by any other name the newsletter of the World Federation of Societies’ Heritage Rose Group March 2012, issue 7

Contents

President’s message 2 BY DAVID RUSTON

Bourbon at the Kostanjevica Monastery, Slovenia 4 BY SHEENAGH HARRIS, SOUTH AFRICA old roses & rose-gardens 6 BY CHARLES QUEST-RITSON, GREAT BRITAIN

Japan - endless discovery 8 BY TOM , AUSTRALIA

Europa Rosarium, a wonder of the world of roses 18 TEXT & PHOTOS BY BERYL LEE, DUNEDIN

New Orleans roses impress visitors 22 BY LEO WATERMEIER, AMERICA the Sacramento Historic : preserving roses in a gold rush cemetery 24 TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ANITA CLEVENGER, AMERICA private Heritage Rose collections in the North Island of NZ 28 BY GEORGINA CAMPBELL, comments please! 29 BY CRENAGH ELLIOTT, CANADA

March 2012 | 1 CCanaryanary BirdBird CCantabrigensisantabrigensis president’s message The motto for the event is “Collecting, Identifying, and Maintaining” rose collections. Speakers will be Charles Quest-Ritson on Climbing Roses, Odile Masqualier on the Roses of , Paul Zimmerman WFRS Heritage Committee President’s Report on Historic Roses from America, Helga Brichet on China Roses and Hella Brumme, whom I have BY DAVID RUSTON, AUSTRALIA met three times in Sangerhausen, on Roses on Pictures in and . Sangerhausen This year will be one of the most eventful of years In early November the Heritage Rose groups in was famous for its huge library of rose books: our heritage rose groups have ever experienced, Australia are having their biennial conference at these were all taken to Moscow after the Russian starting with the Conference at Sakura from May The Barn Palais at Mt. Gambier, South Australia. invasion. 29th to June 7th, where so far (in late February) There are excellent lectures by Mike Shoup an In this issue you will read articles by Charles 100 have registered, with nearly 50 from , expert on old roses especially Teas and Chinas Quest-Ritson on the future of world rose societies 17 from Australia, 9 from the U.S.A., 5 from New and Fiona Hyland, editor of both the New - very thought provoking; Leo Watermeier will Zealand and several from France, Belgium, , Zealand Heritage Rose Journal and our bulletins. discuss the Chinas, Teas, Noisettes and Bourbons South Africa, , Canada, India, There will be trips to many large country gardens in the French Quarter of New Orleans with its 62“ China, Germany and Switzerland. Speakers both in the south east of South Australia and of rain per year, and Anita Clevenger will deal include Odile Masquelier, Helga Brichet, Viru across the border in western Victoria. with the huge Sacramento Historic City Cemetery Viraraghavan, Gregg Lowery and Sally Allison. The next event is to be held in New Zealand in maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers. Highlights will include the Heritage Rose Garden early December in the garden city of Dunedin I must thank Fiona Hyland for her brilliant at Chiba, beautifully designed into separate - a National Conference where the seventeen editorship of our Journal. Fiona also edits the sections. My favourite part is the area with branches of Heritage Roses will meet and New Zealand Journal as well as writing most enormous metal hoops towering upwards with be joined by a large group from Australia. original articles. Also thanks to Di Durston for roses like Adelaide D’Orleans cascading down in New Zealand has hosted two World Heritage deciphering my shocking handwriting and being festoons like cherry blossom. Conventions, Christchurch in 2000 and Dunedin the most conscientious representative from There is a pre-Conference tour to view in 2005, and both were among the best I Australia and for fi nding articles from members species roses growing wild and many visits to have attended, but this is their fi rst National all over the world for our bulletin. immaculate gardens. Conference. With cold winters and cool moist summers, old roses grow into huge bushes and Our next major event is the W.F.R.S. Conference combine so well with peonies, delphiniums, Sincerely, in Sandton, South Africa, close to Johannesburg. lupins, campanulas, liliums, and fl owering trees David Ruston The classic book Roses at the Cape of Good Hope and shrubs. There will be trips to Invercargill and released in 1988 by author Gwen Fagan and to Central Otago. out of print for many years, will launch a second P.S. I have been very happy with the response Now the important news is that Sangerhausen edition. It is one of the indispensable books in from committee members from Australia, in Germany, the home of the largest collection of my library, with superb Redouté-like photographs New Zealand, USA, Great Britain, Japan, roses in the world with 8,500 varieties, is having and brilliant text. Over many years Gwen has France, Italy, India, Germany, Canada and its 110th birthday in 2013 while the nearby the named hundreds of roses from old homesteads South Africa. But nothing from other city of Forst celebrates the centenary of their rose and ruins where the names have been long member countries. I would like every one of garden. forgotten. This second edition of the book will be our member countries to write about their launched at the Conference. Sangerhausen and the German Rose Society plan activities at least once a year to make the For heritage rose lovers the tour to Cape Town to apply for permission to hold the 13th Heritage bulletin more international. Rose Conference in 2013. So far the application includes three magnifi cent gardens with many old roses and companion plants, in the town of has not been received, but all countries that we Elgin. have contacted are in favour.

