Spring NewsLetter - Tennessee Rose Society

Garden of Michael and Mary Bates
Garden of Kathy Brennan
All photography taken from the gardens of Tennessee Rose Society members
Floribunda -‘Betty Boop’
Volume 5, Issue2
THE TENNESSEE ROSEBUD
official publication of the Tennessee Rose Society
organized October 1946
Charter Member of The American Rose Society
Shrub- ‘William Shakespeare 2000’
Hybrid Tea- ‘Hot Princess’
Hybrid Tea- ‘Pop Warner’
Garden of Dr. Joseph and Rhonda Spruiell
Garden of Dr. Joseph and Rhonda Spruiell

Page 2 TENNESSEE ROSEBUD
Tennessee Rose Society
2011 Officers
President - Kathy Brennan
brenrose@tds.net 671-0844
1st Vice President - Carolyn Noey
cnoey@knology.net 693-5250
2nd Vice President -Janet Duke
686-3159 jkduke2000@yahoo.com
Rhonda Spruiell, Assistant
Spruiell@comcast.net 693-3200
Secretary - Steve Franklin
692-1168 hsfranklin@comcast.net
Harriette Weidner Asst. 456-8131
weidner@citilink.net
Treasurer - Libby Alexander
983-6498 rosehill1@charter.net
Parliamentarian - John Rodgers
corgiperson@comcast.net539-5226
Editor- Mary Bates
mbates@charterinternet.com
Editorial Proofreader
Mary Frances Carlson
thomasbcarlson@comcast.net
Webmaster
Mark Kovalcson
mkovalcson@comcast.net
ARS Consulting Rosarians
Consulting Rosarians are available
to help you with your roses.
Dr. Joseph & Rhonda
Spruiell
ARS Master Rosarians
865-693-3200
Spruiell@comcast.net
Kathy Brennan
865-671-0844
brenrose@charter.net
Libby Alexander
865-983-6498
rosehill1@charter.net
Mary Bates
865-675-5722
mary@michaelbateshomes.com
Richard Weidner
931-456-8131
weidner@citilink.net
Susie Epperson
865-984-4313
sepperson@charter.net
Upcoming Events
2011 Tennessee Rose Society Monthly Programs
Janet Duke, 2nd Vice President, Rhonda Spruiell, Assistant
6:00 Workshop 7:00 Program
April – “Spraying Roses for Insect and Disease Control,” Mark Windham
May – “Extending the Life of Cut Roses,” Cindy and Jeff Garrett
Includes conditioning, preservatives, and traveling with roses
June – Annual Picnic and Auction, Auctioneer Al Robinson
At the home of Martha and Glenn McCluen, 2127 Lyons Bend Dr.
Roses Etc.
• Dogwood Arts Festival Open Rose Gardens 2011 May 7, 8th and
May 14, 15th. Please take time to stroll through each of the four Open
Rose Gardens presented by members of the Tennessee Rose Society.
See back cover or visit www.tennesseerosesociety.org
• A special thank you to our new webmaster, Mark Kovalcson. If you
have not visited our website recently, please take time to visit.
• Congratulations to Dick Weidner who received the Tenarky District
Outstanding Consulting Rosarian Award for 2010 at the Tenarky District
Winter Workshop. Dick has served multiple terms as Cookeville
President and Vice President but also drives to Knoxville each month
to Co-Chair the Beginners Workshop for the Tennessee Rose Society.
Thanks Dick for all that you do for our rose society!!
• Congratulations to our new ARS Consulting Rosarian , Susie Epperson.
Susie has worked hard for the Tennessee Rose Society, and we look
forward to her serving as one of our Consulting Rosarians.
• Jackie Wilson sent us a line from her favorite poem at this time of year,
Asking for Roses by Robert Frost. Thanks, Jackie!
A flower unplucked is left to the falling,
And nothing is gained by not gathering roses.
• The American Rose Society says, “Yes! You can grow roses and the
American Rose Society can show you how.”
The $5.00 4-month Trial membership is available for existing local society,
non-ARS members. For this small fee any local society member who is not
already an ARS member can try ARS. See Membership Chairman, Martha
McCluen, 588-3669 glennmccluen@bellsouth.net

Spring 2011 Newsletter
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
The Rite of Spring
“April is a promise that May is bound to keep.”
Hal Borland
Page 3
Now that we are armed with Mills Magic Mix, thanks to Beaty Fertilizer Company, and pruners
sharpened, thanks to Mike Thompson, it is time to get to work in the garden.
