October 2008 DEALING WITH HEAT STRESS IN ROSE BUSHES By: Ted Mills, ARS Master Rosarian and Judge The American flag in RoseDoc’s yard was fluttering in the chilly breeze as he arose on this October morning. Two squirrels were scurrying in search of food to be stored for the winter months ahead. Migrating butterflies were sapping nectar from the bluebell bush. Blue birds were driving away sparrows from their domain. All of this activity assured RoseDoc that fall is in the air and the work of a rosarian must not come to a halt. Just a few short days ago …
October 2007
GREET THE COMING OF FALL WITH JOY By: Ted Mills, ARS Master Rosarian and Judge If there is ever a time when rosarians should greet cooler weather with jubilation, it is the arrival of fall, 2007. In all the years that RoseDoc has grown roses, no growing season can rival the disastrous months of woeful weather experienced this year. First, it was the Easter freeze that spelled doom to our precious bushes. Then came the prolonged drought that saw water levels reach all time severity. Even today, the dry season continues. Global warming must have at last become a reality …
October 2006
WELCOME FALL By: Ted Mills (RoseDoc), ARS Master Rosarian and Judge After enduring a summer of extreme heat, the arrival of fall, with its cool breezes, is most welcome. Rosarians have perspired greatly because of the sustained heat. Their roses have struggled mightily to overcome heat stress. Fall’s arrival on the scene brings with it an abundance of ideal weather to produce beautiful blooms. No longer do we have to witness the wilting of leaves and the balling of rose blossoms.