Hello all GRS members and friends:
All though Summer is not officially here for another two weeks, we have been experiencing Summer heat into the mid 90’s for nearly two months. Florida is no where near the same as it was when Jean and I moved here from Maryland 30 plus years ago. There used to be Summer afternoon rains that would cool down the evenings, but now it stays very hot up into the 10 to 11pm hours. With very little rain and so many people moving here from the northern states, it seems this area will soon be drying up. We all would then be wanting to move north again. I would bet a good many of the north Florida residents are thinking the same thing.
We had a good turn out for the Cedar Lakes tour last month. It was quite an undertaking for those of us with mobility issues, but still a very worthwhile experience. I myself, had no ideal this place existed. It is well worth the small fee they charge. Lunch after also was quite good, excluding how to find the place. We got a little turned around but my frustrations were soon lifted after the huge meal was served and we enjoyed eating together.
June’s last meeting for the Spring/Summer 2025 will be held at the home of Dr. Joe Rush. Joe grows most of his OGR’s in pots and propagates many plants from his stock each year. He gives the blooms and plants away just for the fun of it. At this meeting we will have a short business meeting, then a show and tell time for stem roses. I would like to ask each of you to bring one or two specimens to share. Maybe one of your favorites. This will be very hard for me since most of what we grow are my favorites.
Tip for the month and Summer is to keep your roses well-watered. Cut back on feeding them, especially granular fertilizers. I suggest using a soluble fertilizer at half strength until mid-September then you should be able to resume regular feedings without burning the roots.
I hope you can make our last meeting in Melrose (see address in Jean’s invitation). Stay cool and be sure to stay hydrated.
