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| I may get a little teary as I write this, because you are all very dear to me. You may know that I am a member of the local Rose Society, but I hardly ever attended until very recently due to my job and the needs of my garden on weekends. In attending several meetings lately I have been a bit disappointed. I'm sure the fault is my own, because I am shy and don't reach out to strangers. (It really is a horrible handicap.) But it has improved some with the Festival of Roses in early November. My point is that we here on this Forum are a Rose Society unto ourselves, the kind of society I miss when I go to the local meetings. It has all been said before by each one of us, but I want to say it again. We are all in agreement that we support and encourage each other, are genuinely interested in each other's gardens, respect and even revere each other's talents and strengths in their quest to bring their gardens to some semblance of beautiful perfection, are filled with joy at the beauty that the others of us are creating and with their successes, disturbed and disappointed by the failures, and eager to share new practices, discoveries, roses, etc that we're sure the others will fully appreciate. Our society encompasses Italy, Sweden, England, Crete, many varied American locales, and Australia, too, I believe. I am so grateful for this group and all of you rosey people. We couldn't be more different and yet more the same - same in heart. We can "gather" at a moment's notice, are instantly available for any and every "emergency", and are always (well, 99.9%) gracious and kind in the process. And we don't even pay dues! Thank you all!!! I am so proud and happy to be a member of THIS rose society!! Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
Follow-Up Postings:
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| And what better time of the year could there be, for telling friends that they are valued? The feeling is mutual. Jeri |
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| Sherry, that is very touching and conveys better than I ever could what I think most of us feel. I've had the same experience as you in attending local rose society meetings where I didn't feel all that comfortable (or even terribly interested) because nothing touches on my particular concerns and passion as this forum does. We can gloat and we can moan, and have the joy of helping others, or receiving help, and we don't have to get dressed up and drive 20 miles to do it. What is so precious is that we know each other and are comfortable in expressing our thoughts and feelings, with the sure knowledge that we're accepted and understood. It really is a precious gift that can't be overestimated. We're a sort of family, but without the baggage and negatives that often afflict real families. Few outside this forum understand or even care to know about my love of roses, and certainly not in the depth that we can enjoy here, where every issue is given due consideration, and help is given with graciousness and unrivaled knowledge. It just couldn't be any better! Ingrid |
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| I cherish this online rose society too :-) What has been nice in our local rose society is we started a little sub-group of antique rose lovers and have occasional, informal lunch/brunch meetings at one another's houses and gardens. This has been so much fun! |
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| Sherry, I couldn't phrase it better. But wanted to chime in as I feel exactly the same way. I cannot imagine not being able to share this crazy passion with other like minded souls. |
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| Thank you, Sherry, and right back at you and everyone here at GW! I belong to two local societies and enjoy them very much but truthfully I get more and better information here rather than there. The thinking in the societies is rather old and staid and not very innovative. Me, I like to experiment, lol! I always get encouragement here when I try my, sometimes hair brained, ideas out. Thank you all! |
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- Posted by thonotorose FL 9 (My Page) on Fri, Nov 30, 12 at 20:01
| My local society can be rather staid, I agree. However, for the sake of my garden I need to remember that those other's are my competition at the rose sales! Once my garden is finished, I am sure I will be more able to relax around them. I mean I certainly don't want to reveal to the competition that I am looking for a fort grafted x-y-z. All kidding aside; I do look around and remind myself at "cookie time" that all those people are just as besotted as I am. That helps my shy self a great deal. And I love the opening question a person asked once (Was it here?); "Where do you garden?" From there I've added a few more.. What is your earliest rose memory? Your favs? And so on... Veronica |
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- Posted by bellegallica_zone9 10 (My Page) on Fri, Nov 30, 12 at 21:41
| I feel the same way, and as a very shy person myself, this is much easier. I don't belong to any societies here, and I don't know anyone personally to whom I could run and scream, "I have basal breaks!" without them thinking me insane or that I have broken bones or something. I could do that here, and everyone understands. |
