Temecula Valley Rose Society

President's Message

We are getting ready to greet them and others at the upcoming First Bloom Festival. The recently planted roses that were donated to TVRS by Weeks Roses, a premier rose hybridizer based in Wasco, California, are (for the most part) doing well. It appears that there will be some blooming for the First Bloom Festival on May 11. One sad note, however, is that four specimens of one variety of miniature rose didn't survive; I still hold hope for the fifth one.

The irrigation problem that has plagued much of the garden for the past year or so has been corrected/repaired. Fortunately this problem was recognized before this summer's hot weather could cause a problem. We hired an experienced professional of electrically-controlled irrigation systems to diagnose and correct the problems. It took many hours of labor to discover all the causes which created the problem, but he was kind enough to reduce his fee by 40%. Just the same, it was not anything for which we had budgeted. Any monetary gifts are gratefully accepted to help defray this and other unexpected costs to our society.

One major project that you may have noticed is the installation of steps to improve access to the Gazebo and Romantic Garden. A third set of stairs behind the Gazebo is almost finished, and in the coming weeks you will see the addition of a retaining wall between the roses and the Gazebo and a fourth set of stairs which should be rather grand. This major effort is made possible by the generous gifts in response to Phyllis' appeal at last month's members' meeting. I don't yet have the full list of those who donated, but the total is impressive—and the improvements will last formany years to come. A special note of appreciation and a big THANK YOU to those of you who answered that appeal! We have ordered the building materials, but you still have time to participate in this legacy by donating a bit more for additional aesthetic improvements.

There are still many areas of the garden available for adoption. Actually, even a portion of an area would be appreciated. Just an hour a week would make a big difference in the appearance and health of some areas. Volunteers are what keep Rose Haven looking good, and provide labor or donations for projects, improvements, and maintenance. (For example, we have plans to improve signage throughout the garden, including identifying plants, rose varieties, and garden areas, as well as educational information.)

So go visit Rose Haven, find an area that strikes your fancy, and then contact Phyllis Bettelheim about adopting it and/or making a donation specifically designated for that area. Your money will be used only for the area of the garden you choose. Believe me, every penny shows and is NOT wasted—and you will experience a new depth of satisfaction and sense of ownership because that part of the garden really will belong to you. Of course, if you prefer, you can make a donation for the garden's general upkeep-just indicate that on your check or in a letter. (You can also call me at 951.315.9632 if you want ideas on how you can contribute!)

Oh, one last thing! Come to the FREE rose show at the Pacific Southwest District Convention in Carlsbad this coming Saturday, May 4, from 12 noon to 4 PM at the Carlsbad by the Sea Resort, 850 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad. (I'll be there!)

The Time Is Here!

In about three weeks the rose show will be upon us. Have fun taking good care of those roses so we will have lots to display. Remember, this event is for the entire Temecula Valley community, to encourage others to grow and enjoy roses too. Bring as many as you can. If you would like to step out of your comfort zone and do something in the Artistic Division, please let me know. There are no consequences for trying, but the reward is a deep sense of personal satisfaction. There are many exhibit classes yet to be filled. Please look at your show schedule for details.

As far as advertisement, we are relying on newspaper notices, articles and YOU. Remember to distribute those flyers and tell your friends and family about the show.

Our last rose show planning meeting will be on May 1st at the Assistance League at 1:00 PM, 28720 Via Montezuma, Temecula. Otherwise, we will meet on Friday, May 17th at 10:00 AM to set up at the Assistance League and Saturday the 18th for the show. Remember! Entries are accepted between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. The show opens at 10:00 AM.

If you have any questions please contact me at (951) 694-8968 or email me at tvrsroseshow2013@yahoo.com. Also, please applaud the Planning Team (as I do). The Planning Team has put a lot of hard work into the show. They have been very dedicated and generous with their time and resources. They are the heart. The result should be a very beautiful and exciting show.
Thank You, Linda Black, Rose Show Chairman

Frank Scores A Win

Recent Happenings

On April 6th a Special Day Trip to Kathy Swanson's garden was attended by 10 members. Members were provided home made wine and tea sandwiches after they toured the gardens. The tour had an emphasis on her working farm including the vineyard, roses, vermi-composting, how a chicken tractor works, green house/shade house, and the usual farm animals. Also, some Riverside Master Gardeners attended the event including Bernard Mansell who provided a demonstration on aquaponics. An extra treat was the birth of three goats during the tour.

On April 21st another Special Day Trip was to the Rose Hills Pageant of Roses Garden in Whittier. Members enjoyed a tour of the beautiful garden and light lunch.

The Special Day Trip to the Grand Traditions Estates on April 26th was a complete success with 12 members attending the event. The gardens and grounds were in magnificent condition and the flowers were out in full color provided by Proven Winners: Roses and bougainvilleas at the entrance, tall timber bamboo, giant palms surrounded many cascading water falls, and a heart shaped lake are just a few outstanding attractions in the gardens. Additionally, the lunch on the veranda over looking the lake was superb, and those who attended were completely satisfied. Many giant kudos for Sochie Rumbold who arranged the outing.

Member Meeting Program

Our annual Member garden tour which include 4 to 5 gardens. Remember, there will not be a meeting at the Library. The tour will start at Rose Haven at approximately 9:30 AM to pick up driving instructions, maps and organize any car pooling.

The program for June is "Container Gardening Using Succulents" presented by San Diego Master Gardener Laura Starr.

