Rose Chatter – Wiregrass Rose Society

This past weekend, I had the privilege of being asked to speak at the Wiregrass Rose Society’s annual Fall Rose Seminar in Ozark, Alabama.

“Rose Chatter” printed program

The event was held at The Potting Shed, an awesome garden shop venue just off the square in Ozark.

Great outdoor venue. You can see the early birds already gathering…

The Wiregrass Rose Society went all out to make attendees feel welcome with beautiful arrangements, a FREE rose for every attendee, “Redneck Swag Bags” filled with gifts from local merchants, great doughnuts, and the best Apple Julep I have ever tasted… I liked it so much I got the recipe:

Apple Julep:

Ingredients

• 4 Cups Apple Juice
• 1 Cup Orange Juice
• 1 Cup Pineapple Juice
• 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
• 1 Jar Maraschino Cherries

Instructions

1. Pour all juices into a 2 quart pitcher and stir well.
2. Add in 3-4 Tablespoons of juice from jar of cherries and stir again. Chill until ready to serve.
3. Serve over ice, with a cherry in each glass. Garnish with mint or Lemon Balm, if desired. Or just drink it and leave the plants in the yard!

Recipe courtesy of SouthenPlate.com 

I cut about 6 roses from my garden and took with me to pass around and discuss the various varieties of roses and their growth habits. I have found that a little bit of knowledge up front goes a long way in whether or not you are happy with your roses in the long term. I also had a chance to share about Annie Haven’s Moo Poo Tea and everyone attending the conference receive a FREE bag of Haven Brand Authentic Alfalfa Tea for roses to try.  We talked soil, selection, planting and of course care and maintenance.  The good folks at Corona Tools were kind enough to allow me to demonstrate the tools needed for those who grow roses using their line of tools. They too were passed around for people to see for themselves what is needed.  I believe this hands on approach will go a long way in raising the comfort level of novice gardeners and is also an encouragement to move to the next level in their gardens.

Rose Chatters gathering for the seminar

 

Corona Tools on display

We had a great time. It was a great turnout and I really enjoyed getting to know some of the rose growers in that area, many of whom were first time rose growers. It is exactly these types of grass roots level events where experienced gardeners come side by side with novice growers that empowers people to grow. It is the essence of the local rose society in America.

My sincere thanks to the Wiregrass Rose Society for sponsoring this event and for inviting me to be a part of it.