Temecula Valley Rose Society

An Affiliate of the American Rose Society

December 2017 Vol. 28, No. 12

Coming up: Christmas

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Co-President's Message

by Rebecca Weersing

TVRS Co-president

T his is the time of year that many of us consider making a cash donation to one or more nonprofit organizations. Remember that our Rose Society is a nonprofit and is always appreciative of donations We provide a letter with our tax-id that documents the donation for IRS purposes.

Our biggest expense (but our greatest asset!) is Rose Haven. Please consider a donation this year. Our roses will thank you.

A Rose By Any Other Name ... (Two)

By Jim Moss

As reported last month I have been encouraged to write a few articles for the Valley Rose. I have centered on the topic of important Roses from history as well as references to all things pertaining to Roses. (I capitalize the word Rose out of respect for my favorite flower.)

I originally had in mind a standard progression of topics ranging from those close to actual Roses and then widening the scope to vague references. However I have decided to rearrange my list, to begin with cities and states whose names might refer to Roses, or have some community connection to this flower.

Therefore I would like to dedicate this entire series of articles to all the good people of Santa Rosa, California. As you know, a great many of the citizens of this fair city lost EVERYTHING in the recent fires in that area. The name alone of this community should create in us, the members of the TVRS, a feeling of compassion for people living in the city of Saint Rosa. So, I feel compelled to begin this series with such things as names of communities, official city and state flowers and names of communities in the United States which recognize the Rose. I hope you will agree with this change in direction. Thank You!

Families in the Garden

By Alicia & Victoria Cline
November program

The Families in the Garden November event had a good turn out even though it was during the Thanksgiving break. We planted tulips, daffodils and Stargazer lilies in the Quilt Garden. In the Tree of Life, the kids did some light harvesting, checked on the cabbages from the October event and planted red and yellow onions. This was followed up by a craft, coloring and snack. It was good to see all of the smiling faces this month.

There will be no December event due to the holiday calendar. Next event is 20 Jan 2018. We hope everyone has a great holiday season and a beautiful New Year.

Grocery Cards Benefit TVRS

Dear Members: I trust that you have made a determined effort to use Stater Bros. Scrip/Gift Cards for your everyday normal purchases. Even in these financially difficult times we all must eat. Purchasing a $100 Scrip Card will let you spend $100 for groceries at Stater Bros. There is no extra expense or donation coming out of your pocket and the Rose Society will get a $6.00 donation for the upkeep of the Garden. Your support is greatly appreciated. Email Ann Coakes to order Scrip Cards, or phone 951 693-5635.

Member Meeting Program

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Date: Thursday, December 21
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. See our new meeting schedule here.
Place: Temecula Library, Community Room (30600 Pauba Rd., Temecula)
Speaker:
Topic: December Holiday Dinner

Calling all members! Come to the feast, bring a friend! Traditionally we have a turkey dinner with all the fixings at our December meeting. The Society provides the turkey and Ann Coakes roasts it. Each member is asked to bring either a side or a dessert.

December Birthdays & New Members

Birthdays

Frank Brines, 12-8, Don Nordike, 12-18, Roger Bell, 12-19, Laurie Moss, 12-23, Charlie Brodbeck, 12-26, and May Olson, 12-30

New Members

There are no new members this month.

Rose Haven Garden

by Bonnie Bell

The Holidays keep us very busy in December so when it's time to take a break come out and visit the garden for some relaxation. A nice walk around or picnic is just delightful. Take a look at the photos of our beautiful gazebo surrounded by the shrub rose Lavender Dream in full bloom right now. Don't you just want to be there in person?

Starting January 3rd we will begin pruning the roses along the driveway. Every Wednesday and Saturday will be dedicated to rose pruning starting at 9:00 a.m. An hour or two of your time will be greatly appreciated. In January Virginia Boos will conduct a rose pruning demonstration for our members and the public. More details about the class and the date will be in the next newsletter.

