Planning A Spring Rose Garden

Gene Boerner Magnificent Floribunda, 2013 spring bloom

Growing roses can be easy. Most gardeners tell me they want a rose garden. Time constraints today demand easy steps to see quick results and the considerable cost that we invest in our gardens require lasting success. When asked why they don’t grow roses most people tell me they think Continue Reading

Roses for a Life Time, Chicago Flower and Garden Show

Stormy Weather, Large Flowered Climber

Sweet Home Chicago  I grew up 38 miles north ‘as the crow flies’ along the beautiful N. Shore of Lake Michigan. Next Wednesday, March 19, at 11:00 AM I’ll be talking about rosesat the Chicago Flower and Garden Show. I wish Lynn Arthur and my mother could be there. Here’s Continue Reading

December Rose Gardens by Jack Falker, The Minnesota Rose Gardener

Jack Falker of Minnesota

December is an exciting month. Have you ever noticed one minute it’s August and the next its Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and like a speeding train the holidays are upon us. The holidays offer so much to do you probably haven’t given much thought to extra winter protection for your roses. Continue Reading

Planting Roses in The Fall

'Weeping' Rose and Leaves

“The tints of autumn…a mighty flower garden blossoming under the spell of the enchanter, frost.” ― John Greenleaf Whittier   Beveridge D. Fergusson’s Scottish Proverbs circa 1641 proclaimed, “An open confession is good for the soul.” I openly confess I have never planted a rose bush in the fall. I Continue Reading

You Meet The Nicest People At A Rose Show

Where are the rose gardens? Backyards.   Hidden secret gardens are behind beautiful urns and cascading fountains or perhaps ivy brick walls. You can catch a glimpse of a climbing rose or a waft of their fragrance on the wind as you walk along the sidewalk out for an evening Continue Reading