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| This forum is the warm snuggly in my life (well, okay, there's the kitty cuddle huddle, too). It's my community: safe, supportive, kind, interested...all those adjectives that describe the best in humanity. I'm so happy to know all of you. |
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| I'm not here as often as I used to be, but I still read most of what everyone writes ... and I totally echo the feelings that everyone else is expressing. Many of you started as online friends and have turned into real live in-the-flesh friends. Putting faces and voices to the names and screen names is SO exciting. I feel as if I could call any of you and ask to come by to see your garden ... THAT'S what friends do. Thank you for being my friends. |
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| Sherry, that is so sweet. Like you, I'm shy with strangers and don't put myself out there. It was hard for me to go to the rose meetings at first. They all know each other for years. It was like high school all over again! But I think I have found friends there. We are having our Christmas Party tomorrow. And I was asked to be secretary this year. Ok, I know it's the job they dump on the new girl, but I'm excited. But yes, GW has been a great 'club' Where else can you go and ask questions or voice concerns that 'normal' people wouldn't understand. There have been times I've lost patience with GW and stopped reading it, but I always come back. Because of people like you Sherry!!!! |
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Sat, Dec 1, 12 at 20:56
| Jeri, you're so right. Timing is everything. Ingrid, it is kind of odd how "other people" glaze over and move on to the next subject when I get onto roses. hehe, not here though. lbuzzell, your informal meetings must be heavenly. I'm jealous. Harmonyp, you said it a lot better - and shorter - than me. "this crazy passion with other like minded souls." I love it! Seil, I suppose the word staid would be the last one anyone would choose for this group. Good or bad, I like gardening outside the box - well, sometimes. I like hair-brained, too. Veronica, I've never been to one of those "competitive" rose sales so I was a little clueless at first about your comment. I can see where that would put a crimp in your rose-socializing. I'm surprised by so many shy ones in our group, and thanks for the icebreakers. I'll have to write them down and stick them in my pocket on meeting day. Bellegallica, wow, I'm so impressed that you're shy AND that you garden roses totally solo in your community. A woman after my own heart!!! And I thought I was the only shy person in this world. Basal breaks and broken bones...good one!!! Catsrose, I LOVE your adjectives. I'm happy to know you, too. Connie, I haven't experienced in-the-flesh friendships (yet) that you have enjoyed, but it FEELS like I have. Buford, you're shy, too!! Cool! I sort of volunteered to be VP (no one else would) but then reconsidered after a depressing event recently. Maybe next year. I do think I need to learn more about how rose societies work and 'normal' (not crazed) rose gardeners think before I take on elected office. But I have made a few good friends there - the more crazed ones of the group. Congrats on your secretaryship!! Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Sat, Dec 1, 12 at 22:21
| Jeri, you're so right. Timing is everything. Ingrid, it is kind of odd how "other people" glaze over and move on to the next subject when I get onto roses. hehe, not here though. lbuzzell, your informal meetings must be heavenly. I'm jealous. Harmonyp, you said it a lot better - and shorter - than me. "this crazy passion with other like minded souls." I love it! Seil, I suppose the word staid would be the last one anyone would choose for this group. Good or bad, I like gardening outside the box - well, sometimes. I like hair-brained, too. Veronica, I've never been to one of those "competitive" rose sales so I was a little clueless at first about your comment. I can see where that would put a crimp in your rose-socializing. I'm surprised by so many shy ones in our group, and thanks for the icebreakers. I'll have to write them down and stick them in my pocket on meeting day. Bellegallica, wow, I'm so impressed that you're shy AND that you garden roses totally solo in your community. A woman after my own heart!!! And I thought I was the only shy person in this world. Basal breaks and broken bones...good one!!! Catsrose, I LOVE your adjectives. I'm happy to know you, too. Connie, I haven't experienced in-the-flesh friendships (yet) that you have enjoyed, but it FEELS like I have. Buford, you're shy, too!! Cool! I sort of volunteered to be VP (no one else would) but then reconsidered after a depressing event recently. Maybe next year. I do think I need to learn more about how rose societies work and 'normal' (not crazed) rose gardeners think before I take on elected office. But I have made a few good friends there - the more crazed ones of the group. Congrats on your secretaryship!! Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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| This site was a revelation. There actually are (a few) people crazier about gardening than I am. I have arrived home. Cath |
