This past weekend I joined alongside fellow members of the Birmingham Rose Society at Helena Market Days. We set up a booth, gave away roses, dispensed rose advice and shared our love of growing roses with anyone who would listen. We had a great time!
I think is is extremely important for horticultural societies to make their presence known to the community and not operate for the enjoyment of a few, but instead swing wide the door of invitation to all who will come and enjoy our National Floral Emblem.
A few blooms from my garden on display
It is also very important to share what roses grow well in our local communities. Being prepared with knowledge before you purchase roses will save you time, effort and frustration that will result in the dreaded words “I just can’t grow roses”….. when in reality nothing could be further from the truth.
Consulting Rosarian Jane Hinds has been dispensing rose advice for years in Birmingham. She is a jewel in our Society.
Offering local advice to rose growers is the hallmark of local societies.
Sharing blooms with your neighbors. Isn’t that what growing rose is all about?
How do you advocate growing roses in your community? I’d love to hear what your up to!
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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 
Yes! Sharing is what it’s all about for me too! It looks like you participated in a successful event. Congratulations.
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I always thought I could grow roses, but this year shows me I am greatly lacking. I have been shamefully lacking in my care for my few roses. Thank goodness they soldier on, if looking like they were struck by lightning. I shall endeavor to pay more attention to roses that grow well in my clime.
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I think temperatures, rainfall and other factors play a role in our ability to produce quality blooms year in and year out. I too, go along each year and do the best I can with what I have. You are right, they do plod on despite their helpmates efforts. I have long thought, that roses don’t need us nearly as much as we need them. Finding good local information will be a tremendous help to you in your rose growing efforts. Soldier on, my friend…..
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The rose gardens in our public parks are wonderful places for finding out which roses grow well in our area. Also, it is really helpful to purchase roses from a garden center where the employees are actually gardeners and have tried some of the roses in their own yards.
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Excellent advice!
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