2 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritage Rose Group, No. 7 March 2012 | 3 The following Bourbon roses are among those There is an open invitation to you all to visit with the most outstanding of potpourri scent: this very special garden at any time of the year. ¬ Madame Isaac Pereire This area with its microclimate has proved to be the ideal place for roses to grow and fl ower in ¬ from South Africa The garden is partly fi nanced by the Nova Gorica Louise Odier abundance. There are blooms to be seen every Municipality, but mostly depends on voluntary ¬ La Reine Victoria day: Adam Meserich is but one of these Bourbon workers from the Rose Society membership and ¬ Blairii No. 2 roses which blooms throughout the year. Bourbon roses at the Franciscan monks living in the monastery. ¬ Coupe de Hebe In June, 2010 I was fortunate to be given a guided Edi Prošt is the knowledgeable expert in this During the season the Rose Society members tour by Edi Prošt and Katja Kogej of this little bit the Kostanjevica team of workers and part of their creed is to allow organise a special Rose Festival, which is now in of paradise, with roses cascading over structures roses the freedom to grow as they will. its seventh year. This garden of Bourbon roses to form a canopy of every shade of pink and a Monastery, Slovenia The Rose Society members therefore direct promotes roses in general and it helps increase strong fragrance permeating the air. rather than control the plants. The roses respond membership to the Rose Society whilst also BY SHEENAGH HARRIS, SOUTH AFRICA with a myriad of magnifi cent scented blooms. spreading the knowledge of how to grow roses. Besides being a collection, this is also a garden North of Italy, about 100km from Vienna and the where visitors are inspired, and more recently the same distance from Venice, is the town of Nova benefi t of aromatherapy has been experienced. Gorica in Slovenia. High up on the edge of the town, at about 143m is the Franciscan Monastery Kostanjevica, which dates back to 1632. Tucked between high walls to the south of the monastery building is an ideal place to grow vegetables, which is just what the monks did. However, in the summer of 2003 the monks decided this area, connected to the crypt of the last French Bourbon kings, should be an ornamental garden. Edi Prošt, Vice President of the newly founded Slovenian Rose Society, off ered his services and became involved in the planning of this new rose garden of Bourbon roses. Today this garden is very popular, especially at the height of blooming in May, with large numbers of visitors from Slovenia, Italy, and further afi eld. Bourbon roses were the fi rst repeat-fl owering roses to be created from the China roses, and hold in their genes the wild descendants of Far Eastern and Damascene roses. All shades of pink through to reds and purples are represented in this class of roses. The fi rst ten varieties of Bourbon roses were planted at the monastery in autumn 2003 and about a further twenty were added in the spring. Two years later more Bourbon roses were added by from roses owned by Dr Fineschi from Cavriglia. This brought the collection to 60 varieties, making it one of the most complete collections of Bourbon roses open to the public in .

4 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritage Rose Group, No. 7 MarchM 2012 | 5 from English or Irish rose-history, you will probably be This is a problem that the Historic Roses Group Royal Horticultural Society, there is quite a low disappointed – you would do much better to go is now addressing. The Group has a ten-year level of knowledge about the Rose. to Sangerhausen in Germany or Cavriglia in Italy. programme to re-introduce into cultivation in Few of our members – even the better-known And, for sheer comprehensiveness, the gardens the British Isles every British or Irish rose that ones – are real rose scholars. This is a problem for old roses & of the Roseriae du Val de Marne at L’Haÿ-les-Roses is still grown abroad but is now extinct in the those of us who are interested in preserving this rose-gardens near and the newer collection at Kasteel United Kingdom. There are over 800 British- or part of our horticultural heritage. Coloma in Belgium are also hard to beat. Irish-bred roses that are no longer available Fashion is fi ckle, and the current unpopularity One of the problems is that the rose-trade is but have been conserved, against all the of roses in the United Kingdom will not last BY CHARLES QUEST-RITSON governed by novelty. Ever since the 1830s the odds, in such collections as Cavriglia, Roseraie forever. When the wheel of fortune turns, the du Val de Marne, Bagatelle and, above all, at Rose-lovers in other parts of the world often have leading breeders have brought out a new range Royal National Rose Society and its Historic Roses Sangerhausen. Some exist only in Australia or a high regard for the rose scene in the United of roses every year and we, the public, have been Group need to be ready to champion the rose other countries that once formed part of the Kingdom. Much of our rose-literature is still encouraged to buy them because they are said again. Polls carried out by lifestyle magazines tell British Empire. In 2011, we obtained budwood available in print, and 19th-century writers like to be an improvement on what we have already. us that the Rose is still our most loved fl ower – of over 100 from Sangerhausen, who William Paul and Dean Reynolds-Hole remain of After a while, we begin to wonder whether all but they do not arrest its decline in public interest cannot be thanked and praised enough for their great interest and relevance to lovers of old roses these puff ed-up new cultivars are really much and commercial sales. helpfulness and effi ciency. We have had a very everywhere. In the mid-20th century, Graham better than what has gone before. Then we try to good ‘take’, and hope to receive the next 100 We can see now that the huge popularity of Stuart Thomas was an important infl uence in re- hunt down the older rose varieties, and discover during 2012. The National Collection is being roses in the 1950s and 1960s was an anomaly, kindling interest in what he called ‘Shrub Roses’. they are no longer established in Oxfordshire with help from brought on by the desire for good value and And the old, green Rose Annuals of the Royal available. Nurserymen Robert Mattock, and will be supported by inexpensive colour to cheer us up in the bleak National Rose Society are a constant source of invite us to buy newer a series of duplicate back-up collections post-war years (not me, I was only a boy then information and inspiration. roses – often with plant and, besides, my parents had fi ve acres of patents that benefi t throughout the British Isles. But that is all old history. The situation in Britain rhododendrons). We realise, looking back, that it the raiser – and that And, quite without our knowledge, a and Ireland today is much less rosy than it was in was absurd that the Royal National Rose Society is why older roses die private garden in Havering-atte-Bower, the past. We have seen a downturn of interest in should have had more members than the Royal out. Many roses that I north of London, has been putting all types of roses – with the honourable exception Horticultural Society. We also know that almost remember buying in the together a complete collection of the roses of David Austin’s post-modernist English Roses – all other specialist plant societies in Britain have early 1980s have since raised by the Rev. Joseph Pemberton, who which aff ects everyone who holds roses dear. seen a considerable drop in their membership disappeared completely lived all his life at Havering and was for Roses are derided by journalists who promote numbers in recent years. But the fate of the Rose from the rose lists – and many years the incumbent of its Parish a preference for grasses and seed-heads. is unprecedented, and we must work to bring most of them from my Church. We tend to think of Pemberton Breeders and growers sell fewer roses every year. about another revolution in taste and consumer garden too, though I as the man who invented Hybrid Musks, Membership of the Royal National Rose Society, spending. have managed to hang but his introductions also included some once exceeding 120,000, is now down to about on to some that I esteem handsome Hybrid Teas and vigorous Sales of roses are growing in France, Italy and in 2,000 – though it is diffi cult to give an exact highly. ramblers. much of the rest of Europe. Large new rose- fi gure. And those of us who still carry the fl ag for One activity that we cannot really gardens, public and private, are appearing in roses are not as young as we used to be. undertake in Britian is rose-rustling. We do every part of Europe – except Britain. It is true that in Britain we have some of the not have the abandoned cottages such as There is one more question that needs to be most beautiful rose-gardens in the world – not exist in other countries. Land for building asked: why is the rose gaining in popularity in so so much for the rarity of their roses, but for the is expensive in UK, and a run-down many other parts of the world? Is Britain leading way they are interplanted with other shrubs, homestead will soon be modernised and the world again, in being the fi rst to experience herbaceous plants, and bulbs and to create an restored, or bulldozed and built over. In a downturn in roses that will inevitably spread to overall eff ect of great beauty. Graham Thomas’s my opinion our National Collection needs every other country? Or is the rose-recession the own garden at Mottisfont Abbey is perhaps to have a corner for foundling roses – result of something uniquely British, like the way the prime example – certainly, he considered cultivars we see in old gardens but cannot we garden with plants? I do not know the answer it his masterpiece. But we do not have the big identify – so that they can be grown on, – it is a problem that has exercised me for a long historic collections of roses that exist in France, studied and perhaps eventually given time. But it is a also problem that cries out for a Germany and Italy. No British or Irish rose-garden their correct name. The trouble is here solution… and, when we fi nd it, I hope to play a has more than 2,500 cultivars, old or new. So if that, even within the Royal National Rose part in implementing that solution. you come to the United Kingdom in search of Society, the Historic Roses Group, and the

