Learn How to Maintain your Pruners

A virtual presentation by FELCO General Manager, Ryan Amberg

Baby, it is cold outside! It is a good time to get ready for the spring weather that will come to Middle Tennessee soon. One item that you may have on your TODO list is to sharpen your pruners. Ryan Amerg, General Manager of FELCO North America, joined Diane Summer, President of the American Rose Society, to teach us the basics for maintaining our pruners.

Ryan Amberg began his career at his family’s nursery, where he first got his hands on FELCO red-handled tools. After attending Cornell University to study business management, marketing, and agricultural science, he was recruited by the FELCO team in Switzerland to further develop the business in North America.

Ryan worked his way up through various facets of the company, from product management to marketing and business development. He has traveled around the world working for FELCO, developing different markets from Australia to South Africa. Today as the company’s General Manager, he continues to work on and develop the FELCO business in the USA, striving to introduce more consumers to the iconic Swiss brand.

Click here to watch Ryan’s virtual presentation on the American Rose Society YouTube channel.


Rooting and Budding Roses

by Jeff Garrett, ARS Master Rosarian and National Trophy winner

 

Have you ever tried rooting roses only to have them all die? Rooting roses is actually pretty easy.

At the June 11, 2023, meeting of the Nashville Rose Society, Jeff Garrett demonstrated how anyone can be successful at it. His methods do not require a greenhouse or any other special equipment.

He first showed how to select and prepare stem for rooting. Next he showed how he buds roses onto multiflora rootstock.

Jeff is kind enough to share his presentations with us to help others learn how to root or bud new rose bushes. To learn more about each process, click the links below.

Jeff and his wife Cindy have both served their local society, the Tri-State Rose Society of Chattanooga, as President on numerous occasions. Currently they are editors of their local society newsletter, Basal Breaks and Jeff is the current president. The Garretts have been honored with the Bronze Medal from their local society. Both Jeff and Cindy are active in the American Rose Society and are Master Rosarians. They and have been honored with the Silver Medal from the Tenarky District of the American Rose Society. They have both also won the Outstanding Consulting Rosarian Award for the Tenarky District. For many years Jeff has been the Tenarky District Roses In Review Coordinator. They are also regional editor’s for the annual Horizon Roses publication.


We All Need a Little Dirt in Our Lives

by Sandra Frank, Member – Nashville Rose Society

Getting your hands dirty is good for you!
The healing power of soil takes on a whole new meaning.

Studies are now telling us that soil contains a bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae, which helps to boost our immune system and stimulate serotonin production. Serotonin is a naturally occurring substance and one of the body’s neurotransmitters, known as the brain and nervous system’s chemical messenger, which regulates our appetite, metabolism and sleep cycles.

Mycobacterium vaccae helps reduce stress levels, fighting anxiety and anger and providing an overall happier and more relaxed life. It is also believed to improve cognitive functions such as short-term memory, rheumatoid arthritis, and symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease.

Serotonin is a happy chemical, a natural anti-depressant that strengthens the immune system.

Keep Healthy. Play in Dirt!


Bee Pollinators

by Shelly Wilkinson, Davidson County Master Gardener

 

Shelly Wilkinson’s June 5, 2022, presentation to the Nashville Rose Society helped us understand the importance of bees, characteristics of the main species of bees, and where and how bees live. She also covered how to make our own gardens and landscaping more pollinator-friendly.

Shelly has kindly allowed her presentation to be posted on the NRS website. Continue reading “Bee Pollinators”