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- Posted by mendocino_rose z8 N CA. (My Page) on Mon, Dec 3, 12 at 18:15
| Sherry, I know it can be hard to reach out to others. I'm very shy too, but over the years because of roses I have become what my husband calls a social butterfly. In the rose world I am understood respected and even loved. I have met the most wonderful people. I can't wait to go to rose events to see my friends. I feel like this forum is most of the time a friendly place too. I've been here since 1999. We have an unusual rose society here in Mendocino County. They have become an almost entirely social group. There's a little bit of rose talk. We're so fond of each other that we can't disband entirely. I'm attending the annual Christmas party soon. Your group has done some great things lately like the recent conference with Carolyn. I must tell you that she wrote to me recently and said how much she liked you. Roses are a wonderful thing to bring us all together no matter what our situations and beliefs. I am so thankful. |
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Mon, Dec 3, 12 at 19:10
| Cath, there is definitely a homey feeling amongst us crazies. Pam, it's true, and I think once I break through the ice it will be great. I had the mistakenly assumption that people would come up to ME since they 'know' me from my blog, but that mostly has not happened. So I will just have to get brave and walk up to THEM and get to know them. I think it will be fine. Carolyn and Carol and I had a wonderfully fun day together. Carolyn and I have an amazing amount of stuff in common. We even both drive Honda CRV's - I still drive my old white one, and she wishes she still drove her old white one. Our big difference is that she cuts her roses and brings them inside which enables her so-lovely photography. Of course, if I had Carolyn's volume of roses, I'd cut them, too!! Someday... It was a joy to spend time with her. On a humorous note I was trying to tell her about you and your magnificent garden and that you had a website, then she said she didn't know you had a website but you were a best friend and she had taken photos of your garden and they were on her website. When I checked them out, I realized my faulty memory was thinking that her page was your website. And seeing her photo again at the end was just kind of a dream - oh, wow! I know her now! Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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| Wow, I'll bet a psychiatrist would love this conversation! I'm shy too, (would just as soon be alone out in the garden, except for DH),will do just about anything to avoid a social occasion, just not good at small talk and don't care to partake. But here, we can say what we want and feel however we want, and I think that's why I feel so comfortable here. I so appreciate you all! I have to laugh, one of my grandaughters is autistic but super smart, she is the same way, perfectly happy to be in her own little world; makes me wonder where it came from, LOL! |
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Mon, Dec 3, 12 at 19:36
| Ogrose, I think it helps greatly for us shy people to collect our thoughts fully in writing (including editing) and then click send. Can't do that as well while standing in front of someone. I absolutely share your feelings about small talk. My brain draws a blank. Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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- Posted by jeannie2009 (My Page) on Mon, Dec 3, 12 at 21:40
| Thank you Sherry for wording what I have often thought but did bot know how to express. Happy rose days to each and every one of you. Jeannie |
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| I dont care anything about facebook, twitter, etc. But I read the forums nearly every day and am always learning something - and never feel silly when I ask what may seem to me is a dumb question. Love the photos from so many beautiful gardens and the comments on how certain roses perform. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all! Judityh |
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| Paralytically shy, to begin with, a career in retail advertising art taught me to grit my teeth, and communicate -- but the need to share and preserve old roses finished the job. I am blessed with a partner who spoke professionally. We grow and propagate rare roses, and we take the message forward by doing talks. If you can do that, GO FOR IT! Jeri In SoCal |
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| Paralytically shy, to begin with, a career in retail advertising art taught me to grit my teeth, and communicate -- but the need to share and preserve old roses finished the job. I am blessed with a partner who spoke professionally. We grow and propagate rare roses, and we take the message forward by doing talks. If you can do that, GO FOR IT! Jeri In SoCal |
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| Speaking of not paying dues, I did, back in the days when Spike owned these forums. Just a bit of history. Rosefolly |
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- Posted by melissa_thefarm NItaly (My Page) on Tue, Dec 4, 12 at 6:30