6 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritage Rose Group, No. 7 March 2012 | 7 with. Mr Maebara kindly recommended a JTB The next day I had the distinct honour of travel agent who arranged excellent rail travel meeting Mr Katsuhiko Maebara. This most kind pphotohoto bbyy WWeiei JJiangiang and accommodation through the very effi cient and thoughtful gentleman spent the fi rst part offi ces of Oliver Travel in Adelaide. Oliver Travel, of the day showing me the Botanical Garden from Australia made possible from aircraft relays to Japanese at no gain for themselves, were remarkably near the Museum of Japanese History at the site broadcasters. able to recover over a third of the advertised of a former feudal castle in Sakura. The castle That terrible Friday, Volunteers at the City of non-refundable deposits from other agents for was destroyed by the Emperor Meiji to make Japan - Sakura Rose Garden, were preparing their special a pre-Conference tour which I had intended to way for the construction of a hospital, thus gift for us - their rose garden. join. However, Mr Maebara and the Committee, marking the end of the feudal era. The garden endless discovery This was no ordinary day, however. Each as I later found, were able to keep the Conference contains many, many fl owering cherry trees of a passing day left less time to prepare for the 12th accommodation and post-Conference travel great age. These trees are growing in the upper International Heritage Rose Conference, due to and accommodation costs so surprisingly part of the Botanical Garden. A wide footpath BY TOM LYONS, NORTHERN TASMANIA begin on 28 May. low because they themselves, without the gradually descends a beautifully landscaped help of agents, had arranged everything and slope. Branching off the wider way, smaller paths At Brookhaven the east border of the croquet As the vision of the stupendous forces of nature were therefore able to make full refunds: such wander into charming wilder and secluded parts fi eld has become the Sakura Grove (Sakura in shimmered on the screen my thoughts were dedication. of the garden. There was a pretty birch grove and Japanese means cherry blossom). focused on my only contacts in Sakura: a rustic tea house and occasionally, important While the croquet markers remain from a jolly Mr. Katsuhiko Maebara, Dr. Yuki Mikanagi, and statuary. Japanese dogwoods, their fl owers outing organised some years ago by Wendy the Conference Committee. Eventually we knew May 2011 larger than the North American variety, were Langton. The Northern Heritage Rose members all were safe, well, and unharmed, including Arriving a little more than two months after the everywhere in bloom. dressed for an Edwardian afternoon of polite their un-given gift, their garden. In the days natural disasters, I noticed evidence of repair When we reached the bottom of the slope, what entertainment, and the east border, where the following we received the eloquent message of work after arrival at the Chiba train station, not far I thought was rice growing in the usual rows Hybrid Teas had been banished to, looked so cancellation from Professor Akira Ogawa, which from Sakura. Aside from carpets of conveyor belt turned out to be irises just coming into bloom. promising that afternoon in their fi rst year of came as a great disappointment to all who material in one subway passage and the walls Not far from the iris paddy, water lilies in a pond transplanted bloom, that their bed became the intended to travel to Japan. It was an especially therein covered in plastic sheeting, marking the were carefully bordered with a low ornamental “Gulag Archipelago”. The winter rains of the hard blow for the volunteers who worked so area for repairs at a later time, the station and its bamboo fence neatly wrapped together with following two years notifi ed me of a desperate diligently to prepare their welcome and their gift. precincts were a busy scene of normality. Robert Frost, in the closing stanza of his poem straps of a natural material. need to alter the drainage. On my return from A short taxi ride to my hotel introduced Reluctance, refl ects in some way the depth of Japan with a Sakura Grove in mind that is what me the pleasures of taxi rides in that emotion I can imagine those on the Organising I set out to do. and the other districts I visited while Committee must have felt: Having taken a break from planting my fl owering in Japan. The passenger doors are cherry grove of nine ‘Shirofugen’, nine ‘Prentice Ah, when to the heart of man opened automatically by the driver, Dancer’ and fi ve ‘Ukon’, my thoughts fl y back to Was it ever less than a treason who cheerfully helps with luggage, and a very special place in my memory. My Sakura To go with the drift of things, uses GPS guidance wherever possible. Grove will remind me this spring, and often To yield with a grace to reason, The seats, front and rear, are covered thereafter, of the founder and volunteers of the And bow and accept the end with spotless white slip covers with Rose Garden of the City of Sakura. However, this Of a love or a season? clean spare covers kept in the boot. pleasant winter afternoon break, following my When the Australian and Japanese governments, This fi rst taxi experience was a brush return from a wonderful stay in Japan, is much World Health Organisation, and travel authorities with integrity as well. I carelessly let diff erent from an afternoon break last autumn, confi rmed that Japan was a safe destination the mobile phone rented at the airport before my departure. within easily understood limitations, I decided for local use slip from my pocket. While to proceed with my travel plans. Since the I was signing in at the front desk my Friday, 11 March 2011 Conference Committee had arranged very driver presented it to me. I was glad that I advantageous fares with Japan Airlines for air rounded up the fare. However, tips were Taking a break from work in the garden I came travel to attend the Conference, I contacted not at all expected. Later, on my way past into the house to make a cup of tea, after turning Mr Maebara to request an introduction to an the taxi stand to fi nd something to eat, on the radio. Terrible news from Japan broke agent who could assist with my land travel. my driver was waiting for his next fare into regular broadcasts. The television was I sought in a very small way to make up for all and gave me a friendly wave. This was a http://www.heritageroses.jp/conference-sakura2011/ turned on to reveal the full horror of live vision, the cancellations which they had been troubled very nice introduction to Japan.

