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 for 2026
- July - No Meeting. It's Fair Time! MLRS at Amador County Fair Thu Jul 30, 2026.
- Tue Aug 4 @ 1:30 PM "Native Bats in the Garden" by Corky Quirk of NorCal Bats. She will be bringing live bats!
MLRS Meetings & Events held in Auditorium
of Amador Senior Center, 229 New York Ranch Road, Jackson
unless otherwise noted.
OUR NEXT MONTHLY MEETING
Tue Aug 4 @ 1:30 PM "Native Bats in the Garden" by Corky Quirck
Next Meeting:
Tue Aug 4 @ 1:30 PM
Program: "Native Bats in the Garden" by Corky Quirck of NorCal Bats
Would you like to learn fascinating facts about bats? Then join us for an engaging presentation on the bats of Northern California presented by NorCal Bats. Founder Corky will focus on the bat species found in Northern California, guiding participants through the fascinating world of these remarkable flying mammals. The presentation will explore their unique adaptations, what they eat, and why bats are essential to healthy ecosystems and agricultural systems alike. We’ll also discuss the challenges bats face today and current conservation efforts. As a special feature, attendees will have the rare opportunity to see live bats up close during the program.
Now we can all probably agree that this would have been a fun Halloween topic for our October meeting but we will not let this stop the fun! We are going to celebrate Halloween in August with an emphasis on bats! So if you feel inclined to do so, you may come to the meeting dressed up in celebration of our winged friends!!! And if you would like to bring some bat inspired refreshments to share that would be fantastic too!!! So come “hang out” with us on Tuesday August 4 with doors opening at 100 pm and be one of the “colony”!
Bonus: Member's Minute "Bat Houses" - learn how to attract bats to your garden by providing a bat home.
Little Rose Show: Bring your cut roses in vase or bottle labeled with name of rose(s) if known. We love seeing your roses!
Special refreshments with bat theme. Also members and guest invited to join in the spirit with special attire or by wearing black. It's Halloween in August! Batman or Batwoman anyone?
The meeting is free and open to the public.
Amador Senior Center Auditorium
229 New York Ranch Road, Jackson CA
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 nursery, the Amador Flower Farm.
Mother Lode Rose Society - rosy programs & workshops, Little Rose Shows, GArden tours & More
Join Today
The Mother Lode Rose Society was recently awarded American Rose Society Presidential Citation for 35 years of service to the community.
Annual Membership for 2026
$25 Individual or $35 Family.
Secure Pay Online Now Available
Or mail check made out to
MLRS to PO Box 1593, Jackson, CA 95642.
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
let's Grow Together: Tips for Other Rose Clubs
Excerpts from RoseChat podcast
Teresa Byington of RoseChat podcast recently interviewed Beverly Rose Hopper on "Building a Better Rose Society." To listen to full interview, click here https://rosechat.podbean.com/e/building-a-better-rose-society/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRbDDlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFHU3F2R0RqbEN5S2Nkc1VUc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr-F73Awv-ywGfiCnpGbjp-uWLsr3cJj8XG9shRsWSi0-M5esXhJkqtjTBKx_aem_0Mka3bWSCeT8VlpI17sTIQ
Here's some quick tips for other rose clubs:
#1 Make it Fun & Welcoming
Best advice? Make it educational and entertaining. The root word of society is social. A local rose society is about sharing your love of roses with others. Make it fun!
Find a reason to celebrate. The Mother Lode Rose Society loves a theme, and we often incorporate a theme into our meetings and Rose Shows.
#2 Increase Engagement
Our digital newsletter comes out at least twice a month, sometimes more depending on activities. We use Constant Contact as it's easy to publish and use, and converts into mobile friendly format unlike PDF's. Over 50% use cell phones to open newsletter so mobile friendly format very important.
#3 Rose Show Changes
People love to "share" their roses, but they don't necessarily want to "show" their roses. Converting to a combined Judged & NonJudged/Display Only Show has been very successful. It has increased participation and the fun factor!
Some of the themes we've had over the years at MLRS Rose Shows have been "Under Construction, Flower Power, Rootin' Tootin' Roses. The theme is reflected in decor, food, and all are invited to come wearing something related to the theme. Make your Rose Show an event!
#4 Volunteer Recognition
Every member is important, and we can all learn from each other. Give members opportunity to shine. Instead of focus on Consulting Rosarians we offer a Member's Minute, a short segment on any aspect of rose culture in addition to our regular program.
The last two years we have offered special rose pins during our membership drive in appreciation.
Thank you for being part of the TEAM!
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