Maybe you have already finished your spring pruning, if not, it is time to get it done and then put down your fertilizer
being sure to water it in real good. Remember we prune the bushes to give them new life.
In April we have received our fortuniana rose bushes, thanks to Jim and Daisy Mills at K&M Roses and Susie
Epperson. Receiving new roses is one of the most exciting times of the year second only to when they bloom in May.
Now it’s time to plant our new “beauties,” with our mighty shovel in hand, digging that perfect hole and placing the
new bush just right in the hole and our job is done. We can sit back and wait for the surprise of the first bloom.
We had twelve members representing TRS at the Tenarky Workshop in February in Cool Springs, TN. Besides learning
new and old, tried and true tricks from the experts, we came home with one award and a new Consulting Rosarian.
Richard Weidner was honored with the “Tenarky Consulting Rosarian of the Year 2010 Award,” and Susie Epperson
took the CR class and test Sunday before leaving for home. Dan Brickman told me she passed with flying colors. He is
mailing her certificate and wants to attend one of our meetings to present Richard with his award. Dan will let me
know when the awards are ready. Congratulations to both of you.
Maybe it is time for you to think about becoming a CR. The process is easy, the test is open book and being a CR is
most fun. Talk to me about it and let’s get started.
The “Dogwood Arts Festival Open Rose Gardens” is happening May 7 th , 8 th ; 14 th and 15 th weekends. We have four
members participating this year— the Spruiells, Carlsons, Bates and Brennan. This is a perfect time to visit some of
our members’ gardens.
April and May meetings will be held at our old meeting place, the Buckingham Club House, on Manderly Way Dr.,
off Vanosdale Road in West Knoxville. We are searching for a new meeting place which will be announced to you before
the August meeting via e-mail and phone committee. Carson-Newman College will be using The Baptist Center for
classes on Thursday nights starting in April and will continue throughout the year.
Our June picnic is being hosted by Martha McCluen at her lovely home. Put the first Thursday on your calendar as you
do not want to miss this fun event before we take the month of July off. No meeting in July.
Let’s all give a big thank you to Mary Bates for another great issue of our Newsletter. Thanks, Mary.
I would like to close with this lovely quote on the coming of Spring.
“And spring arose on the garden fair, like the spirit of love felt everywhere; And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark
breast rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.”
Percy Bysshe Shelley.”
Kathy Brennan, TRS President 2011
DISCLAIMER: The Tennessee Rose Society makes no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained
herein. The opinions expressed are those of the authors.

Page 4 TENNESSEE ROSEBUD
A CLASS OF THEIR OWN
By: Kathy Brennan, ARS Consulting Rosarian
The voluptuous and fragrant David Austin English Roses.
“But he that dares not grasp the thorn should never crave the rose” Anne Bronte, 1820
These shrubs can be grown in East Tennessee with a good garden program, care and a whole lot of love. There are many
ways to use this class of rose in your landscape. You can use them in your flower beds, use them as stand alone shrubs,
or they make wonderful hedges. English roses are repeat-flowering bushes, yielding large brilliant blooms with a seductive
perfume and all the elegant charm of an English Lady. In England, they are claimed to be “country roses” with Old
Garden Rose habits.
In my garden, I have the beautiful ‘Jacquenetta,’ one of David Austin’s first bushes. It has a large apricot flower and is
very fragrant. This plant has been babied and moved five times in seven years. Last year we moved the bush to its final
resting place in the front yard. It took all five moves and a lot of patience and care to save this wonderful rose. We
reaped the benefits this summer. ‘Jacquenetta’ bloomed big, beautiful apricot flowers for all to see as it is planted close
to the street.
You must find the right spot in your garden for David Austin roses. For example, the very popular ‘Graham Thomas,’
‘Abraham Darby’ and ‘Constance Spry’ can take full sun but also perform very well on north facing walls and shady
areas with only 3-4 hours of sun a day. Your source/nursery should be able tell you where to plant in your yard for optimal
performance.
We always spring prune around the last week of March (depending on the weather and when the Forsythia blooms).
Shape the D.A. shrubs by rounding them up starting at the bottom of one side, up to top and down the other side, taking
out all dead and unwanted canes. When it comes to pruning the D.A. climbers, we tie up the canes we want to keep and
trim out all the rest down to the ground or bud union. We keep all strong stems and cut back all weak ones.
