It’s already November the month when we think about how thankful we are for all our blessings, our friends and families, and the beauty around us, especially roses.
And speaking of being grateful, many thanks to all those who participated in our October activities. Our booth at Horticulture Expo and the Ag and Equestrian Center was a big success. About 2,500 people attended and many stopped by our booth. We were so fortunate to obtain a double booth so that we had room for our displays and activities.
Thanks to all our Consulting Rosarians! Kathy Porter set up a beautiful display of a wide variety of roses and a contest for the Most Fragrant Rose and Favorite Rose of the roses displayed. Favorite was Lyda Rose, followed closely by Cary Grant. It was almost a tie for fragrance with Lady of Shallott coming in just ahead of Kentucky Derby. Kathy, Wayne Myers, and Art Wade, and Dan Mills were available to greet and answer questions and Dan took care of our handouts.
Jean Stream helped with planning and wherever she was needed including set up and clean up. Dr. Joe Rush gave away old garden rose bushes and demonstrated propagation by rose rooting. Kathi Warren helped visitors make mini rose arrangements, Mary Menoski provided cold drinks, and Diana Ziegler also assisted. Special thanks to Ann and Tyler Sherwood for all their help with setting up, cleaning up, and doing the heavy lifting.
Last weekend, several of us attended the Deep South District Convention and Rose Show in Gainesville. Our society provided essential help setting up the rose show, including the awards table. Dan Mills deserves a special commendation for taking care of the awards. Not only has he been storing them, he had the awards perfectly organized for the awards table. Others helping were Jean Stream, Kathi Warren, Willie Mae Burley, and Ann, Van, and Tyler Sherwood.
Please note the change, above, in speaker and topic for our November 8 meeting. Kathy Porter will present something new: “Be Careful Out There: Venomous and Stinging Critters in Your Yard,” helping keep us safe in our gardens. Thanks to Kathy and our GRS Board for quickly acting to step in when our scheduled speaker was unable to attend.
Also, a change: if you are able, bring some finger food to share for refreshments for Nov. 8.
There will also be an opportunity to get advice from our Consulting Rosarians and a short business meeting to make plans for our Christmas party.
I’m looking forward to seeing you on November 8. Hoping that you all have a lovely Thanksgiving and enjoy all your blessings.
Jean Giesel, Master Rosarian, Acting President
