Welcome
The Mother Lode Rose Society
Local organization of rose enthusiasts located in heart of the Mother Lode. Serving Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado and beyond.
About Mother Lode Rose Society
Learn how easy it is to grow beautiful roses
Monthly meetings featuring educational and entertaining programs, the "Rose Hip" newsletter filled with tips on rose culture and rosy activities. Enjoy special events such as Private Garden Tours, Rose Auction and Little Rose Shows.
Sharing the love of roses with others.
Many of our members have made life long friends
in the Rose Society.
In person monthly meetings that feature programs on rose culture are held first Tuesday @ 1:30 PM of most months in the Auditorium at the Amador Senior Center, 229 New York Ranch Road, Jackson CA.
All ages & abilities. Guests always welcome. Bring a friend!
Upcoming Rosy Events
Fri Apr 18 @ 10 AM Garden Angels Workday in the Public Rose
- Tue Apr 22 @ 10 AM Private Garden Tour to Diana & Dave Sillivan's in San Andreas.
- Tue Apr 29 @ 10 AM Garden Tour to Master Gardener's Demonstration Garden in San Andreas.
- Tue May 6 @ 1:30 PM "The Rambler Rescue Project" by Anita Clevenger.
- Sat May 10 @ 10 AM Private Garden Tour to Teri Caldwell's in Jackson.
- Tue Jun 3 @ 1:30 PM "Rose Photography for Beginners" by Fred Eshpeter.
MLRS Meetings & Events held in Auditorium
of Amador Senior Center, 229 New York Ranch Road, Jackson
unless otherwise noted.
OUR NEXT MONTHLY MEETING
Tue May 6 2025 @ 1:30 PM - "Save the Ramblers" by Anita Clevenger
Ramblers are historic roses, the original climbers of the rose world. Ramblers are more vigorous than climbers, with a fantastic flush of spring bloom. Sadly, these giant, hardy roses which once were featured on pergolas and as statement pieces in the garden, began to disappear during the early 20th century, and a large percentage of ramblers are no longer in commerce. The good news is enthusiasts of old garden roses have embarked on a project to save ramblers and our featured May speaker Anita Clevenger will share with us information on these historic beauties and what is being done - the "Save the Ramblers" project - to preserve them for future generations.
Anita Clevenger is known throughout the rose world as one of the top experts on Heirloom Roses. Anita served as Curator for the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery Rose Garden and under her direction the garden received national and international acclaim. Though she is no longer a volunteer at the garden, she continues her work to preserve antique, heirloom and historic roses by propagating them, passing varieties along to collectors and commercial vendors, and mentoring gardens where heritage roses are grown. Anita Clevenger is the Vice President of Publications of the Heritage Rose Foundation. She is also a lifetime Sacramento County UC Master Gardner, and has written countless articles about roses for publications around the world.
This is the first time a program specifically on Ramblers has been presented to the Mother Lode Rose Society, and we are delighted to learning more about these historic roses.
IN ADDITION TO OUR FEATURED PROGRAM:
"Member's Minute" - a 5 minute or less presentation by one of our members on any aspect of rose care. This month: "Garden Ties" by Val Mergl.
Little Rose Show - Do you have early blooming roses? Bring them in vase or bottle with name of rose labeled. The Little Rose Show is Display Only/Non-Judged, and is opportunity to share what's blooming in your garden. Also, this month includes a Photography Section.
Amador Senior Center Auditorium
229 New York Ranch Road, Jackson CA
Anita Clevenger
The Mother Lode Rose Society
Rose Tip of the Month - All About Aphids
All About Aphids
By Beverly Rose Hopper
Master Rosarian
If there's one bug that seems to bug more rose growers than any other, it's the aphid. Perhaps because they are the most common pest, and unlike other tiny critters like thrips, aphids are readily visible especially if their numbers are allowed to go viral. That said, aphids though a pest, are easily controlled without using harmful chemicals.
Aphids are soft bodied pests that suck nutrients from newly emerging buds and fresh shoots. They come in a variety of colors such as green, brown, pink and yellow, though the ones we see most often on our roses are greenish-brown. Some have wings, others are wingless. They use a specialized mouthpiece to suck sugary sap from the plant then excrete honeydew which can appear blackish on foliage. This honeydew often attracts ants, and in large infestations the ants actually "farm" the aphids. Aphids first appear in the early spring, and in most of California they're only a major problem during spring and early summer when growth on the rosebush is lush and the weather has not yet turned hot.
