Author: NRS Webmaster

May 7 – NRS Spring Grand Prix Rose Show

NOTE!! new location for the May 2023 meeting of the Nashville Rose Society!

 

The auditorium, a remodeled stable intended for Caldwell’s fine racehorses, is available for state functions and agricultural events. Thirty-two thoroughbreds occupied the stalls until 1957. The auditorium, which has a kitchen and large assembly area, was named for former agriculture commissioner and U.S. congressman Ed Jones in 1989.

The 2023 Spring Grand Prix will be held on Sunday, May 7, in the Ed Jones Auditorium at Ellington Agriculture Center, 416 Hogan Rd, Nashville, TN 37220. The Grand Prix is a rose show that is held at a regular NRS meeting. Its purpose is to give members a chance to learn about, and practice, exhibiting roses. A grooming room will be open at 1pm. Experienced exhibitors will be there to help anyone needing help in grooming their roses.

Click here for the Grand Prix show schedule.

To get to the Ed Jones Auditorium, enter the front gates from Hogan Road. Bear to your right. The Moss Building (antebellum style mansion) will be on your left at the top of the hill. Follow the drive until you reach the auditorium (a large white barn-like structure that sets at the end of the lawn behind the mansion). Click here for a map of the Center. The Ed Jones Auditorium is Building #8 on the map.

In addition to the Grand Prix, Ron Daniels, Nashville Rose Society Master Rosarian, will have his new book Rose Therapy hot off of the press and available to sell signed copies. The books will be $20.00 each and the money made on the books will go toward Ron’s ministries at his church and in his community. The book is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.

Growing Roses Sustainably

by Cindy Worch, Nashville Rose Society member and Consulting Rosarian

Brindabell Pink Princess
A sustainable rose is grown without chemical intervention and in the most earth-friendly way. I will use organics first and only resort to chemical fungicides if necessary.​

Sustainable gardening also works in harmony with nature so not to deplete resources faster than they can be replaced. Such as water and soil.​

Only organic pesticides are used in my garden. I like to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs. I feed the birds which will eat insects as well. A firm spray of water works wonders on aphids and spider mites. Companion plants work as well to deter bad insects.

Click here to see Cindy’s full presentation that she made to the Nashville Rose Society on April 2, 2023.

Cheekwood Rose Study Garden as of March 2023

The Rose Study Garden at Cheekwood has a two-fold purpose: provide a beautiful garden of roses for Cheekwood visitors to enjoy, but primarily to function as a teaching garden for new and experienced rosarians.

This photo gallery is as of March 20, 2023. The work day started on a cold morning and the crew included several new members. One of the main goals of the work day was to prune away the dead canes that were damaged from the Christmas 2022 freeze.

Continue reading “Cheekwood Rose Study Garden as of March 2023”

We All Need a Little Dirt in Our Lives

by Sandra Frank, Member – Nashville Rose Society

Getting your hands dirty is good for you!
The healing power of soil takes on a whole new meaning.

Studies are now telling us that soil contains a bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae, which helps to boost our immune system and stimulate serotonin production. Serotonin is a naturally occurring substance and one of the body’s neurotransmitters, known as the brain and nervous system’s chemical messenger, which regulates our appetite, metabolism and sleep cycles.

Mycobacterium vaccae helps reduce stress levels, fighting anxiety and anger and providing an overall happier and more relaxed life. It is also believed to improve cognitive functions such as short-term memory, rheumatoid arthritis, and symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease.

Serotonin is a happy chemical, a natural anti-depressant that strengthens the immune system.

Keep Healthy. Play in Dirt!

April 2, 2:00-4:30pm, Cindy Worch – “Growing Roses Sustainably”

Cindy Worch

Please note – the meeting is on Sunday, April 2 at Cheekwood Massey Auditorium. Not as originally posted for April 1!!

In Growing Roses Sustainably, Cindy Worch challenges the myth that growing roses must be a time-consuming task that you can’t do effectively without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In fact, she takes the intimidation out of growing roses by sharing her well-rounded, holistic approach for success. Cindy starts with tips for choosing the right rose and then walks us through careful soil preparation and proper planting techniques. She will even offer advice on how to gently intervene when it comes to pest and disease problems.

Cindy Worch has been growing roses for nearly 23 years. Cindy has been a member of the Nashville Rose Society since 2005, and has been involved in a variety of leadership positions including serving as President. She has also served the Tenarky District Rose Society and currently serves as the Consulting Rosarian Chair. For more than 12 years Cindy grew 300+ roses on five acres in Manchester, Tennessee. In 2017 she moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee where she grows fewer roses on a quarter of an acre.

The meeting will be held in the Massey Auditorium of Botanic Hall / Visitor Services Building at Cheekwood Garden and Estate. The Cheekwood Campus Map shows the location of Botanic Hall.

Note: Admission to Cheekwood is not required – let the gate attendant know that you are attending the NRS Meeting in Botanic Hall.