SPRING IS SPRUNG

By: Ted W. Mills, ARS Consulting Rosarian and Judge

Ah! The exhilarating breath of fresh air filling our nostrils at this time of year is a signal that spring has finally arrived. Although the lyricist states that during this season of the year a "man's fancy turns to love" pure joy to a rosarian is the viewing of a new crop of roses gracing his or her garden. Dedicated rose people use this as a retardant to the pangs of winter just past.

As we approach spring let us analyze what is in store for those who labor to bring these petal-adorned beauties into being. First and foremost, devout rosarians do not look upon growing roses as a chore. Rather to them it is a privilege to be a part of this satisfying hobby. The floral beauty that is in store for them negates any feeling that the work involved is too much.

Now let us consider what our involvement includes. A quick trip to the garden for the purpose of inspecting the spoils of winter is advisable. Just how severe was the damage wrought by cold arctic winds from the north? If there are dead or terminally-ill bushes present, removal is advisable. It makes no sense to endure the struggle of weak plants. Time and money are wasted in this situation. Shovel pruning is the best antidote for this affliction. For plants that are thriving, the process of proper pruning is to begin. Admittedly, there are diverse methods of pruning utilized by rosarians. However, if in doubt, a quick call to a Consulting Rosarian will be of great help in preventing mistakes. Balmy weather is frequently accompanied by anxiety on the part of rose growers to commence pruning. Off comes the winter protection. Sudden unexpected winter winds come calling and damage to plants is the result. Pruning can be accomplished without winter protection removal. Just be sure to leave the bud union of the plant covered until all danger of frost or freeze is past.

And now to new plant selection. Before actual purchasing be sure to review the established ratings of the various varieties. Select only those that have proven to perform well. Another call to a Consulting Rosarian is recommended in this instance. Choose a plant that has at least three major canes that show vitality. Be sure to avoid paraffin-coated bushes. Then when new bare root plants arrive, be sure to give them immediate attention by soaking them overnight before planting the next day. Add a good root stimulant to the soaking water.

Preparation of the planting site is of vital importance and really should be done in the fall preceding the upcoming spring. This allows the soil mixture to undergo its organic reaction. It also eliminates the possibility that adverse weather conditions that often occur in spring will postpone soil preparation.

Planting roses is a very important operation. Being sure to provide a "healthy" home for the bush is valuable insurance for good growth. This "health" involves proper soil content. The planting mix must be nutritious and loose in makeup. This will ensure that proper drainage is prevalent. Then too, the "home" of the bush must have ample space both horizontally and vertically for the root system to thrive. There should be no crowding nor shallowness forbidding deep root growth.

As soon as foliage appears on the newly planted bushes a systematic spray schedule is commenced with dedication on the part of the rosarian. This operation involves consistency. Procrastination in spraying is one evil that rose growers must avoid in order to ensure good health in their roses. Putting off spraying is the most common fault that rosarians possess. He or she who sprays punctually with regularity will not allow most problems to become a reality in the garden.

It is always feeding time for the rose family. These floral beauties crave nourishment and we, as rosarians, must afford them a healthy diet on a timely basis. It has always been my feeling that to feed small quantities on a frequent schedule is far better than gorging the plant infrequently. It just makes good sense to feed the root system when these "hungry mouths" are standing in wait of vital food. Like the "pizza man" says: "take the meal to the waiting customer while the urge to eat is prevalent."

When speaking of feeding roses, never forget the importance of organic foods. For years this nation's farmers depended on chemical fertilizers. It was not until recently that agricultural experts adopted nature's way of feeding. Composting became a vital stimulant to plant growth. Once the rose grower adopted this natural way of fertilization, his or her entries on the show tables of rose shows became more numerous. This does not mean that chemicals faded from the bill of fare. It simply signaled that combining the two -- organic and chemical -- provided ideal feeding for award-winning roses.

Now that spring has arrived, let us pledge that this season will enjoy our best performance ever. Following simple rules will help to achieve this goal. Realizing that not all rose growers belong to rose societies and most will never exhibit a rose in a show; however, it should be the mission of all societies to recruit these people to our ranks of membership. Doing so will ensure the continuance and growth of our beloved hobby association. Most people crave to join an activity that is both pleasurable and rewarding. If they are flower-oriented, we must attract them to our hobby. Hopefully their fancy just may turn to the flower we rosarians love most -- the rose.