was in the center of the table with a certificate stating King of Show next to it. Another competitor (Craig Dorschel) told me that it almost made Queen, and the judges were very torn between the rose that eventually became queen (Craig s entry) and mine. That was as close container (the container wasn t 'Showbiz' Best in Show & Best Floribunda to Queen of Show that I had been, large enough for the specimen to Spray NERS Show and, I probably never will get 24

25 Members, Symposium continued Queen, as my focus in growing roses has changed drastically since. I also received the most number of blue ribbons that day, and would have received the Sweepstakes Award as well, but that award was available to only NERS members (and at that time I wasn t an NERS member). I also had trouble finding my entry of 'Showbiz,' but was able to find locate it on the head table. Then I realized what had happened. Not only was it the best Floribunda Spray, but it also was awarded the Best in Show as well. I thought as the time, WOW! Did I really do that? Since then, I haven t even come close to another Best in Show, and consider this one of my finer accomplishments in growing and showing roses. Being honored with the Best in Show that day probably would have ranked much higher in on this list years past, but the rose always has a way of changing things along the way. 5) Back in 2015, I judged in the National Rose Show that was held in Syracuse, New York. To say I was nervous is an understatement. My partners in our judging team that day were, Jim Redington (some twenty years or so my junior), and Jim Hering (some twenty years or so my senior). An interesting trio, if I ever saw one! I was amazed at the energy and enthusiasm they both have towards the rose. I learned a lot that day about the past, present, and future of the rose that day. I also learned that if I ever had the chance again, I would take the opportunity and exhibit at a national show. I knew that my roses were just as good as the ones we judged, as long as my roses were in bloom. In 2017, I was given an opportunity to go to another national show held in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Mom and Dad were having a rough time in their aging process, and family had become more important than roses. It was unclear whether or not I was able to attend the convention or not. I had an opportunity to judge photography (and I really wanted to judge photography), but never took the opportunity because I wasn t sure if I could get away or not? At the very absolute last minute, I was given the opportunity to attend and escape from all that was going on in my life. I will say that rose people are some of the most generous people that I know, and without their help and support, I would never have been able to attend. The day I left for the convention it rained. And, it rained really hard the previous couple of days before I left. To say that my roses were in poor condition was an understatement. They were soaked to the stems with little chance of opening in time for the show on Saturday. But, I had made up my mind to go and show, and show my roses I must! My usual habit of showing my roses includes cutting them the morning of the show, and putting them in the show a few hours later. The national was going to be the first time I had cut any roses and travelled with them. I really didn t know what I was doing. I cut anything and everything that Best Seedling ARS Fall National, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

26 Members, Symposium continued Rhode Island Gold Rosarian Award using 'Hera's Song' RIRS showed any sign of color, and those that even remotely had the chance of opening for the show. I put them in water bottles like I usually do, and put the bottles in a turkey basting pan, and then off to Pennsylvania I went. It rained most of the way there, and I dodged the many trucks that clog up the New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania highways. I arrived little later than I d like, but in plenty of time to enjoy the convention. I was told by local rosarians to put my roses out in the sun to dry them out, if I was to have any chance of them opening for the show. So, I followed their advice. The night before the show, I went to the prep room to scope out how things were being done. There were a couple of exhibitors there, and it was clear I was way too early. I decided to wait and go back in the a.m. Little did I know what I was in store for me when I returned. I returned to a packed room full of very experienced exhibitors feverishly setting up their exhibits. There was no room for me at any of the tables, and I found a quiet corner with a chair or two to use to set up my exhibits. I sat on the floor with my back to the room. I m sure that there were other exhibitors who shook their heads with what they were seeing. I remember my exhibits well. I entered an exhibit of 'Grandma Bunny,' 'Rise n Shine,' Two 'Grandma Bunny' seedlings, and an 'Empty Pockets' seedling. When I entered my exhibits, I thought that I had no chance at all of getting my entries up to the head table against the professional exhibitors in attendance. I thought that I might have a better chance of doing well in the Photography Division, but, low and behold, when the doors opened to the public, the judges chose my 'Grandma Bunny' seedling as the best seedling. Wow! My first time exhibiting in a national show, and I made it to the head table in hort, no less. And, with a rose that I created, too. To say that I was surprised is an understatement. But, I had done it for real! 4) A few years after I introduced my first rose, 'Hera s Song,' I noticed that she had quite a few sprays all in full bloom around show time for the RIRS show. I decided that I would give her a try and entering her in a challenge class at the RIRS show named The Rhode Island Gold Rosarian Award. Now, I have received this award before, but this was the first time that I had entered my own rose creations in the class. I took Arrangement using 'Hera s Song' exhibited by Clive Nickerson RIRS