The Society always appreciates your cash donations to help keep the garden attractive. Several rose bushes have perished and need to be replaced. December is the perfect time to contribute and receive a tax deductible receipt for 2017 as we are a Non-Profit 501-3-C Corporation.

Our Next garden committee meeting is Wednesday December 28th at 9:15. We will discuss projects for the coming year. Members interested are always welcome to attend the meeting. Garden address is 30592 Jedediah Smith Road, Temecula.

Rose Haven garden is at 30592 Jedediah Smith Rd. in Temecula.

Rose Haven Plein Aire Painting

by Kathy Turgeon

Paintings by local artists are displayed in the lobby area of the Temecula Theatre/Merc on Main Street in Old Town Temecula.

Currently plein aire paintings are on display. An artist painted a picture in oil and acrylic of the entrance to Rose Haven Heritage Garden. It is very close to the box office. It's very pretty! The artist is Jack Ragland. Here it is: and it won third place!

by Jack Ragland

Rose Care FUNdamentals

by Frank Brines, Master Consulting Rosarian

T he recent sprinkles or light drizzle was so sparse that we gardeners need to discount it as having any benefit to our gardens. The accompanying cool weather will help to hydrate the thirsty soil. Roses could still be seen actively growing and blooming in many area gardens during the Thanksgiving holiday, but believe it or not, your roses need a four- to six-week rest or "dormancy" period during the winter months. During dormancy, the plants go through natural hormonal changes that prepare them for the next growing season. Dormancy is triggered by a variety of factors. Cold temperatures (including frost) slow the plant's metabolism. The current mild temperatures will likely delay setting dormancy this year; some rose gardens are coming into a full bloom cycle this very day. Not all blooms are exhibition, however it is nice to see them so late in the year.

You can help trigger dormancy by not deadheading or pruning this month. Allow the rose "hips" to mature so they can send signals to the plant that it's time to rest and marshal it's energy for a vigorous growth spurt in the spring. Just the same, be sure to monitor your plants when daytime temperatures are warm: They still need to be kept hydrated! Also, do NOT fertilize until after your major pruning in January or February. And then only after a couple inches of new growth.

On the topic of pruning: Some gardeners in the Temecula Valley are anxious to prune their roses in December. That's understandable because we haven't had a hard frost yet even though the average date for first frost in our area is November 17. Pruning now not only prevents dormancy, but also produces tender new shoots that will most likely be killed by the next hard frost. So, bottom line: Please wait four to six weeks after the first frost to do your major "spring" pruning. Watch the TVRS website or local newspapers for the dates for free spring pruning workshops.

The Asian "chili thrip" is spreading rapidly in the Southwest and is becoming a global threat. This pest is extremely successful and particularly resistant to conventional control methods. I'm sorry that I haven't any new information regarding this pest. Scientists are still working on a treatment that will help control it, and I will provide more information as I receive it.

There is still time to order that new rose you have been dreaming about. Garden stores may still be adding to their list of orders, or go to your favorite online nursery and make your order. There are many fine new roses that you simply must have. Many are more disease resistant than in the past. Most nurseries or wholesalers no longer print catalogs, for a list of current roses available from each you will have to go online.

A few new varieties I find of interest are: At Last (floribunda, good apricot color, fragrance, disease-resistant); Bordeaux (floribunda/WineRed, large blooms, heat tolerant, disease resistant); Easy Spirit (floribunda/White, Hybrid T form, fragrance, hybridizer Tom Carruth, disease resistant, lasting form); Frida Kahlo (floribunda/Scarlet Redstriped gold, small clusters, mild fragrance, disease resistant, compact, hybridizers Christian Bedard & Tom Carruth); Gaye Hammond (Bright Yellow with touches of orange, slight fragrance, disease resistant, bloom making machine); Parade Day (Grandiflora/Fuchsia Pink Striped White, strong fragrance, hybridizer Christian Bedard, holds color); Flowerland (Shrubby, Pink, low (1.5') growing habit, 60-65 petals, fragrant; it would be great for small spaces or enmass); Golden Iceberg (mild spicy fragrance).

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. Spread the joy of roses!

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