| I got to this thread a little late. I can't imagine what my gardening life would be like without the moral and practical support of this forum: it's GREAT!! I have a powerful respect for the knowledge and the knowledgeable gardeners I encounter here. I don't know that I'm shy, but I am pretty terrible at meeting people and at socializing with people, unless I know them extremely well and like them. As Sherry also said, a forum is ideal for me because it gives me time to think and revise before I open my mouth or push the send button. Also, I like to write, and am happy that I can share my thoughts here with people who are interested. So, Sherry, thank you for saying it and giving me the chance to say, Amen!! And happy holidays to all my friendly fellow gardeners here on the forum! Melissa |
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- Posted by daisyincrete (My Page) on Tue, Dec 4, 12 at 7:59
| I am not very good at articulating my feelings. So I will just say, ditto. I agree with what everybody else has said. Daisy |
This post was edited by daisyincrete on Tue, Dec 4, 12 at 8:02
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| I've been coming here for several years, and though I don't post often, I share sentiments expressed by others. Through trying times of grief and illness, this forum has been a source of comfort to me as well as knowledge. I do so appreciate and value my fellow rose people. :) |
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- Posted by harborrose 8a-PNW (My Page) on Wed, Dec 5, 12 at 13:53
| In my case, I am not sure shyness is my problem so much as it is just a huge case of being an introvert. If I have to spend too much time in social situations I feel really drained and it takes me awhile to recover. I'm happiest in my garden or with a book or communicating through writing or photography or doing something with my hands. Sherry, I'll bet the people in your garden club didn't approach you because your blog kind of intimidates them and they're kinda scared of you. Hard to believe that, you sweet thing, but maybe that's it. I've found that if I have to mingle with a lot of people in order to avoid the blank-brain syndrome, I just start asking them questions and that works because most people enjoy telling you about themselves. I'm a good listener, but not so much at talking. I can teach or talk in front of crowds, but it's because I know what I want to say. Other than that, my brain goes blank too, other than a few topics I'm passionate about and I've learned to recognize that blank glazed stare I can elicit in people when I've rose-spewed too much. That's the great thing about forums, you figure other people are as interested in roses as you are, and if they do get glazed looks, you can't see them. hah! |
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| Sherry and all of you who have so willingly shared your knowldege make this Society indeed very special. You have certainly made this first year of growing roses a lot less stressful for me. When I start to think that I have made a huge mistake trying to grow roses in Florida, I just remind myself that many of you are doing it successfully. And Sherry, your blog , with the beautiful photos, gives me confidence that my roses will live, too! And your Duchesse de Brabant story has bought a couple of my roses bushes enough time to change my mind about them. I appreciate you all (and look forward to picking your brains for many years to come) ! |
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Wed, Dec 5, 12 at 17:31
| Rosefolly, so glad times have changed. :)) Melissa, ditto your "I can't imagine what my gardening life would be like without the moral and practical support of this forum." Daisy, ditto works. Brittie, I know the feeling. Thanks for saying it "out loud". Gean, Double hah! You're so funny. You may be exactly right about the intimidation thing - sadly. It's weird how people are effected by a "famous" person. I met someone not at a meeting who read and liked my blog who stood before me wide-eyed and grinning like she/he had just won the lottery. A totally amazing & strange experience to be on the receiving end of it. I don't mean this to be a Dear Abby kind of thing, but I must not be succeeding in presenting myself as an average gardener not an expert gardener. Oh, well, I just hope I don't come off as pompous or full of myself. Thanks, Gean, for thinking I'm a sweet thing. That's cute. I wonder if there's a shy person's blog/forum somewhere. I'm getting good pointers. Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Wed, Dec 5, 12 at 17:44
| Gracin, wow!! What do they yell at the soccer games?? GOAL!!!!!!!!! You are who I started writing my blog for!!!! But just so you know, I have days when I think I'm crazy to be growing roses in Florida (or anywhere), so if you ever have scary doubts, know that you're not alone. And probably Floridians aren't alone either. Probably similar thoughts have crossed the mind of Ingrid in the super hot hills of SoCal and the Zone 4 folks and the BS Zone of DelMarVa and everywhere else. But we continue on. Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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| I really appreciate the Forum, so much. It's a wonderful place for me to share in the camaraderie of this special hobby of growing roses. Sherry, I, too, am shy, and it's been good for me to make friends here; Forum friends have helped me during difficult times and I'm very grateful.
