President's Message - January 2026

Happy New Year to all:

As I set here writing this my first President’s message of 2026, I have to ask myself, where did 2025 go so fast? Each year we get a little older and hopefully wiser, but with this aging process getting wiser also brings on getting slower. So, with this said, I am at the cross roads of what to do with all of our roses. Do I just hang in there in hopes of better times ahead? or do I start downsizing and start giving away some rose plants? I have come to the conclusion of asking members and friends if they would like any of our 50 or so potted roses. This move would take a lot off my work load since my ability is getting worse. Call me if you would like to come and pick out a few potted roses to take home, pots go with them.

This month is our slowest month to tend to our rose plant needs. The only suggestions I can offer is to keep the plants well hydrated by watering them at least once a week. This is very important since we have not had any significant rain amounts in nearly a year.

One other suggestion for January is to apply at least a 1/3 of a cup of Epsom Sale to each plant. The magnesium sulfate in this product gives the roses a jump start once the ground soil has warmed up to 60 or 70 degrees, usually mid-April in this area.

As discussed at our Holiday party, there will be no GRS meeting in January this year. The suggestion for this to follow through in the following years was not finalized. Please note, this is my last 4 year term ending in May and I cannot and will not be able to serve as GRS president again until I set out a two year term. Our bylaws are specific with this eligibility. I am hopeful someone will step up to fill this president’s slot and if not, GRS may have to disband, this is in accordance with our DSD bylaws. Let us not go this route like so many others in our district have done in the past few years.

We will find something fun for the February program and look forward to Ann’s talk on international judging.

Stay safe and well.

President's Message - December 2025

Happy Holidays to you all:

With Thanksgiving just a few days off, we all need to be reflecting on our blessings and the true meaning of what Thanksgiving is all about. There are absolutely no one I know that has no reason to be greatful, so let’s take a few minutes eah day to give praise and thanks to our Creator.

I had mentioned last month a list of Fall Garden Activities we should consider now that we are in a much cooler part of the year. Planting or replacing roses was one of my suggestions. There is an article within that gives you my step-by-step method for successful Rose Planting; if you still have questions, I or one of our Consulting Rosarians will be glad to answer your concerns.

As we move deeper into the holiday, don’t forget to continue your general rose care. With it being so dry from the lack of rain, our roses can and will become very stressed if allowed to dry out, even to the point of losing them. If you water by hand, I suggest running water into a 2 gallon bucket. Time how long it takes, then you will have a good idea how long to water each plant. This 2 gallon is adequate for at least 4 days in cooler weather, and repeating this as long as it stays dry. Although the humidity is far less than a month ago, our rose can still get fungal diseases. Spray with a fungicide on a 10-15 day rotation will help keep our roses clean and healthy.

Just a reminder regarding our GRS Christmas party. It again will be at the Homemakers Club Building, 25728 Park Street, Melrose, FL on Sunday, December 7th at 2pm. This is a week earlier than our normal date. The Chinese Gift exchange has always been great fun, so if you want to participate, bring a wrapped gift, approximately $15 in value. Rules will be given at the party. Oh yes, covered dish or desserts to make the party even tastier. See the list or call Jean if you want to know what to bring.

I hope to see you all soon.