March 3, 1:30 – 4:00pm – “A Blooming Success Story”

Ricky Lockhart
The March meeting of the Nashville Rose Society will be held on March 3, 2024, in the the Massey Auditorium of Botanic Hall / Visitor Services Building at Cheekwood Garden and Estate. We will have refreshments at 1:30 and the program will start at 2:00 PM.

From just one bed of roses planted over thirty years ago, Ricky Lockhart’s passion and love for roses has grown to nearly 250 rose plants. While he grows multiple types, he mainly focuses on exhibition-style roses including Hybrid Tea and Grandiflora Roses, as well as Floribundas. He is planning to build two new beds this spring.

In addition to tending his beloved roses, Lockhart manages 98 acres of land, cattle and crops, which he says “makes a great hobby for retired folks and is an excellent way to pass the time.”

Ricky and wife Mary Ann, Team Lockhart!
An active member and former president of the Bowling Green Rose Society, Lockhart regularly participates area rose competitions and often wins. During the Southeast TENARKY District Rose Show in Knoxville, Tennessee last year Ricky was awarded the prestigious McFarland Rose award for the second time. This top award, named after the famous rosarian John Horace McFarland, is the highest award to be achieved at our regional show. Ricky consistently places in a variety of classes when he shows.

To ensure that his roses are properly grown and cared for, Lockhart has developed a specific watering and fertilizing system for his rose beds and a tried and true method for transporting and showing roses. We are excited to have him share his tips and tricks with the Nashville Rose Society at our monthly meeting on March 3.

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.