ANNUAL CONSULTING ROSARIAN REPORT FOR 2004

March 1, 2004

Carol Ann Rogers, Yankee District CR Chair

     As part of the educational mission of the American Rose Society, Consulting Rosarians are required to submit to the district CR Chair an annual report using a form supplied by the ARS.  There are currently 77 CRs in the Yankee District, and there were 48 respondents representing 38 gardens.  The reporters were as follows:  Albanese, Angell, Berg (2), Brazzell (2), Breed, Candler, Cannistraro, Chapin, Chute (2), Cinnamon, Cohen, Corbin, Cotton (2), Cunningham (2) Denman, Doorakian, Dorschel, Emmons  (2) Fisk, Forand, Fraser, Fuss (2), Goldstein, Kopper, Long, Lowe, Martin, Mattia, McKeown, Mendes, Mixter, Morin, Parsons (2), Rhodes, Rogers (2), Russo, and Shelly (3).

     These reporters grow approximately a total of 7854 roses (including 1500 Lowe and 500 unspecified, Cinnamon).  There were 2488 HT, 184 GR, 614 FL, 457 CL, 1137 Mini, 1395 Shrub (including 750 Lowe), 1160 OGRs (including 700 Lowe), and 50 seedlings, Berg.

MOST FREQUENTLY MENTIONED GARDEN VARIETIES

MOST FREQUENTLY MENTIONED EXHIBITION VARIETIES

Our variety choices are generally the same as in recent years with the rising star qualities of Veterans’ Honor and Gemini surging toward the top of the Exhibition Hybrid Teas.   4^th of July and Clair Matin are running neck and neck with the old favorite New Dawn, and Outta the Blue is appearing for the first time as an eventual contender for best garden shrub if it can nudge ahead of Graham Thomas, Knock Out, and Heritage.  Also, Hot Cocoa is making a big splash as a new introduction into the floribunda category!

Fertilizer applications are consistent with a May, June, and July application of 10-10-10 with periodic applications of liquid food through the spring and summer.

Sprayers range from the 2 ½ Gallon Chapin pump sprayer to the more sophisticated 12 gallon Mantis battery powered machine, and equipment that can be mounted on tractors to make the task easier.

Watering systems also range from the most basic hand held water wand hose to the more elaborate Dripworks Shrubbler systems.  Many people use the soaker hose approach, also.  Timers and liquid fertilizer applications also play into the watering systems of choice.

 Winter protection is still consistent with mounding using various combinations of soil, mulch, manure, or seaweed.  Rose Kones and constructed cribs are being used, and some CRs are using Wilt Pruf as additional protection.

Some type of mulch such as double ground pine bark, compost, wood chips or seaweed is used by 99 % of respondents.

Controlling pests such as insects range from simply using Bayer Garden Insecticide to the older remedies of Orthene, Sevin, Isotox, and Malathion.  It is noted that some CRs have realized a considerable increase in the mite population after using some of the mentioned insecticides.

Mite control begins with forceful water application, and if this is not effective, Avid is the mitacide choice, however, Floramite was also mentioned.

Fungus control encompasses many of the fungicides on the market today.  Each CR uses a different combination that pertains to his/her individual garden.  Several people mentioned Aliette for Downey mildew.

Rust is not an issue in our area.

Most respondents remarked that an effective CR should be available to guide people who are interested in growing roses whether it be at a garden center, in the workplace, in garden clubs, or in their own gardens.  New rosarians should not be overwhelmed with information from a CR.  They should be given simple, easy to understand directions.  Also, it is important to have a mental list of easy to grow, disease resistant roses to recommend to people who love roses but do not have the time to devote to them.

I would like to thank everyone who participated in this survey.

Carol Ann Rogers
Yankee District CR Chair
March 1, 2004