CELEBRATION OF OLD ROSES PART I
People often ask where I’ve purchased many of my unusual roses. Some nurseries have extensive rose inventories, but special events also yield exciting rose bounty. Several of my favorite purchases, like 'Belle Poitvine' above, have been made at the Celebration of Old Roses, which takes place this year, on May 17, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in El Cerrito, California.
I photographed the two roses, shown here, fresh out of my car on my return from the Celebration some years ago. The one on the left, and below, is a little unnamed Spinosissima. These roses, native to Scotland, are known for their small, finely cut foliage. ‘Belle Poitvine’, at right, is a Hybrid Rugosa that fufills every category for “fabulous rose.” As far as I know, it has no faults.
Don’t feel bad if you don’t live in California, similar events happen throughout the world, it just might be in a different month. Newspaper calendars, in the gardening section, traditionally list rose society events, botanical garden festivities, university horticultural department events, and open gardens. Roses propagated by students and rosarians are often sold as fund raisers.
Your Local Nursery
Nurseries are fully stocked with roses anticipating big Mother’s Day revenue. Bare root roses have been potted up and programmed to bloom just for Mom. This is a good time to see some of the new rose introductions and also research bloom and shrub style.
Shown above are a few impulse purchases from one of my local nurseries that I couldn’t resist. Note the paper pots they're are in. If you score the pots and make sure they’re wet, they can go right into the ground with the rose.
Today’s post barely mentions the “Celebration“ there will be much more about it soon.
