“Roses do not bloom hurriedly; for beauty, like any masterpiece, takes time to blossom.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

The snow is melting, the birds are singing and soon we will be back to working on our own masterpieces!

Yes, spring is just around the corner making us more excited than ever to be together to talk roses on Tuesday, March 9 at 6:30 pm EST!

Our very special guest, Marilyn Wellan, serves as the Restoration Project Coordinator and will share with us the latest details on the Great Garden Restoration of America’s Rose Garden in Shreveport, Louisiana! Marilyn is a charming, gracious and knowledgeable lover of the rose and will inspire us all!

Our meetings are open to the public and always include a time of Q & A. So bring your questions as we kick off our spring season! Please contact Humberto DeLuca for Zoom sign-in link here. See you soon! (More details below.)

MEETING DETAILS…

TUES, MAR 9, 6:30 PM EST  / ZOOM
(Please note that the above time is EST and adjust to fit your time zone!)

SPEAKER: MARILYN WELLAN

Marilyn Wellan is a 37-year member of the American Rose Society, and served 29 of those years on its Board of Directors. She is a Past President (2003-2006), Horticulture and Arrangements Judge, Consulting Rosarian and Master Rosarian. She was awarded the ARS Gold Honor Medal in 2017, and earlier the Silver Medal and Bronze Medal. She was named a “Great Rosarian of the World” in 2009; and recognized in “Decades of Women” in 2017.

PROGRAM: GREAT GARDEN RESTORATION OF AMERICA’S ROSE GARDEN

In early 2017, a five-year Master Plan was approved by the American Rose Center Committee and the ARS Board of Directors which set the path for the Great Garden Restoration, and for success in the future. The plan outlined these major Immediate Goals: 1) consolidation of the many gardens into a “core garden” with visual impact; 2) clearing of many trees; 3) deer fencing; 4) new walkways; 5) soil testing and amending; 6) creating an exciting new design for the gardens (see above image).

By the end of the year 2018, the Immediate Goals of the Master Plan had been achieved; $570,000 was raised in cash, services, in-kind gifts and pledges. The Great Garden Restoration Project is well underway, and promises to create a garden that is a major attraction for visitors from around the world, is visitor-friendly, reduces maintenance, is respectful of the environment, is educational in nature, and that is capable of increasing earned revenue to support the gardens. Images and additional garden information here.

The Shanley Delvecchio Pavilion and reflecting pool provide a beautiful entrance to the garden.