We are in the midst of the second flush of bloom on many of our roses. We are also seeing some of the first blooms on our new miniflora and miniature roses.
Thrip damage is still bad in this area. Many of my blooms are not very pretty lately. We also have two confirmed cases of Rose Rosette disease from members of our Rose Society. Our Agricultural Extension Office has prepared an informative presentation on Rose Rosette. Click HERE to read more.
Since January I have lost 10 shrubs to what I call “sudden death”. The just dropped their leaves and died. Very sad. No worry, I have replaced most of them and the new ones are doing well. Such is the life of a gardener. We plant, we dig up, we learn, we move on… Here’s whats blooming this week in my Alabama rose garden:
Please Share This Post With Your Friends
About Chris VanCleave - America's Favorite Rose Gardener
Christopher R. VanCleave – America’s Favorite Rose Gardener
Nicknamed "The Redneck Rosarian”, Chris VanCleave is passionate about gardening and growing roses. He is an active member of the Birmingham chapter of the American Rose Society, serving two terms as President. In 2007, he created the Rose Chat Podcast which has reached over a half a million listeners with news and information on growing on growing the world’s most beloved flower, the rose.
He was a contributor to the 2015 Southern Living Gardening Book, has appeared on P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home television show and was featured in the June 2015 issue of Southern Living Magazine. Locally, Chris serves as Chairman of the Helena Alabama Beautification Board where he has spearheaded efforts to create a sustainable landscape in one of the top one hundred places to live in the United States.
His writing is seen at About.com and on his popular website; RedneckRosarian.com, where he chronicles his gardening adventures and explores an intrinsic mix of life, faith and gardening.
An agent of change with over 20 years’ experience in process innovation, Mr. VanCleave is leading the charge to reinvigorate horticultural societies and helping them to reach their full potential in the social media age.
The Redneck Rosarian 
The sudden death of your roses is disturbing. We’re they in the same area? Were they all one type rose? Was it a winter kill poblem? Does our garden even freeze? Sorry I have more questions than answers today. Photos of blooms are beautiful!
LikeLike
Most were newly planted “own root” roses planted in pots. I tried a new soil mix and didn’t think the mix was right. It seemed to compact and not drain well. We typically have a very short period of freezing weather, this year however, we did not. Have never had this happen before….
LikeLike
So sorry to hear about your roses suddenly dying! Wow what a loss. Your roses are lovely as usual. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Susan!
LikeLike
What a loss Chris. Your roses today are so lovely. I have just got to make room for that Moonstone rose. I love it!
LikeLike
I am sad to hear of the loss of your roses but glad you have replaced them and possibly found the culprit. The other pictures are simply gorgeous. The “Julie Child” and “Lady Bird” are now on my list of “wants”. Thanks for the inspiration.
LikeLike
‘Julia Child’ is a must have in the rose garden. Blooms from April till October here in Alabama….
LikeLike
Our garden lost a bunch of roses this spring, too. Those May-like temps in March/April followed by freezing nights (and even snow!) were the killing blows. “We plant, we dig up, we learn, we move on… ” How true!
LikeLike