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Wed, Dec 5, 12 at 20:29
| Krista, you're another one? Shy people are so cool! Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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| Sherry: just now read this thread, wondered why it had so many posts... You are so right! I have enjoyed this forum on & off for MANY years. I have met & shared plants with the neatest people. I can yack here with my paisanos during long nights of insomnia, get the kindest support from like-minded souls, etc. On this forum you can discuss scrubbing buds, new basals (hooray!), alfalfa vs manure, the chemistry & biology of soils, share excitement over a bloom or new orders--all those things that make the eyes of friends & family glaze over. They just don't understand! It is so gratifying to receive input from the many professionals here who are so generous with helping/supporting/encouraging other folks. A long overdue THANK YOU all so very much for your kindness & friendliness. Bless you all :) |
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| I really enjoy this forum, too! I used to come here years ago but quit for a few years, and came back because I really need to talk to people with similar interests. I've joined the Houston Rose Society, but haven't gone to a meeting yet. They used to be a group of "grafted HT's only", but have embraced the older roses and organic methods, so I'd find people who think like I do, I think. This forum really is an online rose society, thanks! |
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Thu, Dec 6, 12 at 10:25
| Bluegirl, I was going to say that I've never seen anyone respond here with "Get over it", but then I vaguely remembered episodes similar to the "Snap out of it" scene in 'Moonstruck". Sometimes rosey "interventions" have been necessary when we get a bit too nerved-up over stuff. Eahamel, I really think the Rose Societies everywhere are modernizing toward OGR's and organics. Hope you enjoy the group and add to their knowledge base. Now I know you're a fellow hot/humid gardener on the other side of the gulf in Houston. So sorry if I already knew that. I forget easily now. Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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| I've never thought of joining an in-person rose society. I cannot imagine fitting in, besides the fact of absolutely not having the time for one. This is crazy convenient - just signing on at any whim. I don't know how many times I've been in the garden, and some thought has come to me that has caused me to run into the house and sign on as I've seen something I want to communicate about. Or needed a brain break at work, open a window - peek at a thread, then put the brain back to work. |
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- Posted by lookin4you2xist 9b (breaks4rainbows@yahoo.com) on Mon, Dec 17, 12 at 19:16
| Sheeryocala ... are you the one I met at a St. Pete meeting a year or two ago, that came to my house and got the Moser house shed rose? (I'm the one that brought in the blooming Rambler?) Regards, Andrew Grover St. Pete |
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Mon, Dec 17, 12 at 20:37
| Andrew, that wasn't me, but you have emailed me - I forget what the subject was. :)) Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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| Oh Sherry, you are a sweetie. I was gonna join the shy club but have to state that this is not strictly true - the truth is I am just too grumpy for civilised discourse with sensible adults (which is why this forum is perfectly OK) The weird hermit witch, living in the woods has soooooo much appeal! Hansel and Gretel had better watch out. I know how this works though, Sherry. That sudden rush of warm feelings that being around like-minded types engenders. I would never dream of being so publicly weepy about cats, babies and flowers but feel it is quite OK to let it all hang out here. I can get positively confessional. |
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| In reality, Campanula, it's NOT like that in the majority of our lives; we live, work hard, raise our families and are pretty "normal". These awful things that do happen are dwelled upon by the major news networks, making it look like we're all that way when we're really not... we're as shocked and dismayed as you are. |
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| Oh, I know that, ogrose, it is merely the imaginary I am talking about (could call it the virtual, even) which is why this connection with people as gardeners rather than'americans' is important and useful to me (I probably need to get out a bit more). |