David Austin roses repeat flowering throughout the growing season and can become very tall with long canes. So, to
keep the bush at the appropriate height for your garden and promote continuous blooming, implement summer pruning
after each flush of flowering. Pruning D.A.’s instead of deadheading will improve growth, increase flowering and aid in
overall health while keeping them clean and neat in your garden. The above practice decreases insects and diseases in the
garden. Of course, do not forget to feed and water, feed and water! Use the same program you have for all roses on
fertilizing and mulching.
There is little more beautiful than ‘William Shakespeare 2000,’ a beautiful crimson red, blooming in my yard and gives
the wonderful perfume of a possible “Queen” of the shrubs in a show. If you like yellow, try ‘Golden Celebration,’ or
light pink ‘Queen of Snowden,’ or darker pink, I suggest ‘Bishop’s Castle.’ David Austin bushes are certain to delight
your fancy as they certainly do mine. ,
David Austin shrubs are great for landscaping your yard and are excellent as cut flowers. Bloom characteristics include a
wide range of colors, long straight stems, and lasting qualities in arrangements. David Austin English roses are truly in a
class of their own. You must try them; from one Rosarian to another, I promise you will fall in love.
This article is short and sweet.
No more wet socks in the garden
when wearing Muck boots.
Tried and true, they cannot be beat!
http://www.muckbootsandshoes.com
Kay Rodgers
ARS Horticulture Judge
The Tennessee Rose Society is celebrating its 65 th Anniversary and planning
an exciting Tenarky District Convention and Rose Show for September
23 rd -25 th at the University of Tennessee. Come enjoy the convention
and bring a few roses from your garden to enter into the rose show. Visit
the UT Gardens and the new Beall Family Rose Garden. Mark your calendars.
We are looking for volunteers to help with this event since it is
hosted by our rose society. For more information, please e-mail Kay Rodgers
at corgiperson@comcast.net or Kathy Brennan at brenrose@tds.net

Spring 2011 Newsletter
A ROSE SHOW JUDGE LOOKS AT EXHIBITING
By: Ted W. Mills, ARS Master Rosarian and Judge
Page 5
One of the most pleasant experiences in growing roses is often missed by countless rosarians. RoseDoc is speaking of
entering roses in rose shows against competition. Too many excellent rose specimens never make it to the table simply
because the rosarian has a lack of confidence in winning. This is a feeling that rose societies need to dispel among
their membership.
Exhibiting roses can really be entertaining and very self-fulfilling. Just to see one’s rose win a blue ribbon for the first
time is exhilarating to the exhibitor. Once the rose makes it to the Queen’s Court, the pleasure is magnified and the
grower is hooked on exhibiting forever.
There are some basic rules that the novice exhibitor should learn. There is no better source to obtain this information
than from a rose show judge. This article is written to provide a simple roadmap for beginners in the art of exhibiting.
To know them is a giant step toward successful exhibiting.
First and foremost, develop a strong sense of self-confidence that you are in the game to win and concerted effort will
be exercised to accomplish the goal. Don’t expect to win at the outset but keep plugging until victory comes your
way. Profit from mistakes and hone your skills to become competitive. Always couple the competitive spirit with a
sense of unselfishness toward your competitor.
A look at things that produce winners in a rose show is advisable. The host Society spells out local rose show
rules. These follow guidelines set by the American Rose Society. Study them and commit them to memory to avoid
penalty or disqualification.
It is ingrained into accredited rose show judges that certain criteria determine winners. A one hundred point system has
been established with six growth traits having specific value. Sixty percent of the overall points pertain to the bloom
itself. This is not to say that foliage and stem are not important. But special attention should be given the bloom. A
review of the six major factors in judging roses is a worthy exercise of the mind.
First - Form
Form is the most important. Form involves how well the plant’s bloom has grown. Is the center sharp and does it come
to a needlepoint shape? Has it opened to the required 1/2 to 3/4 exhibition stage? Have the petals unfurled to a majestic
state? Is there lateral form on the lower petals of the bloom? Examine the entry carefully and make sure the very
important feature of form is developed properly.
Second - Color
What about the color? Is it pure and brilliant? Has refrigeration caused it to lose its normal beauty? Has excessive rain
caused it to spot or fade? Are there streaks in the petals? All of these and other facets require close examination on
the part of the exhibitor. Color is important and must be considered with great care.
Third - Substance
What about substance? Has the rose entry lost its vigor and vitality? As the old saying goes: “Does it have tired
blood? Has the rose been harvested for a long period of time? It is important to enter a rose that is full of freshness and
does not suffer from substance drain. Harvesting entries near show time is the best insurance against substance
loss. Extended refrigeration is not the answer and a good judge can spot freeze damage right away.
