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.
