Goshen News, Goshen, IN
May 7 14, 2009
Tom Yoder

A Diamond in the Rough

I was invited to attend a rose seminar presented by Nature Lane Greenhouse near Shipshewana. Never having been there before I did a Google search on my computer to locate the business, which is Northeast of the town about 4 miles and quite a few twists and turns.

It actually turned out to be easier than first thought and I was there in no time. Despite the gloomy and rainy weather, attendance was great with a packed main greenhouse that was set up with many chairs to accommodate the eager listeners and learners.

 I’VE ALWAYS BEEN AN ADVOCATE of cleanliness and presentation in a greenhouse operation and was truly amazed at both of these in this operation. Not once did I see an unhealthy plant among their seven greenhouses that has modern display shelving that are packed with annuals and perennials and baskets of every description.

The big thrust this day of course was roses and, believe me, if you are a rose enthusiast and looking for good quality roses, most of which are Jackson & Perkins, then you won’t be disappointed because they have 2500 to choose from and many in full bloom.

They also include the newest patented varieties as well as introductions dedicated to the first ladies of the White House from past years as well as past Presidents, i.e.: Laura Bush, Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, and John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln.

GREG LEYES OF GINGER VALLEY GREENHOUSE made the presentation that included the origination of roses and the process of hybridizing as well as planting, and pruning them and keeping them healthy and disease free. Also touched on were “old roses” or heirloom roses that are “own root” roses retained from centuries ago and not the modern grafted varieties.

If you purchase one of these potted roses from a greenhouse then planting is as simple as digging a hole to accommodate the pot size and removing to the hole. Just make sure that the soil level is retained to it’s original level in the pot by allowing for settling after watering. Always maintain the graft above soil level by at least an inch or two.

IF ROOT GIRDLING is present, break up roots to prevent continued girdling. If you’re planting bare root roses from a nursery, prepare your hole half again larger than the root spread and form a cone shaped mound in the center of the hole to form a cradle for the plant. After clipping back roots to new live growth, drape roots over the mound and continue to fill half way. Fill the hole with water and wait for absorption, then continue with final fill and finish by mulching several inches deep around entire digging area.

Water again and keep soil moist but not soggy. Prune tops to fresh healthy growth and retain a candelabra shape with budding to the outward sides. Always prune to a five leaf juncture that is an outside bud when removing spent blooms.

 PACKAGED STORE PURCHASED ROSES are treated in much the same manner making sure they are fresh, healthy looking stock. Treat roses with rose spray or black spot spray if disease occurs in the form of aphids, powdery mildew, or black spot. Systemic products are also available that treat from the roots up. If  organic is your thing, try a spray mixture of: one quart of water, one tablespoon baking soda, and three drops of a dish washing liquid as a sticking agent. Keep roses fertilized to maintain their health and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful roses day after day.

 

Goshen News, Goshen, IN
July 14, 2009

Shipshewana appreciated by beautification judges

Congratulations to the town of Shipshewana on its first entry into the America in Bloom program (www.americainbloom.org). A tour of the clean and well-maintained town revealed delightful surprises, including the beautiful flowers in the commercial areas. Shipshewana was evaluated on eight criteria: tidiness, community involvement, urban forestry, environmental awareness, heritage preservation, turf and groundcover, landscape design and floral displays. Awards will be announced in Hershey, Pa., on Oct. 13. Everyone is welcome to attend this community-building event. Many wonderful people worked hard to make Shipshewana shine. In particular, we would like to acknowledge the efforts of Neil King, Cletus Lambright and Lora Tormanen. We offer our thanks as well to Noah Miller of Nature Lane Greenhouse for help with floral displays and landscaping. America in Bloom is in its eighth year and the program has included 171 towns in 38 states, touching the lives of more than 20 million people. American in Bloom’s goal is to make America a better place to live, one community at a time. — Evelyn Alemanni Virginia L. Beatty judges America in Bloom Escondido, Calif.

http://goshennews.com/letters/x1048583004/Shipshewana-appreciated-by-beautification-judges?keyword=topstory