Category: Growing Roses

Growing Roses Sustainably

by Cindy Worch, Nashville Rose Society member and Consulting Rosarian

Brindabell Pink Princess
A sustainable rose is grown without chemical intervention and in the most earth-friendly way. I will use organics first and only resort to chemical fungicides if necessary.​

Sustainable gardening also works in harmony with nature so not to deplete resources faster than they can be replaced. Such as water and soil.​

Only organic pesticides are used in my garden. I like to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs. I feed the birds which will eat insects as well. A firm spray of water works wonders on aphids and spider mites. Companion plants work as well to deter bad insects.

Click here to see Cindy’s full presentation that she made to the Nashville Rose Society on April 2, 2023.

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!

GOOD NEWS! Resistance to Rose Rosette Disease has been identified!

by Teresa Byington and Dr. Mark Windham

 

Resistance to Rose Rosette Disease has been identified and is a GAME CHANGER!

Listen to the full RoseChat Podcast with Teresa Byington and Dr. Mark Windham. Dr. Windham brings us up to date on where we are today with the rose rosette research, what we’ve learned, and the direction the research is going. He also discusses the extreme need for research dollars to help fight this deadly disease.
Continue reading “GOOD NEWS! Resistance to Rose Rosette Disease has been identified!”

Getting Though the Hot Months

by Robbie Tucker, Master Rosarian and Past President of the Nashville Rose Society

 

July and August bring the hottest days of the summer and we are all seeing the signs of the heat. I have put together this list of Summer Reminders to keep your garden healthy and to prepare your roses for the reward of fall temperature to come. We all know these things, but it is good to take a moment and review them.
Continue reading “Getting Though the Hot Months”

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”