8 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritage Rose Group, No. 7 March 2012 | 9 the City of Sakura Rose Garden and in the English section select the ‘Others’ tab such kit, and Adrienne sent one with me to Japan one of my walks from the train station at Sakura and then select the ‘Roses in Sakura’ tab. for Mr Maebara. He was quite delighted with I saw many potted roses off ering colour and Later in the day I was treated to a guided both gifts, and added that his wife was especially fragrance to passers-by. No doubt many of these personal tour of the beautiful City of Sakura Rose Of special interest were sections of the garden fond of sewing. roses came from the nearby Sakura Rose Garden Garden, of which Mr Maebara is the Director. which were gifts of benefactors. The fi rst of these nursery. It is a magnifi cent achievement of loving was the Seizo Suzuki Garden. Another interesting section of special interest dedication to the rose for Mr Maebara and his During his lifetime (1913-2000) Seizo Suzuki, Japan’s for Australians was the Dream of India Garden. Last on the tour was the impressive library. loyal volunteers. It was, and remains, a worthy pre-eminent rose breeder, raised as many as 160 new roses. In this section were 27 varieties of roses which The library contained about 9,000 reference books and outlet because I know this garden has lifted the were heat-tolerant and suited to tropical The Sakura Rose Garden displays 60 of Seizo documents donated by Mr. Seizo Suzuki. Some about spirits of the volunteers and of others in the local conditions. The roses growing there were Suzuki’s hybrids. These roses were all new to me. the history of roses, and some on rose fragrance and rose community. To make a gift of their labours by developed and donated by the Indian rose- It was a delightful surprise discovery. pigments” tending a garden of great beauty, and providing breeder Dr. Viru Viraraghavan. a place of respite and contemplation from some The La Bonne Maison Garden contains 182 roses In the midst of the many book cases there The Santa Maria Valley Garden followed a slope were vitrines containing interesting prints of the cares and worries which have recently grown from budwood donated by the owners with a brook fl owing down the centre. aff ected the people, shows great and honourable of the private garden of the same name in Lyon. and documents. An especially interesting and Mrs Helga Brichet, whose property in Italy thoughtful display was out on a central table. It generosity. Mme Odile and M Georges Masquelier have a the garden commemorates, has donated 174 collection of species and cultivars of roses. was a surprise for a very special guest who was The Sakura Rose Garden is arranged in 15 varieties of China and Hybrid Gigantea roses. expected later in the afternoon: M Alain Meilland. sections. It grows well over a thousand diff erent It was in the La Bonne Maison Garden which had Many of the roses there were young and Alain Meilland’s mother, Marie Louise, had kept varieties, which are carefully documented in a a charming gazebo, that I asked Mr Maebara to promising. A week later they were all in bloom up an extensive personal correspondence with bound 39-page booklet in Japanese and English. have a seat because I had a little surprise for him. and a lovely sight, which will be even better Mr Seizo Suzuki. On personal and company It contains alphabetical listings, the identifi cation I explained that prior to my departure I thought I during the re-scheduled Conference in 2012. note-paper the years were marked with birthday, number assigned to each bush, classifi cation would like to present him with something to do After our garden tour, and on our way to the Christmas, and other special correspondence. grouping, year of introduction, hybridizer, and with Tasmania, and more particularly my district Sakura Rose Garden Library, we walked past the The dates of many of the documents indicated in which of the fi fteen sections the rose can be and neighbourhood. I thought Susan Irvine’s former rose shop, a small gazebo, which had to that M Meilland, then a little boy, would be located. The Garden at Forest Hall would be perfect, since be abandoned, but not because of lack of sales: reading the kind thoughts of his mother, in this Elizabeth Town and Deloraine are neighbours, Dr. Yuki Mikanagi, the curator of the herbarium it was too small. I was taken along a little lane location, for the fi rst time. I had only personally and I used this book as a valuable reference of the Natural History Museum and Institute adjacent to the former shop, and there displayed met Mr Maebara that afternoon, however, I found when I was thinking of establishing my garden in Chiba, acts as the publicity offi cer for the in beautiful condition were rows and rows of the thoughtfulness directed toward a memorable at Brookhaven. Checking all the Launceston Sakura Rose Garden. She kindly developed and carefully tended rose bushes. They were being experience for an expected guest to be a very bookshops had proved disappointing. Thinking sent me a template based on the spreadsheet watered by one of the volunteers, who was in consistent trait of generosity on his part, and this Susan’s publisher might be keeping a few, I rang format used for the Sakura Rose List in response charge of the propagation programme. During was not the fi rst time I was to experience it. her and was told I was out of luck - she had the to hearing of the Northern Tasmanian Heritage last few - but would like to donate a signed copy Rose group’s eff ort to list the roses in members’ for me to present in Sakura. I told this to Adrienne gardens with a view to propagation and sharing Charles, who is the designer of many beautiful among members and the wider community. counted cross-stitch kits depicting Tasmanian If you would like a copy of this template my heritage homes and buildings. Forest Hall is one e-mail address is [email protected]; I will forward it to you. Dr. Mikanagi also posts beautiful pictures of roses as they fi rst bloom in the garden. The recent picture of Fimbriata has the most elegant petals I have ever seen in that variety. If you wish to view Dr. the Sakura City Rose Garden Yuki’s pictures go to: http://www.heritageroses.jp/ conference-sakura2011/