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| "(I probably need to get out a bit more)." Yes, me too, but I really don't care to, and at my age, I do what I darn well want, lol! |
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- Posted by patricia43 z8 AL (My Page) on Thu, Dec 20, 12 at 12:04
| Sherry, a long time ago, maybe 10 years ago I attended a district meeting in your area, and I recall a mix of people, similar to any group, that some are friendly and some are not. They love HT roses in that group and I have trouble growing them and do not have time to babysit them day and night which they require in hot humid Alabama and Florida, so I stick with the OGR and let them worship at the bowl of chemicals that HT roses requires. I got tired of my OGRs being treated as the stepcousins of their "cherished" golden children, the HT roses, which they forgot were the progeny of my grand roses. Hence, I like being here at the OGR forum with people who understand that not every zone is the same and not every garden, but all gardens are all embellished with hard work, producing a lovely flower which we can all agree is the product of our love and whether or not we grow HTs does not matter. Rosefolly, that was a time ago, was it not? I think I got "almost' sent to Disney once but came flying back but had to make amends for my typing before thinking. |
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- Posted by zeffyrose_pa6b7 6b7 (My Page) on Thu, Dec 20, 12 at 20:26
| What a lovely post I'm so happy I stopped in tonight----I have always loved this Forum and the wonderful rose lovers who post here---I'm sorry I haven't been here very much lately---more problems with two back surgeries---I will be having an MRI next week---so far I've been told I have scar tissue pinching the nerves in my back---sitting is really a problem so I don't post often but do try to read as many posts as I can Take care everyone and keep up the good work Love to all, Florence--- |
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| FLORENCE! Get a Tablet! Then, you can post from a horizontal position! That would be a gift to all here. Jeri |
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- Posted by zeffyrose_pa6b7 6b7 (My Page) on Thu, Dec 20, 12 at 22:30
| Jeri-----You are so right ---the only way I can be comfortable is horizontal or upright---just so nothing is pressing on the nerve---- I've tried to put my laptop on my stomach but it is too heavy and cumbersome-----maybe Santa will bring me a smaller one---- I will know more after the MRI-----I have no idea what the treatment will be---I dread another surgery--- Hope we all have a lovely Christmas---Our real tree is up and the two Angel Trees which are still up from last year----LOL Florence |
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| Florence, I understand your reluctance to face surgery -- I'm right there with you, or will be, in a couple of years. We can be thankful for the ways in which technology allows us to overcome the limitations of our physical bodies. And that's a good start to the Holiday Season. Jeri |
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| Florence, I understand your reluctance to face surgery -- I'm right there with you, or will be, in a couple of years. We can be thankful for the ways in which technology allows us to overcome the limitations of our physical bodies. And that's a good start to the Holiday Season. Jeri |
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- Posted by zeffyrose_pa6b7 6b7 (My Page) on Thu, Dec 20, 12 at 22:59
| I too am thankful for all the technology that has given me a few years of walking without pain but what concerns me is an operation to correct the scar tissue could possibly cause more scar tissue---but hopefully I will get better news after the MRI----maybe they can correct the problem with a less invasive procedure. as far as I know my two hip replacments are doing OK----I think th eproblem I have now is from the plates and screws used in the Fusion in my back----thanks for your concern Florence |
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Fri, Dec 21, 12 at 2:21