Fourth - Stem and Foliage
Stem and foliage rank just behind form in point value. Examine the entry and enter roses that have well-developed foliage
and stem. Weakness in either of these two will spell defeat at the show, even though the bloom is magnificent.
Damaged foliage has prevented good roses from making it to the show table. The foliage should exhibit a
healthy state and display no disease or insect damage. It should not be dirty or limp. Continued Page 7

Page 6 TENNESSEE ROSEBUD
I’m the Prettiest. NO!!! I’m the Prettiest!
By: Mary Bates, ARS Consulting Rosarian
I must admit I was a little taken aback by the “I’m the prettiest syndrome” when I planted my new roses in my established
perennial border. It was the spring of the year and I had just received the Nashville Rose Society list for new
roses. Although the roses for the new season had been carefully selected, ordered and just planted, the list contained
roses that I knew that I wanted in our garden. So like an impetuous and addicted gardener, I ordered eight new roses.
I reasoned with myself that this order would be okay. As an addicted gardener, my husband had made a rule to help me
with my addiction. “Don’t buy a new plant if you have one at home that needs to be planted.” I admit to this addiction
but this was different. It was early spring, and there were no perennials or annuals waiting to be tucked into the beds. So
I placed the order.
The new roses had the distinction of being on fortuniana rootstock, a new challenge in itself. The fact that I had ordered
hybrid teas just made my “Where to plant them problem” even worse. I had no properly prepared bed, and time was
running out.
As I walked our garden, I looked for a suitable spot to plant the new roses. I spotted a perennial bed near our garage.
The soil was rich and the bed was elevated. Although I couldn’t remember everything I had planted in the bed, I could
see the red tips of the peonies, the iris rhizomes and the daffodils poking their heads through the soil. Surely there was
room for my new roses in this bed.
Soon my roses arrived and planting started. As the roses were placed in the bed, I made sure the roses were pleasingly
spaced with enough room to grow while dodging my perennials. Although none of my peonies were dug up, I did locate
some sleeping perennials that needed to be relocated to make room for the new little beauty queens.
The first flush of bloom came after the daffodils with the peonies and iris. So far so good. The white Festiva Maxima
Peonies, the pass-a-along purple iris and the blue Rocky Mountain Columbine looked great with the new budding
roses. But what would happen when Mamaw Sarah’s yellow primroses, the single hollyhocks, the hardy begonias, the
cleome, the black eyed susans and all the other perennials started to bloom?
As more perennials started to bloom and compete with the roses, I knew war was about to break out for space not to
mention the potential color clashes that might occur. I added white annuals to calm the color mixture and just waited to
see what would happen next.
As each perennial appeared, I moved the ones too close to the roses and continued adding the Nature’s Helper Soil Conditioner,
Moo-nure and Mills Magic Mix around the new roses. The regular schedule of spraying, watering and feeding
my existing hybrid teas in their own little beds was extended to the new roses. This routine continued throughout the
summer. As the summer progressed, I worried the roses would be too crowded and their leaves would turn yellow and
drop, but they didn’t. I was startled by how the roses just took over my bed. Each one declaring, “I’m the Prettiest.”
By the end of August the bed was full to overflowing, but the roses stood their ground and towered over the perennials.
I was impressed with their strength and amazed at their fragile beauty.
In the fall I cut back my perennials and the bed started to look like my other rose beds. Underneath the soil I knew there
again would be a battle to determine who’s the prettiest next year. Maybe this is the way it is suppose to be. Maybe the
perennials will welcome the newcomers. After all, it means more good soil, more water and more fertilizer. The admiring
glances won’t hurt either. In either case, I know the white annuals will always be welcomed.
I still can’t decide who’s the prettiest!!
Continued Page 7

Spring 2011 Newsletter
Page 7
ROSE TIPS:
• Stake fortuniana rootstock roses when planted. They grow quickly when properly fed and watered. (I use 5 ft
rebar with rebar caps to prevent injury.)
• Plant the bud union above the ground and be careful when adding soil or soil amendments to keep them away
from the bud union. Fortuniana rootstock can quickly produce suckers that will overtake the beautiful grafted
rose you purchased.
• If your border includes perennials whose colors clash with your roses, either move them to another location or
add white annuals. (You might want to start with softer tone roses when adding them to a perennial border. I
started with all pinks.)
Editor’s Note:
This unpublished article was written in 2005 and reflects the author’s first experience with fortuniana rootstock.