27 Members, Symposium continued a little extra time setting up the sprays, and even had a few extra sprays that were entered in other classes. For those who are unaware, 'Hera s Song' is named in honor of the daughter of the former President of the RIRS. Hera was in a car accident, and doctors did not give her a chance for recovery. She remained in a coma for years after the accident. Hera s mom stayed with her for hours at a time. She sang to her, and spent months being with her. Hera came out of the coma, and is an inspiration to many people. At the show, there were other great entries in the class, and I thought that I had no chance of getting Hera up to the head table. But, when the show opened up, I had gotten my entry to the head table. It was the first time that 'Hera s Song' had gotten there, and I am elated that I was the first person to do it. Getting her to the head table has been both a privilege and an honor for Hera, her mom, and me. The accomplishment is truly an all-around Rhode Island accomplishment. The entry was entered by a Rhode Islander, using his entry created and introduced in Rhode Island, named in honor for a for RIRS Past President s daughter, who lives in Rhode Island. I love my state, and am very proud to be part of all that it encompasses. I got a chance to meet Hera in person for the first time at this year s RIRS show. Meeting her brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful and inspiring lady she is. 3) I met my wife through my father-in-law and his salvage business. Meeting my wife was one of the best things to happen to me, and I don t know what I would do without her? She means the world to me, and has given me two of the best gifts that money can t buy (my son and my daughter). A couple of months after we were married, my father-in-law succumbed to the complications of leukemia. I have named a rose in his memory, 'Empty Pockets.' 'Empty Pockets' is a miniature rose that does pretty well in Rose-in-a- Bowl and English Box classes. I have made it to the head table more times with him than any other rose I have ever entered, and he makes me proud every time I get him there. My mother-in-law was a great person full of love and compassion. In the later part of her life, she developed multiple sclerosis, and had many complications with a hard life and bringing up five children along with six grandchildren. She developed a special bond with my two children, and especially my daughter, Stephanie (only granddaughter). We were unaware of how special that bond was until years later when Stephanie wrote her college entry essay about her Nana. In the late 2000 s we discovered how close that bond had become. It was my daughter who came up with the name, 'Irene s Awakening' in her Nana s memory. I loved the name as soon as I heard it, and there s no way on this green earth, that I would ever even thinking of changing it. Now, I have Hera Votolato with her mother, Dacia Nickerson at the RIRS Rose Show Dacia is holding an entry of 'Hera's Song' - Arrangement in background exhibited by Hera s Step-Father, Clive Nickerson, using 'Hera s Song' 27

28 Members, Symposium continued 'Empty Pockets' Best Rose-in-a-Bowl (Miniature) and 'Irene s Awakening' Best Rose-in-a-Bowl (Large Rose) Yankee District Fall Show gotten Irene s Awakening up to the head table as the Best Seedling or Sport when she wasn t registered, and the Best Floribunda Bloom a few years later, but I don t get her there very often. She almost always blooms before the shows or after the shows are done for the season. A couple of years ago, I went to the Yankee District show, and brought specimens of both 'Irene s Awakening' and 'Empty Pockets' with me. Both were at bud stage and didn t appear ready to open in time for the show. On the ride to the show, I slowly watched both blooms opening. While preparing for the show, both blooms were almost there, but not quite ready to open. I took a chance and entered both anyway. I even swapped out a bloom of 'Empty Pockets' with another literally seconds before the entries closed. He was almost open, but not totally. During the show, I was the one who volunteered to make out the certificates for the winners. Imagine my surprise when the clerks brought both the rose that I named for my mother-in-law and the one I named for my father-in-law to me to make out the certificates? It brought tears to me eyes to have them both together again and on stage for everyone to see. I remarked on the occasion that it was the first time that they were together since my wife and I were married (1990). There is always something special about getting one s own roses up to the head table, but, getting my inlaws together again, and getting three (Hera s Song was the Best Classic Shrub) roses that I created at the same show makes it that much more special. 2) Earlier I alluded to getting my Hera s Song up to the head table at the RIRS show. I had heard quite a bit about Hera from her mother. I have long admired Hera for her strength, courage, and determination to make it through the horrific car accident that could have taken her from us forever. I tried to write a story about Hera and her miraculous recovery process many times, but I always seem to come up short. I know that this is in part due to the fact that I haven t had the pleasure of meeting Hera and speaking with 'Hera s Song' Best Classic Shrub Yankee District Fall Show