| Suzi, I almost spit my teeth out when you said you're shy. I sure am glad this wasn't an up close and personal conversation cuz that would have definitely been a faux pas. I guess it's possible that you really are shy...I guess, but how can someone with such a wit be shy??? Case in point: "unabomber creationists with a bible in one hand and a gun in the other". I'm gonna have to put that one on my stationery. See, by being "sweet" they don't see me comin'. BTW, you really should get your visa in order and come to the south. Everyone will be so taken with your accent that they won't notice your "inappropriate political and social tendencies" - for a while anyway. :)) It's also possible you could see the light. (Don't hurt me!!) Ogrose, I can hear the Texas twang in what you said. :)) Patricia, many in our rose society are now growing OGRs, and we don't even have traditional rose shows anymore. Of course, several diehard HT folks left, but to each his own. You might find a more like-minded crowd now. Florence, love you right back! Backs are a pain, aren't they? My DH had surgery. It fixed one thing (which was a good thing!) but it did nothing for the major part. Fortunately, he can sit and lay down comfortably...so that's what he does. I hope there's a way you can feel better. Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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- Posted by lookin4you2xist 9b (breaks4rainbows@yahoo.com) on Fri, Dec 21, 12 at 2:23
| Thanks for the follow up Sherry. |
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- Posted by floridarosez9 10 (My Page) on Fri, Dec 21, 12 at 8:09
| Suz, re the witch hermit, I made the comment to my daughter recently that it would be very easy for me to stay on the farm and become a hermit--hermitess?---to which she replied, that ship's already sailed, Mom. Oh, well. |
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- Posted by mendocino_rose z8 N CA. (My Page) on Fri, Dec 21, 12 at 9:40
| So nice to hear from dear Florence. I hope Santa brings you that tablet. |
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Fri, Dec 21, 12 at 16:08
| Oh, gosh, now we're all shy hermits. I guess we only THOUGHT we were unique individuals, and it turns out we're all clones. I want to meet the mother plant. Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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- Posted by patricia43 z8 AL (My Page) on Sat, Dec 22, 12 at 2:11
| Sherry, 10 years obviously makes a huge difference. I was a huge advocate for OGRs and used to attend the J&P meetings at the big commercial place here, which you may have heard about, the biggest landscape nursery in the SE, and when the speaker came, I grilled him on roses viruses in the Dr. Huey grafting in front of all his little "plants" and all the invited guests. I hope I made a small contribution. Many of the panhandle people used to attend those J&P shows. Florence, it is great to hear from you here. I wish you and everyone else the best holiday season, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and the best yet upcoming fantastic new year with the greatest health and the most money. ;-) |
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- Posted by floridadon 8b (My Page) on Sun, Dec 23, 12 at 23:06
| Sherry, I think many of us find that rose societies intimidating as we come into an established group, not knowing the dynamics of it. The unfortunate part is that the meetigs do not really answer the question "who are these people". Meetings do not offer the socialization that might or might not place us more at ease. The agenda always seems to take a large amount of time. Then there is all of that eating of a member provided multi-course meal at some societies. This just keeps people from talking, as it is hard to talk with one's mouth full. The societies with a lighter refreshment seem to give one a chance to interact more. It is sometimes hard to remember that even though we can all be shy, it is only by attending meetings that we can both learn, and offer our experiences with others (blog writers excluded from the offering of experiencies). I remember first coming across your blog and how much it helped to find someone in the same area of Florida that was growing roses and sharing those experiencies. Those experiencies mean so much to others when shared at meetings also. In closing my wife and I would enjoy hearing of your time with Carolyn Parker and your visit to Leu Gardens. I know you took many photos. Have a Merry Christmas and we hope to see more of you in the new year. Don |
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Mon, Dec 24, 12 at 1:43
| Hey, Don! A lighter meal would be fine with me. Sharing one-on-one (or 2-on-1) is also fine with me, but it is highly unlikely that I will stand up in front of the group and share. So sorry. Maybe I'll do a little post on our Leu Gardens trip. I didn't take very many photos that day. I was laughing and chatting too much. I will say that it was the biggest thrill to me that you came up to me and wanted to talk about roses because of my blog. A totally amazing feeling. You have a Merry Christmas, too, and you will be seeing me next year. Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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| Great post Sherry! |
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- Posted by idixierose z8b Coastal SC (My Page) on Wed, Dec 26, 12 at 9:45