Although adding fortuniana rootstock roses to a crowded perennial bed is generally not recommended, this application
appears to have worked because of the composition of the existing bed– a mix of composted leaf mold, native
soil and natural brown river sand as well as the author’s attention to the needs of the roses. Photo of this portion of
the garden as it exists today is shown on page 8-position 4.
Continued from Page 5
A Rose Show Judge Looks At Exhibiting
Fifth - Balance and Proportion
One of the determining factors in reaching a decision on which entries are best lies in the balance and proportion of the
specimen. This factor is often used when two or more entries are close in competition. One example encountered
deals with a small rose perched on a robust stem with bountiful foliage. The bloom may be a thing of beauty, but the
substandard balance and proportion factor will cause it to lose.
Six - Size
Although the point value of size is low when compared to other requirements, it is still important in judging. Occasionally
the overall size factor will help the judge determine winners in close competition. Usually the specimen that presents
the greater size will win. If the exhibitor has two roses of the same variety and is in a quandary as to which to
enter, the one with the greater size stands the better chance, all other facets being equal in the entry.
Now that the six growth factors have been covered, it is well that a few factors involving the exhibitor be discussed. In
preparing for a show, the exhibitor should make advance preparations as to entering competition. Studying the rose
show schedule, filling out entry tags, securing water-filled vases are but a few of the chores to be done prior to the
show. Pinpointing potential winning specimens in the garden is a must. Once a sure “queen” is spotted, guard it
against rain damage or excessive sunlight. Pamper all entries with loving care and don’t forget to groom them
well. Cleaning of foliage with a moist cloth, avoiding the use of disqualifying substances such as oil or wax. Give special
attention to blooms and carefully groom petals that may be in suspect. Observed the leaves and employ scissor
treatment where necessary. Handle this operation with care since competent judges can spot an overly renovated
rose. Don’t forget to remove foreign materials such as cotton balls, Q-tips, or tags. Excellent entries have met disqualification
because of exhibitor negligence.
With several years of judging at countless rose shows nationwide, RoseDoc well remembers one important fault that
exhibitors possess. All too often, good specimens are not displayed correctly in vases. They are pushed too far into
the container with foliage being forced into the vases. This practice disturbs observant judges. Exhibit roses in their
rightful fashion. Fresh, colorful, substance-filled blooms, supported by strong stems, coupled with disease-free foliage,
and displayed well, will be hard to beat come show time.
The reward is soul satisfying - go for it!
Don’t miss the Bowling Green Spring Rose Show on May 7th. For more info visit www.tenarky.org

THE TENNESSEE ROSEBUD
Dogwood Arts Festival Open Rose Gardens
Please join us as we visit these charming gardens by our Tennessee Rose Society members….
May 7th - 8th and May 14th and May 15th
Jim and Kathy Brennan-525 Altamira Drive
“Bren-rose Garden" features approx. 250 roses, hybrid teas, floribundas,
hybrid perpetuals, English roses, Old Garden Roses, climbing
and rambler roses on arches and an arbor planted all around the
house with a garden pathway. There are three perennial gardens
accented with "garden art" scattered throughout the plants. Kathy is
an ARS Consulting Rosarian and President of TRS.
Michael and Mary Bates-513 Altamira Drive
Michael and Mary Bates’ garden is a nineteen year old spring woodland
and perennial garden with a sunny side and front yard where they
enjoy growing climbers and shrubs including David Austin English
roses and over one hundred hybrid teas and floribundas. Michael and
Mary first fell in love with roses during their travels in New Zealand
while they were employed with the U.S. Antarctic Research Program.
Dr. Joseph and Rhonda Spruiell—9705 Tunbridge
Dr. Spruiell is past President of the Tennessee Rose Society and
Rhonda currently serves as 2nd Vice-President Assistant. Their garden
contains over 200 roses in a formal design accented by a water
feature and stone paths. Roses are hybrid teas, floribundas and
miniatures. Dr. Spruiell and Rhonda are ARS Master Rosarians and
Horticulture Judges.
Dr. Tom and Mary Frances Carlson-917 Hayslope Drive
Dr. Carlson is Past President of the Tennessee Rose Society and
Mary Frances currently serves as Social Chairman. Dr. Carlson and
Mary Frances’ garden, which is twelve years old, features mainly a
variety of hybrid tea roses with some grandiflora and floribunda
roses. A small miniature garden is in the front, and there is a beautiful
display of ‘Knockout’ roses. There are about 130 roses in all.