Roses for Everyone Program (April 25th)

President's Message - April 2026

Dear GRS members and friends,

As most of you know, our rose friend, mentor, and President of GRS, Ralph Stream, passed away on March 3 after a long illness. Despite his health, Ralph soldiered on, helping wherever he was needed and leading our society, with the help of his wife Jean. We truly miss him. As Vice President and acting President, I am trying to fill some very big shoes. Jean is working to pare down their rose collection and has roses to give away. Please arrange with her if you would like some rose plants.

Thanks to all who attended our special rose program with Michael Johnson of David Austin Roses USA on March 8. With your help, it all came together, and the day went well. We learned a lot about the business side of a world-renowned rose breeding and selling company. It was also interesting to learn how bare root roses are grown and prepared for selling and shipping.

Our next event will be our Roses for Everyone program at the Millhopper branch library on April 25. See below for rota and other details. We will have a short business meeting to vote on the slate presented at the March meeting. Many thanks to Dan Mills and Kathi Warren for serving on the committee and to those who agreed to serve. There will be no regular meeting in April. I thought we had already decided that, but if I made an “executive decision,” I apologize.

Please help us publicize this event and invite your gardening friends and neighbors. Flyer is attached for your use. Dr. Joe Rush will be providing rose plants to give to all who attend.

Our May 17 end-of-year picnic will be at Dudley Farm. Art Wade is working with the staff there and details will follow. Highlight will be the heirloom roses in the garden.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the lovely spring weather and that your roses are waking up and flourishing after such an unusually cold winter.

Jean Giesel, Master Rosarian, Acting President