Gulf District Blog

Ken Kelley was sworn in as the new Gulf District Director covering Mississippi and Louisiana on October 28, 2018 at the National Rose Show and Convention in San Diego, California.  This is a 3 year term that will conclude in the fall of 2021.  Additionally, Ken was also chosen as Chairman of the American Rose Society Bylaws Committee.  

(L - R) Ken and Wanda Kelley from Northeast Louisiana Rose Society and Marilyn Wellan from CenLA Rose Society attended the 2018 National Rose Show and Convention in San Diego, California in October.  Along with some great guest speakers was a celebration dinner for Pat Shanley and installation of the new ARS President Bob Martin and Vice President Diane Sommers.

Gulf District Mid-Winter Workshop 2019 Feb 8&9 2019 at the American Rose Center - Kilma Hall 8877 Jefferson Paige Road, Shreveport, LA 71119 The Gulf District Board of the American Rose Society invites you to the annual Mid Winter Workshop at The American Rose Center – Klima Hall on Friday and Saturday, February 8-9, 2019. Come join us on Friday afternoon, as registration will begin on at 1:00 pm.  A free rose arrangement workshop will begin at 3:00 pm in the Gift Shop of Klima Hall.  Make sure to browse the historical artwork from Civil War era Louisiana.  A wine social will begin at 5:00 pm, giving everyone time to visit with old friends and make new ones. Friday evening dinner will be followed by a ”Year of the River” presentation marking the historical significance of the rivers of Louisiana including the introduction of formal gardens to Louisiana.  Friday evening will conclude with the Gulf District’s award presentation. Saturda...

Rose Rosette Disease Symposium Gardens of the American Rose Center 8877 Jefferson Paige Road Shreveport, LA 71119 September 28, 2018 9:00 am to 12:30 pm Agenda 9:00 am: Welcome (Mark Wilson and Dr. Patrick Colyer, LSU AgCenter) 9:15 am: How to identify Rose rosette disease and its current distribution in Louisiana? (Dr. Raj Singh, LSU AgCenter). 10:00 am: Rose rosette disease research update and US distribution and history. (Dr. Mark Windham, University of Tennessee) 10:45 am: Break. 11:00 am: Rose care. (Dr. Allen Owings, Gulf District Director, American Rose Society) 11:45 am: Panel discussion (Q and A) 12:15 pm: Adjourn The symposium is open to general public, master gardeners, landscape professionals, extension personnel, and specialists. Register at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rose-rosette-disease-symposium-the- american-rose-center-tickets-49415018651 For more information, contact Mr. Mark Wilson ( mawilson@agcenter.lsu.edu ) or Dr. Raj Singh ( rsingh@agcente...

New reports of rose rosette disease were recently confirmed in commercial landscapes in the Shreveport and Bossier City area. It is a devastating disease of roses and was first confirmed in Louisiana during fall 2015, said LSU AgCenter plant doctor Raj Singh.  All rose cultivars are susceptible, including Knock Out roses and wild multiflora roses.  “Symptoms produced by rose rosette disease are highly variable, depending on the cultivar or species of the rose and the plant’s age,” Singh said.  Infected roses produce a cluster of new shoots from a single point on the parent canes. The new shoots elongate rapidly and appear like a “witch’s broom,” Singh said. “Infected canes produce excessive thorns that are green or red and soft in the beginning but later harden off as the disease progresses,” he said. “Presence of excessive thorns, especially on newly infected canes, is one of the most reliable symptoms to help with diagnosing rose rosette disease.”  ...

It's been known for years that a static line for rose rosette disease was present in the deep south based on anecdotal information.  Katherine Solo as part of of MS thesis set up 204 plots in MS, AL and GA to determine if the "rose rosette line" truely existed.  It does!  Now to understand why and can we exploit the reasons why the disease does not become established below the line. Exciting news!

This is a FABULOUS event! Great 2-day HOME GARDENER event. Many talks both days! Plant vendors. Display gardens of vegetables and flowers. Wagon tours. Great food. You just have to be there! The Gulf District ARS will be! More info at:  http://extension.msstate.edu/fallfest

Some Rose Care Information for Late Summer by Allen Ownings Folks have been asking about rose care and what to do about "under-performing" and leggy roses. In zones 8 and 9 (dow n South) we recommend pruning roses in late summer....this is typically mid August through early September depending on where you live and the current weather patterns. This pruning should remove about 1/3rd of the plant (late winter pruning should remove or could remove as much as 2/3-3/4 of the plant). In addition to height reduction pruning, thin out (totally remove) an older cane each time you do rose pruning, especially on older bushes. It is a great idea to fertilize in late summer also. If you roses are not growing well or need new canes, consider an Epsom salt application (2 tablespoons per plant) - this adds magnesium to the plant and also may help with new basal break (cane) formation. Remember that roses need full sun and will not perform well in any type of a shady setting. Mulch...

'American Maid' was the name selected from the "Name That Rose Contest" held at Greengate Garden Center, Lake Charles, LA.  The public was asked to submit names for this electric pink rose Steve Russell hybridized.  This hybrid tea rose has exhibition form and very popular with all whom have seen it.  This rose will be available from K and M Roses in the spring of 2019   'Gemini' x 'Veterans Honor'

Introducing a new rose  'Liz's Charm'  that was hybridized by SWLA Rose Society member Steve Roussell.  This rose was named for Jim Mills' granddaughter and has been submitted to IRAR for approval.  It is a Hybrid Tea, mauve blend (mauve with red edges), 4-5" blooms, blooms on long canes, mostly solitary, exhibition quality, moderately fragrant blooms.  'Liz's Charm' will be available through K&M Nursery in the spring 2019. 'Gemini' x 'Samantha'

Introducing a new rose  'Clovie' that was hybridized by SWLA Rose Society member Steve Roussell.  This rose was previewed by Steve at the 2018 Gulf District Mid Winter Workshop in Lafayette.  It is a Hybrid Tea, Orange Pink, 4-5" blooms, 30-35 petals, very fragrant, medium upright growth, medium matt green foliage. 'Clovie' will be available through K&M Nursery and Greengate Garden Center in Lake Charles, spring 2019. 'Elle' x 'Fragrant Plum'

The LAST batch of American Rose Society Triennial Election reminder emails are being sent today. The election ends at 12 noon (Central) on Friday, July 27th. The ARS team is on standby to help you if you need assistance. You MUST have been a paid active member on May 15th, 2018. Your ballot was emailed to you. If it is not in your inbox, check your spam, junk, clutter of other folders. If you cannot find it, call the ARS offices. 318-938-5402. We want every eligible member to vote! 🌹

Members of the Gulf District of the American Rose Society attending the 2018 ARS National Miniature Conference and Rose Show in Jacksonville, Florida.   (L-R) Ken Kelley, Wanda Kelley, Marilyn Wellan, Frank Hover, Flora Hover, Laura Seabaugh, Jon Corkern.  Not in photo - Dr. Allen Owings.

Seedling naming contest          Name This Rose!                      Steve Roussell Has Done it Again! 'Gemini' x 'Veterans' Honor' This beautiful, deep pink rose, hybridized by SWLA Rose Society's,  Steve Roussell, needs a name! It's on its way soon to Jim Mills of K&M Nursery  to be grafted onto Fortuniana rootstock, then for sale under its new name chosen   by some lucky person!   Time is short; heading to Jim at the end of the month! Join the growing list of those who've already signed up at Greengate Garden Center,  or enter your 'name' on line via facebook: