Officers of the Indianapolis Rose Society have been meeting to plan interesting programs for 2008.  Since we decided not to hold meetings in January or February, our next meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2008.  We are planning dinner meetings in March and April, and our annual banquet in November, but the rest of the year we will be meeting in various yards.  Guests and prospective members are always welcome to attend our activities. Details for these events will be published to the Event Schedule as they become available.

As a service to our members we are again planning to have fertilizer, miniature roses and Earth Kind roses including Knock Outs for sale. Earth Kind Roses are among the most thoroughly tested and environmentally responsible plants for the use in landscapes. These roses do very well in almost any soil type, from the well-drained acid sands to the poorly aerated, highly alkaline clays. Earth Kind roses are certainly not immune to pest problems. However, their tolerance to pests is so great that they rarely require the use of chemical pesticides. And their vigorous nature requires little or no fertilization. These roses are great for the seasoned gardener would like low maintenance roses or the beginner who wants to try growing roses for the first time. We will also be selling these to the public at Orchard in Bloom and the State Fair, if any roses remain. Look for a list of offered plants in future issues of our newsletter, The Rosarian.

We hope everyone will participate in our June rose show which will be June 7th at Garfield Park. Even if you have never shown roses before there are many seasoned society members that will be glad to give a novice a hand. You can also find information about showing roses by reading Fear Factor - The New Exhibitor.

Everyone will also have an opportunity to help with booths at the Orchard in Bloom May 2-4 State Fair, August 6- 17, and several local gardening programs. These programs help us gain new members, raise a little income by selling books and roses, and give us an opportunity to help answer questions to our community about roses. Bring your enthusiasm for roses with you as you make your plans to participate.

More information will be coming your way so keep an eye on indyrosesociety.com and future issues of The Rosarian for more information.

Barbara Stauch
President, Indianapolis Rose Society