The Indianapolis Rose Society will not have a regular meeting in August because of the Consulting Rosarian School which we are hosting August the 16th. Remember, anyone is welcome to participate in this or attend even if you have very little expeience. It should be an opportunity to learn.

Have you noticed fewer beetles in your roses this summer? I have no explanation, but am guessing that Bayer three-way systemic has helped. Bayer says that although a beetle may chew on a treated plant, the life cycle will be interrupted because they will become ill and die.

We have been offered an opportunity from Richard Baerman of Ohio to purchase a case of RESPONSE at a reduced price. Response is a supplement to a regular fertilizer program and supposedly produces more and better blooms as well as foliage. The primary product is seaweed. The regular price is $55 - $60 a gallon, or $25 a quart. He is offering us a case of 4 gallons or 12 quarts for $120. Because the product had to be repackaged, it is now in outdated containers, although the product is stable. We need to know how much interest there is in purchasing this product.

The American Rose Society is attempting to recruit new members by offering a four month free membership in the ARS. Those interested in this program will receive two free copies of the ARS magazine, and will receive a membership card entitling them to free or reduced admission to more than 200 public and private gardens nationwide. Your name must be submitted by Mark Nolen, our Membership Chairman, who has a special form to list recruits.

We also have been offered an opportunity to dig some roses from “Ashwood”, the Simon property. It was suggested you check the roses while in bloom and mark certain ones that interest you for digging in the fall.