HAVE YOU MADE YOUR ROSE RESOLUTIONS?
By: Ted W. Mills, ARS Consulting Rosarian and Judge
Every year about this time a new set of resolutions are made to kick off the New Year. Most Americans point to weight reduction as their number one priority. Many engage in all sorts of weight-loss plans with most of them falling by the wayside as the year progresses. It's the person who really is committed that reaches the goal.
Resolving to do what is necessary to achieve success in weight reduction is no different in the art of growing roses. We must establish a plan and try with all diligence to see that our program reaps the reward of blue-ribbon bushes with beautiful bloom specimens.
Some of the things that the year's beginning should command in our schedule may seem frivolous, but to do them we are starting positively toward rose-growing success. Let's talk about these items.
First and foremost let's ask ourselves: "what is the condition of our rose bed soil?" After all, it's the soil that feeds the bush - not the fertilizer. Soil is the conduit that directs the feeding of the root system with the fertilizers applied. Winter is a good time to send soil samples for testing. Such analysis will determine the status of nutrient components as well as determine the soil's pH factor.
What about winterizing the plants? Have the bud unions been covered with mulch adequately? Did the spraying of a dormant chemical precede the covering operation? Are the roots sufficiently moisturized? Are there extra-tall canes wafting in the winds of winter that may cause root loosening? Is there a presence of infected leaves left on the bushes or lying at the base of the plants? Has the twiggy growth been removed so that spring pruning will be greatly reduced? Affirmative answers to these questions will go a long way toward rose success. If these are not included in New Year's resolutions, hasten to make them a part of your program.
Other favorable rose resolutions include the following: A commitment to spray regularly as C/R prescribed without fail, a feeding program that will provide nourishment with regularity throughout the growing season, prompt deadheading of faded blooms, adequate watering of plants when needed, and the sharing of blooms with friends and shut-ins. Adherence to these resolutions will spell achievement in its highest form.
Of course there are other things that the rosarian can include in rose resolutions and to mention them might cause the rosarian to commit to their inclusion. One of these is to resolve to become more active in rose show exhibition. Exhibiting roses is of paramount benefit to the society. Too many shy away from this activity, thus denying them added pleasure in the hobby. Since 2002 commands global recognition as the "Year of the Rose", it behooves all lovers of the hobby to promote the flower we cherish. Resolving to become involved in this worldwide program is a fine New Year's resolution.
Currently the American Rose Society has over 22,000 active members. It is the world's largest floral organization but it needs added growth. Too many local society members have not joined the fold of ARS. Resolving to strengthen our parent organization by joining in 2002 would be a most welcome gesture. It would crown your whole set of resolutions.
There are many other things that the rosarian can include in his or her set of resolutions but the basics have been covered. Don't be like most people who resolve to lose weight - establish a stick-to-it regimen and the weight of poor rose production will not fall your lot. You may even find your roses in the Queen's Court at the next show.