| Sherry, Thanks for starting this thread. While I mostly lurk on the edges of the rose forums and occasionally post, I still consider Garden Web an important resource of garden knowledge and friendship. |
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| Sherry, I have always enjoyed your posts even though I don't respond too much anymore. We had two horrid summers in a row, and my only goal has been to keep my roses alive. I am quiet in a way, yet I have no problem teaching in a large high school. I simply need to have a common ground with people. Our rose society meets at 1:00 or 2:00 on a Sunday afternoon. There are so many older people who have trouble driving at night that this is the best time for them. That time slot is when I am deep into gardening. The member in our rose society are very friendly, and interested in anyone who attends, but they do not grow the roses that I love. Their guest speakers are experts in spraying, exhibiting, propogating, etc. A leader in the society knows about old roses, but promotes more modern ones. I am automatically an outcast. I have even suggested that we form an organization within an organization for those who grow older roses, and do not care to spray. The subject meets a friendly nod --- period. I love it here. This forum is so large, but has such a great collection of rose lovers. Even if we have disagreements, we know how to back off, and still remain involved in what is important. I really appreciate your contribution and that of everyone else. I have belonged here for many many years, and just love it. I do hope that this year I will be able to grow roses instead of just saving them. Sammy |
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| Sammy, some folks in the Santa Barbara (CA) Rose Society did, indeed, form an Old-Rose-Oriented "group within the society." I think it goes along nicely -- tho it's a ways for us to drive for meetings, so we're not involved. Jeri |
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- Posted by patricia43 z8 AL (My Page) on Wed, Dec 26, 12 at 19:36
| Sammy, we might be members of the same society and just do not know it. No,I am the only one interested in old roses. So, I know we are not in the same one, but similar ones. I have no idea meeting people and speaking and when I am called on to do the speaker job or find a guest speaker, I yap about OGRs and/or have a speaker who is expert in OGRs, i.e., Jason Powell. |
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Wed, Dec 26, 12 at 22:47
| Thank you, Steve, I love the responses it's gotten. Idixierose, those of us in the hot, humid deep south would love your input. How interesting that you are a professional gardener. You must have lots to tell. Try not to lurk as much. :)) Sammy, I like how you said that you're deep into gardening when your society meets. That describes me, too. How sad that your society is so unresponsive to your needs. That's not fun. It's a good thing you have US!! I certainly am hoping that the coming year will be kinder to you and your roses. I love reading your posts. You always have an interesting slant on things. Jeri, if I were willing to make the 2 hour drive, I could go to the Heritage Rose Society where Malcolm Manners is a member and meet a bunch of Floridians who post here. What a lost opportunity! Maybe I'll try to get a carload together and go. Patricia, thanks for introducing me to Jason Powell. I can't believe no one else grows OGR's with you. Keep trying to educate them!! Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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- Posted by floridadon 8b (My Page) on Sat, Dec 29, 12 at 20:40
| Sherry and other rosarians, the next meeting of the Central Florida Heritage Rose Society is Sunday, January 13th in Lakeland, FL. Meetings start at 2:30. The featured speaker will be Dr. Malcolm Manners, a 2013 recipient of the GROW (Great Rosarians of the World) award. Malcolm will speak about his years of extensive work related to rose mosaic virus. The meeting is on the campus of Florida Southern College, in the Jack M Berry Citrus Building, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland, FL . The group meets in room 304. Visitors are welcome. |
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- Posted by sherryocala 9A Florida (My Page) on Sun, Dec 30, 12 at 0:05
| Thanks, Don! I needed that. Sherry |
Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...
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| I just wanted to say Sherry that I agree with your original thought when posting this thread. This is a very valuable group for a rose grower. And the friendships it produces are real. Most of my rose friends in the real world originally came from the GW forums. Rosefolly |
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