1010 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritage Rose Group, No. 7 March 2012 | 1111 RoFiC beans developments on the company’s web site. The On to Tokyo... I visited the Zojoji Temple and garden, near my English page was under construction at this hotel, before departing for Nagano. The beautiful On a table near the Meilland correspondence After one of the most enjoyable afternoons of my writing: gardens of the temple were fi lled with votive were a number of clear glass covered bowls life, Mr. Maebara drove me to the train station. areas which were quite intriguing. Many ranks of containing hundreds of beads the size of a soy http://www.baraken.jp/english/index.html Halfway up the stairs to reach the concourse infant-sized granite statues were decorated with bean or green pea. Each bowl contained a I looked back to see if his car was leaving. He This wonderfully informative and entertaining little red bonnets. Vases in front of each statue diff erent colour: pink, apricot, yellow, lime, blue, remained, waved, and waved again when I looked afternoon was not over yet. We had a very long contained fl owers, ribbons and little pin-wheels orange, purple and white. I asked Mr Maebara back after reaching the top of the fl ight. I deeply and friendly tea break in Mr Maebara’s offi ce which whirled in the breeze. Beautiful calligraphy the purpose of this display. He invited me to lift appreciated the brotherly courtesy. where he asked me about the rest of my travel and elegant seals adorned wooden prayer one of the lids. When I lifted the lid of the pink plans in Japan. The Conference Committee were In Tokyo I was impressed with the printed tablets, which hung in special open displays. bowl, the scent of Classic Damask greeted me. going to have a dinner party on 28 May, which is instructions, supplied by my hotel front desk. Wishes and prayers, off ered in hope, invited Next was Damask, Modern, Tea, Fruity, Blue, Spicy, when the Conference would have begun. When I asked for help with the subway trip to witnesses in that serene setting. Myrrh and fi nally Bulgarian Rose. The Myrrh scent He invited me to return as their guest. I was due the Imperial Palace, two station stops away, I was reminded me of my fi rst spring with the English to travel next to Tokyo and Nagano. However, I given a leafl et complete with platform numbers rose, Lilac Rose; and how accurately these little left Nagano a day early, on the Friday before the and exit directions and the names of the four ...and Nagano... beads brought back that memory. Unaware of party, so I could spend another day at the garden stations involved. When the pre-Conference tour The Journey to Nagano introduced me to the the higher purposes for these wonderful little before the dinner. was cancelled I had been worried about language wonders of the Shinkansen “bullet train”. During beads, I remarked to Mr Maebara how problems. Train travel information is bi-lingual, my entire stay they arrived and left to the minute wonderful it would be to have some to which is very convenient. Thus I arrived safely and on schedule. Green Car (fi rst class) luggage take back home and introduce at our quickly at the Imperial Palace Otemachi station. storage was conveniently located in carriage August Heritage Rose Meeting. Making my way across the moat and through vestibules. Before the train arrived the cleaning I knew it would entertain thoughts of crew in pink and foreman in blue uniform were approaching spring. huge stone and cedar gates to the East Garden of the Imperial Palace I was impressed with waiting all in a row. The train arrived and they The little beans are known as RoFiC the beautiful clipped rhododendron hedging boarded to turn the seats and tidy the carriages. beans (shown below right) and have everywhere to be seen. Sometimes these About two minutes before the train was due to been developed by Mr Katsuyuki were in long rectangular pink trains. Other times, leave the cleaning crew reassembled in a neat Yomogida, a protégé of Mr Seizo and more impressively, they were clipped into line along the platform. The foreman, with the Suzuki. Mr Yomogida has patented graceful swells on a green sea with pink foam dignity of an orchestra conductor, raised his arm a fragrance-extraction method clinging to the surface. The carefully tended roses and motioned a signal to the cleaning staff . developed through RoFiC - the Rose gathered a large number of fellow admirers. They all bowed together most elegantly, and Fragrance Institute Corporation. The areas of the garden where water was a we were invited to board. Along the way the Thanks to Mr Maebara and Dr Yuki, my feature found artists depicting its harmonious conductor arrived to check tickets and before wish for the August meeting talking combination of elements. entering he bowed to those present, and again point was granted by Mr Yomogida. when leaving. This most impressive Shortly after my return a small packet procedure was repeated by all the arrived from Sakura which contained rail company employees whenever three Rose Fragrance Towers. The they entered or left the carriage. towers are clear and reveal eight named cells As we enjoyed our tea Mr Maebara wrote very The train carriages, stations which contain the eight diff erent colour and detailed directions for negotiating my train travel and employees were spotlessly scent divisions. The bottom of each cell screws and getting around the Tokyo Central Station, clean and effi cient. Whenever I to form the lid of the next. A family tree of scent which was needed, and came in very handy. questioned a platform attendant, derivation was included, with signifi cant parents A very cordial and helpful volunteer joined us conductor or booth attendant, for each scent extracted by Mr. Yomogida’s in the offi ce. Learning that I was going to visit adjacent the turnstiles, since I method. Nagano he told me to visit the Zenkoji Temple. always had my suitcase in tow, “The Japanese have long been told to visit the they always had the answer at their I should think that mixing the scents with the aid ancient Zenkoji Temple at least once in their fi nger-tips using the rather thick of their colour coding would allow a percentage lifetime.” He also suggested, since I had a JR rail timetable or electronic tablet. I of each scent in a particular blend to be derived. pass, that I visit the very scenic highest point of greatly appreciated and respected Unique personal products could be supported the line near Nagano. the pride they took in their work. using such a scheme. I have been following photo by Corporate Monkey