May Birthdays & New Members

Rose Haven Update

Yahoo, the garden is in full bloom. What a delightful sight. Don't miss the "First Bloom Celebration" to see the wonderful sights and have an enjoyable time visiting with members and guests. Vendors, music, and other entertainment have been planned by our outstanding chairperson Ann Coakes and her committee. The date is Saturday, May 11th, 10 PM to 3 PM.

Check out the fabulous blooms on the roses in the Hall of Fame area. Jim and Laurie have maintained the area and developed it into a perfect example of a fantastic rose garden. Also, all the new roses and shrubs planted recently by a group of volunteers near the main entry are leafing-out and should put on quite a show soon. Note the steps on the hillside leading up to the gazebo. What an accomplishment by Frank and Wayne in adding safety and hardscape attractiveness to the gazebo area.

 

Our volunteer days remain Wednesday and Saturday mornings— light work only. Come out and join us.

Our next garden committee meeting is Wednesday, May 22nd at 9:30. The address is 30592 Jedediah Smith Rd., Temecula. All interested are invited to attend. Please see our web site for additional information and photos at TemeculaValleyRosesociety.org/rosehaven.shtml.

Bugs in the Garden in April

Our April "Families in the Garden" program was well attended thanks to the new attendees that meetup.com/Temecula-Valley-Rose-Society/ brought to our program. We started the program with a bug hunt, allowing the children time to discover bugs that live in many areas of the garden. They were especially interested in the ladybugs as there are many this time of year. They were easy to find and you could see them in their larval and adult stages. The children then had time to discover what bugs look like under a microscope, hold a worm in their hand and create their own paper bug (ladybug and dragonfly) in our craft area. It was a fun day and we found that the parents had as much fun as the kids while helping their kids discover the world of bugs.

Planting Tomatoes in the Tree of Life

On Saturday, April 13th three of our student volunteers planted 29 tomatoes in the Tree of Life vegetable garden. The tomato plants were started from seed and grown organically. This year we have 8 varieties: Siletz, Early Goliath, Big Beef, Quali-T, Kobe Beefsteak, Valley Girl, Brandywine and Bambino Cherry. The tomatoes are doing well with minimal critter damage and are already flowering. If all goes well we will have a large crop this year. Please stop by the garden and check on their progress. A big thank you to our student volunteers who made it possible to get all of these tomatoes in the ground in one day and to our member volunteers (Rebecca Weersing, Kathy Katz, JoAnn Summers, and Peggy Whitney) who came on planting day and helped organize the garden and the kids. A special thank you to Rebecca who took care of the tomato plants while I was on vacation.

 

TVRS Web Site Changes

Changes to the web site were completed mid-April to facilitate access from small screen tablet computers and smart phones.

The floating menu was replaced with a fixed menu in larger type, with more space between the lines to make it easier to read and touch the items. Double spacing has been applied to other pages for the same reason. Many touch screen devices respond only to fingers; a stylus won't work, so the lines need to be spread out to accommodate the larger fingers.

The changes are a work in progress, so any feedback to make it easier to view the pages would be appreciated. Send your suggestions to .

Grocery Cards Benefit TVRS

Rose Care FUNdamentals

As this cycle fades and the flowers age, it is best to at the very least remove the petals before they fall to the ground. If you miss this opportunity, attempt to remove them from the soil surface as soon as you can to prevent or reduce plant diseases. The cool moist nights and overcast mornings are big contributors to fungi including powdery mildew and rust. Both require humidity, dust, and poor air circulation. (Rinse off those dusty leaves! People commonly believe that moisture on rose leaves cause fungi, but that's only true if the dust remains: A good rinsing every week or so can actually help prevent infection!)

Now is also a good time to prune and shape the bush for the next bloom cycles. Cut the cane that just bloomed using the same principles you applied for your Spring pruning: Look down the stem to an outward-facing bud at a point on the stem that is at least as thick as a pencil. Make the cut at an angle (with the high side above the bud) about 1/4 inch above the area where the leaf meets the cane.

With higher temperatures expected, increase the amount of water to each bush. When temperatures hit highs in the 80s and 90s, the average hybrid tea will require 9 – 12 gallons of water each week or more depending on the soil structure. The typical miniature requires about 1/3 that amount.

I hope you are taking my advice from the April column and swearing off chemical fertilizers and using ORGANICS. (Refer to the April 2013 FUNdamentals column at TemeculaValleyRoseSociety.org/nl/newsletters.shtml.) Organics are safer for the environment above and below the soil surface, contributing little to ground water contamination and, if you believe that global climate change is happening, you should know that the manufacture of organic fertilizers requires less energy and produces less carbon dioxide. Using organics also allows you to safely use any plant part for crafts, cooking, and eating.

And when you've got a moment to spare, go visit Rose Haven, located at 30592 Jedediah Smith Road (the cross street is Cabrillo Avenue) in Temecula. Also, visit our web site, TemeculaValleyRoseSociety.org/index.shtml. You might also want to visit Meetup.com/Temecula-Valley-Rose-Society/ to find events of interest to you. (Be sure to specify a wide enough "within" for distance from you.)

Now, let's get out there and spread the word and the joy of roses!

For more ideas, visit TVRS' Rose Haven garden at 30592 Jedediah Smith Rd.,
Temecula, as well as our web site at TemeculaValleyRosesociety.org/index.shtml.