In early Spring an unchecked aphid population can explode due to their rapid reproduction. Aphids reproduce both asexually (without the assistance of males) where females give birth to live aphids, and sexually (more typically in autumn) when eggs are laid. Female aphids can lay up to 12 live offspring a day. Compounding the situation, amazingly most aphids are actually born pregnant! Aphids are, as my hubby quips, "Loaded and ready to go." Their ability to reproduce rapidly when the conditions are right is why a saavy gardener should patrol their roses on a regular basis to monitor both aphid and spring bloom development.
A severe infestation of aphids can deform flower buds. However, according to UC IPM, "Low to moderate levels of aphids do little damage to plants, although some gardeners may be concerned by their very presence." That's an understatement! Over the years I've heard many gardeners freak out by aphids. I recall years ago being told by a Park official who had previously overseen a major public garden, that he dealt with aphids by "Cutting them off." Hearing this, I was somewhat dumbstruck. That's right, he seriously advocated cutting off stems and buds that had aphids! At our recent meeting, when the audience was asked about how they deal with aphids, a member joked he pulls out his 12 gauge. All kidding aside, dealing with aphids is quite simple - pull out the hose.
A water blast from the hose knocks aphids off. It is effective and quick. One might have to repeat this but generally one or two times does the trick.
There is simply no need to resort to insecticides to control aphids. Besides, using insecticides not only kills off aphids, it kills off the beneficial insects such as lady bugs, parasitic wasps, syraphid fly larvae, soldier beetles or green lacewings that eat aphids. And remember, you've got to have a few aphids to attract beneficials to your garden. If you don't have any food (aka aphids) beneficial insects have no reason to visit your garden.
Mother Lode Rose Society - rosy programs & workshops, Little Rose Shows, GArden tours & More
Discover The Mother Lode Rose Society
About The Mother Lode Rose Society
We're a community of people who share a passion for roses. Roses are the world's favorite flower, and nothing provides more flower power than roses. From antique to modern, from large specimens to miniatures, easy care roses for the landscape or those for show, climbing roses for pillars/arches or petite roses for containers, there's thousands of varieties to beautiful your garden - and life.
Upcoming Events
Discover our upcoming programs and special events. From beginner to advanced, we have something for everyone.
Experienced Local Advice
Being a Member of the Mother Lode Rose Society provides the opportunity to connect with other local rose growers who share similar conditions - soils, climate, and dealing with country critters. Learn what roses and what techniques work best for your area.
Join Our Club
Become a part of our community and enjoy the benefits of membership. Membership includes educational and entertaining programs, workshops, private garden tours, the "Rose Hip" digital newsletter, and discounts at local nurseries - Amador Flower Farm and Ridge Road Garden Center.
Mother Lode Rose Society Quick Tip
Pruning Shears: Bypass vs. Anvil
What You Use to Prune, May be More Important
than WHEN or HOW You Prune.
Though many brands, there are two main types of pruning shears: bypass or anvil. Both have two blades but they each cut in a very different fashion.
Bypass pruners have a sharp blade that cuts past, or by-passes, the second blade. Anvil pruners have two blades that meet in the middle, relying on pressure to cut. Bypass pruners, unless they are dull, make a clean cut. Anvil pruners, well picture what an anvil does - it smashes! Instead of a sharp clean cut, an anvil pruner may not only cut, but crush. When the ends of the cane gets crushed, it's likely to dieback.
The only pruner you should use on your roses is a bypass pruner.
When it comes to bypass pruners, Felco has long been considered the gold standard. Felco offers many models with special features such as rotating handle, model for small hands and even a left-handed version. Another brand which has been rapidly gaining popularity among rose buffs are the ARS bypass pruning shears. Super sharp and remain sharp longer. ARS shears also come in several styles and are available on Amazon.
Whether selecting hand pruners, loppers or pole pruner - choose bypass.
Bypass Pruner top, Anvil Pruner bottom
Join or Renew Today
The Mother Lode Rose Society was recently awarded American Rose Society Presidential Citation for 35 years of service to the community.
Annual Membership in the Mother Lode Rose Society is only $20 Individual or $25 Family.
Mail check made out to
MLRS to PO Box 1593, Jackson, CA 95642.
For the Love of Roses
Learn how to grow beautiful roses from rose growers in the heart of the Mother Lode. Whether you are a beginner or expert, the Mother Lode Rose Society is the local organization for rose enthusiasts serving Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado and beyond.
Mother Lode Rose Society