1212 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritage Rose Group, No. 7 March 2012 | 1313 Zenkoji Temple due to start, I travelled back to Sakura to join Mr associates of how – SAFE, effi cient and enjoyable Three highlights among many beautiful Maebara, the Conference Organising Committee my experiences in Sakura and Japan had been. experiences were the Golden Pavilion, the The recommendation to visit the Zenkoji Temple and the Sakura Rose Garden Volunteers who I observed how truly the Garden at Sakura was Kiyomizu Temple known as the Temple of Pure proved very worthwhile. From my hotel, at the were going to enjoy a dinner party together, even helping the rose to create friendship among the Water, and Chouraku-Ji Temple. train station, the way to the temple was marked though sadly they had to cancel all the other nations, and concluded with a toast to their most on both sides of the street with well-made cedar The Temple of Pure Water was built on a hillside. Conference activities until May 2012. excellent health. lanterns on stout cedar posts (photo below). The foundation of the structure was made There were also attractive fl ower-planters in The tables were fi lled with many and various of huge criss-crossed wooden beams which hanging baskets. The distance was about 1.7 km Sakura treats. I wish I could have tried them all. However, supported an edifi ce many stories high. From along this processional way. The massive 5m tall Mayor Warabi pointed out Mrs Nomura’s plate the Temple railings the paths of the sumptuous Mayor Kazuo Warabi’s chauff eur found me in the of cherry-blossom rice cakes. The colour of the gardens could be viewed in the valley below. It Niomon Gate was reached about a block before Wishton Hotel, and took me along to a terrace entering the temple grounds. Many steps were blossoms had been preserved and the subtle was a breath-taking sight. Water from springs which had been beautifully decorated with roses fl avour of cherry was most enjoyable. in the hillside gushed into three long bamboo climbed before reaching its base and central in garden arches, vases and pots. Reporters with portal. spouts to the left of this observation deck. I a TV crew were interviewing Mr Maebara and the ventured down stairs to get closer. Secondary Next came the Sanmon gate, marking the entry Mayor with the rose display as a backdrop. Kyoto school children, who spend three days in Kyoto in to the temple grounds. This very impressive The local Flower Festival, previously due to run The next day was spent travelling to Kyoto. Junior High School and a week in High School for structure was four times the height of the jointly with the Heritage Rose Conference, was At the Tokyo Station I had purchased one of cultural experiences, were patiently waiting their previous gate and it grandly framed the distant opening alone this day. Mr Maebara introduced those delightful bento box lunches to enjoy on turns to hold ladles under the cascading streams view to the main hall of the temple. The Inner Mayor Warabi, who had a playful sense of the Shinkansen. There was far too much to see in to catch the pure water. To see the delight of Temple had many glittering and signifi cant humour as I found when we exchanged cards. three days, so in 2012 I will be spending a good the many well-dressed and -behaved students decorations. I could certainly understand why I was careful as to the correct pronunciation of deal more time in that ancient city. enjoying this cultural event for the fi rst time was this temple was a national treasure. his surname. He said yes! I had it right Wa-ra-bi very satisfying. The following morning I spent touring the many not Wal-ah-be. His card was embossed in Braille interesting shops on the walk to and from the which included an embossed cherry blossom - Zenkoji Temple. By this time my legs and feet very thoughtful. I found that he raised lavender were asking for a rest so I asked at the hotel if commercially and was knowledgeable about the there was an onsen (hot spring) nearby. About Tasmanian industry. ten minutes away I found the most restful way The dinner party was held nearby in the to spend a rainy afternoon. The onsen I visited grounds of the Sakura Rose Garden which has had two large outdoor pools with steaming hot an ancient farm house in the grounds, where spring water bubbling up, making steam in the the low tables and comfortable cushions were cold mountain arranged Japanese-style. After presenting me air. Inside there with the name tag which I would have used at were relaxing the Rose Conference, Mr Maebara motioned to pools to enjoy the western-style table and chairs which he had with the same as a back-up and asked if I wished to use them mineral-fi lled instead of the Japanese setting. I assured him the waters. It was a weeds in my garden kept me spry enough for the wonderful way cushion instead of the chair. to spend an Before we began dinner, Mayor Warabi made afternoon resting some remarks of welcome to all present and Mr weary muscles, Maebara followed and welcomed me, where and for less than upon I was asked to make some remarks and $8 - a bargain. follow with a toast. I mentioned how beautifully The following day the volunteers, and all associated with them, May 28th, when had prepared the Sakura Rose Garden, and the Heritage what a distinct pleasure it was to off er my Rose Conference encouragement and thanks. I promised that was originally I would carry away with me the news for my