29 Members, Symposium continued Honoring our Elders Arrangement using 'George Oliva' exhibited by Jacqui Nye NERS her. That was until this past RIRS show, where Hera was able to attend. She was quietly wheeled in by a friend, and I immediately knew who she was. Of course, I went over and spoke with her, and had my picture taken with her. She is everything that her mother told me and so much more. The show also had many entries of 'Hera s Song' in it. I counted as many as ten entries by six different exhibitors in the show. Everywhere one looked that day, there was another exhibit of Hera s Song. I spoke with many of the exhibitors who grow 'Hera s Song,' and they all give the rose high praises. The feeling of satisfaction on many of their faces says it all. Many times, Hera is one of their favorite roses, and I would agree, that it is one of my favorites as well. She is currently being sold at High Country Roses, and anyone who wants to grow her, can do so. While Hera is not the first rose that I have introduced, she definitely is the one I remember best the one that has given me the most satisfaction over the longest stretch of time. May she (and her namesake) be with us for a very long time. 1) During the past few shows that I ve been to, I ve been noticing that many more people than I ever realized are growing the roses that I have created. I started to get much more satisfaction seeing these people use my roses than me. To date, all of my rose creations that I have introduced have made it to the head table at least once. But, this past NERS show had something that not even I could have imagined. There were some ten exhibits there that used my roses. It kind of surprised me how many were there, and they all weren t mine. One of my good friends, Jacqui Nye, was there with my roses. And, being the creative person that she is, she used my George Oliva in a way I never thought possible. She used it in an arrangement in a mass-style with countless sprays. All I can say is Wow! What an arrangement! What creativity! What imagination! What an exhibit! When it came to ballot for the Best in Show, Jacqui s arrangement bested some pretty special entries (including many of her own). Kudos, Jacqui, and what a special treat getting Best in Show with a rose that we named for your father. He s still looking out for you and this is the proof of his handiwork. You also taught me something as well that day how special it is to have other rosarians using my roses as tools in making their own creations. I learned that it isn t about me and what my roses have done for me, it s about what my roses are doing for everyone else, that is most important. I spoke with my mom about this later. She explained that is what a lot of teachers feel about their work (she s a former teacher). The most satisfaction many teachers and former teachers receive is when their students use what they learn to better themselves in life. You, Jacqui (and many others), have taught the teacher some great lessons. Thank you very much. I ll see you (and everyone else) in the rose garden. Andy VAnAble New England Rose Petals Co-Editor avanable1@cox.net Chair of Consulting Rosarians 29

30 Consulting Rosarian Corner Every issue our consulting rosarians will be answering your questions about roses. If you have a question about roses that you would like answered, please send it to our NERS Head of Consulting Rosarians and Co-editor, Andy Vanable (avanable1@cox.net) and Co-editor Pam Murphy (specmur@verizon.net). We will be rotating answers between our consulting rosarians. Any questions not answered in the newsletter, will be answered at an Ask the Experts portion during one of our regular meetings. Can you give me any information on the New Cape Cod Rose Society? We are happy to announce the formation of the new Cape Cod Rose Society founded by former members of the Lower Cape Rose Society (LCRS) Oz and Audrey Osborn along with Irwin and Cindy Ehrenreich. The Osborns were the founders of the Lower Cape Rose Society. The Ehrenreichs were involved in the Seaside Rosarians which merged with the LCRS in The group disbanded a few years ago but the four of us felt that there was a need for a rose society on Cape Cod, a place where rose gardens are seen from the Bourne Bridge to the Provincetown Monument and throughout Nantucket and Martha s Vineyard. Roses have always been a big part of Cape Cod where the climate is perfect for growing roses. We have a longer blooming season than other parts of New England, and the Cape is the home of Walsh Ramblers which were hybridized in the early 1900s at Woods Hole. Cape Cod is also known for its Yankee District Fall rose show and Lobster-Fest and Spring conventions at The Ocean Edge Resort. We invite all members of the Yankee District to join us, support us or just visit us at one of our meetings. Our next meeting: Date: January 26th at 1:00 p.m. Location: The Dennis Police Station 90 Bob Crowell Road (corner of Rt. 134) South Dennis This is at the Town Hall complex across from the Dennis Agway. Program: A Tribute to David Austin. David Austin, Sr. Creator of English Roses Future meetings will include lectures by our Master Rosarians and Consulting Rosarians as well as guest speakers, visits to gardens on (and off) Cape Cod, a rose photography contest, a June Rose Show, hands on demonstrations in some of our gardens, rose Q & A s, and much more. For more information on meeting schedule and locations contact: Oz & Audrey Osborn (caperose@gmail.com) Irwin & Cindy Ehrenreich (theroseman@operamail.com) 30

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