1414 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritage Rose Group, No. 7 March 2012 | 1515 At the conclusion of the day tour on 30 May our Osaka The private dining room featured beautiful dark The encouragements and thanks come from a guide handed each of us a handwritten sheet wood panelling. The long western-style table was poignant recognition. All those associated with Osaka was the last city to visit before returning with the text in various sizes: set for twenty. The silver service, crystal, linen the Rose Garden at Sakura have been inspired in north for my fi nal night in Narita. My most table cloth and napery, and the handwritten their generosity by the nobility of the rose. Thank You for coming to JAPAN at this time of unstable JAPAN. memorable experience there was a visit to menus, in French and Japanese, which had colour the Osaka Municipal Museum of Art and its The following day, as I waited in the JAL lounge Because You are helping tourism in JAPAN, shops, Hotels, bus prints of Laevigata roses on the reverse, made gardens. On my way to the gardens I ventured for my fl ight to be called, I noticed a JAL plane companies, restaurants and tour guides. this a very special occasion. into the museum and found that an interesting begin its taxi from the gate. On its fuselage was We hope you leave Japan with good memories. calligraphy exhibit was underway. One of the After dinner, Professor of English Literature Akira the confi dent and, in my experience, quite true Thank You again for visiting JAPAN now. gallery attendants stopped to welcome me and, Ogawa, of the Japan Rose Society, rose to thank observation: “Japan: Endless Discovery”. me for coming to Japan at that particular time to He mentioned that it was usual in the month of unlike any other gallery attendant I have ever off er encouragement to those associated with May for him to guide twenty-eight tours. This met, spent a lovely long time chatting about the Rose Garden at Sakura. After his remarks he May, our tour was his fi rst. I left his company with Australia, Brisbane and her daughter who went to presented me with a lovely present which I shall very good memories indeed. school there - a charming lady. always treasure: The Girl. She is a doll In the next gallery I met an exhibitor, Mrs Koga The majority of the next day was spent in the dressed in a kimono holding a graceful frond of Takatani, who like the ladies of the organising precincts of the Buddhist Chouraku-ji Temple. wisteria which arches behind her neck from hand committee and the friendly attendant reminds The walk up the slope to the majestic temple to hand. gate was a serene experience, with no room me of the many random acts of kindness I On both dinner occasions my companions and, allowed for vehicles on the wide paved footpath experienced in Japan; of people who didn’t just may I say, friends, had recently been through a which was marked with fl ags and ornamental point to the post offi ce or bank, but took me once-in-a-lifetime ordeal. To share with them lanterns on tall inscribed wooden posts. there; or the people who watched to see if I was going in the right direction and like guardian the pleasures of normality, as equilibrium was Passing up through the temple gate one angels appeared when necessary to point me regained, brought me great satisfaction. The ascended further and further to the Temple the other way round. Mrs Takatani (photo below) fi rst gathering was to mark the Local Flower and then into the higher reaches of the garden, was one of those kind hearts. We had a long chat Festival and renewed preparations for a Heritage past tombstones and shrines, past the Heian about her work and the exhibition. Rose Conference in 2012. However, the second Waterfalls and on higher still past stone images dinner was for me. I was privileged to be able and bamboo forests, until a summit was to share their company and, in my small way, to reached, which aff orded a pleasing view back join in personally what I know to be worldwide down on Kyoto. encouragement and thanks directed to them. TThehe TTempleemple ofof PurePure WWater,ater, KKyotoyoto From the entry gate to this point until my departure, I had this beautiful place to myself. The garden path led down again past the Treasury Storehouse and the Water Garden House (photo on next page), which I entered. Expensive tatami mats were arranged on the fl oor and a thoughtfully spare fl ower arrangement of pink peonies and blue alliums Shortly after my arrival in Kyoto, Dr Yuki had invited entry. The room, used for worship and invited me to a dinner planned for the night contemplation, looked out through parted before my departure for home. I looked forward rice-paper doors onto a pond. The water helped to meeting again those present at the dinner form and refl ect a most beautiful refi nement. of the 28th and the chance to meet some The concept of wild nature was transformed other members of the Conference Organising in miniature and I stayed there for some time, Committee and volunteers. We met the afternoon transfi xed. of 4 June and enjoyed the garden until twilight. We then departed, by mini bus, for the Laevigata Restaurant which had a huge specimen of its namesake covering the entry, climbing a tree and then onto the roof. It was a sight to behold.

1616 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritage Rose Group, No. 7 March 2012 | 1717 from New Zealand station was never a possibility, for not only does station to the rosarium is only 1.5 kms and there The magnitude is quite breath-taking. How an enormous volcano-shaped slag heap stand are a series of yellow roses, albeit faded yellow could I do justice to what I saw before me, in sentinel over the town, but the town itself it is at roses, painted on the pavement that are intended just fi ve hours? Staying with the tried and true Europa Rosarium, the end of the trainline. as a direction guide for visitors. approach seemed the best plan, so it was a quick Tucked under the Harz Mountains, Sangerhausen As the bus reached the hill top my heart sank. walk around the side paths and back through a wonder of the world was in the former German Democratic Republic Was this what we had travelled so far to see? the middle to the starting point. What I hadn’t (East Germany) for over 40 years, and isolated The general unkempt appearance gave little reckoned on though, was the time it takes to walk of roses from all but a few intrepid travellers from the indication that a celebrated garden was nearby. around a 16 hectare garden when the garden is west. The eff ects of the re-unifi cation in 1990 But yes, there it was! A large, bright red logo and set on the side of a reasonably steep hillside. has been slow to reach the town of 35,000 and a shiny new gate confi rmed that this indeed was The Sangerhausen Rosarium, or Europa Rosarium TEXT & PHOTOS BY BERYL LEE, DUNEDIN even today there is a sense of being caught in a our destination. as it has been known since 1993 when it was Whenever my husband and I travel outside New time-warp. given the offi cial status of Europe’s largest Zealand, we make an eff ort to fi nd destinations Sangerhausen’s medieval origins are apparent rosarium, is a collection of roses rather than a where the past events of that particular place in the historic buildings and the cobbled streets garden landscaped with roses. I was intrigued to have impacted on the way the world is today. but it was the Spartan scene we encountered see the manner in which the roses were arranged. For over one hundred years, the people as we walked from the station that served as a Over 8,300 cultivars and 500 wild varieties connected to the Europa Rosarium in Germany reminder that life has not always been easy for (species and their hybrids) are grouped so that all have worked against incredible odds to make its inhabitants, who for decades have relied on the rose types are together. Consequently all the it into one of the world’s leading conservation copper-mining for their living. albas are together, as are the damasks and all the gardens. This ticks all the boxes in list of criteria other groups, irrespective of their size or colour. For the fi rst time in the three weeks we had been we have set ourselves, so during our recent visit in the country, being a non-speaker of German The idea for the garden was mooted in 1896 to Germany, visiting the Europa Rosarium at was an issue. I was able to read enough of the when rose-breeder Peter Lambert of Trier, Sangerhausen was an obvious choice for a rose language to get by, but was thwarted by the suggested to the Society of German Rose lover like myself. lack of any apparent signage to complement my Growers that they create a garden where all Our German adventure began in Munich, from well-worn map. How were we to get from the After purchasing our tickets, we entered through roses that were threatened by extinction could whence we travelled north-east to the cultural station to the rosarium? The best option seemed the turnstyle. A panorama of rose beds with be preserved. The townsfolk of Sangerhausen city of Weimar where we based ourselves. to be to get on one of the numbered buses in inter-connecting paths unfolded below us off ered the land, Lambert himself designed the Sangerhausen is off the tourist route, so the visit the cul-de-sac. The driver kept us in suspense as with the distant slag heap towering over it all. garden and amateur grower Albert Hoff man required a little extra planning. After a bus- he took one detour after another, only to inform Commonsense should have prepared me for the off ered his collection of 1,100 roses. Thus, in ride from our hotel in Weimar, we took a train us after arriving at the town square that we had scale of a garden needed for a collection that 1903 the garden opened under the directorship to Erfurt where we changed to a second train to change coaches. Later, as we returned to the boasts over 75,000 roses, but still the extent of Professor Edward Gnau and with Kaiserin that completed the journey. Overshooting the station, we discovered the distance from the of the plantings caught me unawares. Auguste Viktoria as patron.

the view looking down the hill at the beds of modern roses

the main street of Sangerhausen with roses growing up pyramid structures War memorial in Sangerhausen

1818 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritage Rose Group, No. 7 March 2012 | 1919 As I walked from one rose bed to the next, Many leading rosarians in the west have visited I began to realize that the very existence of the the garden at some time during their love aff air garden was a huge achievement and went well with roses and a few have written about their beyond a typical gardening commitment. experiences – a quick check of the indexes of The dedication of those who maintained it all the rose books in the local public library was evident at every turn. I marvelled at their confi rmed this. Some have benefi tted from from left to right and top to bottom: fortitude as I refl ected on how the garden had the generosity of rosarium curators obtaining a bed of climbers; survived two world wars, years of Nazi rule, a samples of budwood that have since found their Madame Charles Frederick Worth; world depression, and 40 years of communism way into private collections, public gardens, Madame Boll syn. Comte de Chambord; not to mention the re-unifi cation of Germany. into nurseries and on to the market. In 1994, the Green rose: Viridifl ora; During the Russian occupation, many rare while working on a database to record what rose an unnamed beauty; plants and the important historical library were varieties could be found where in the world, the Black rose: Nigrette plundered and taken to Moscow, never to be American rose-breeder Paul Barden identifi ed no seen again. But still the dedicated gardened on, fewer than 3,000 rose varieties that were unique undaunted by challenging political systems, poor, to Sangerhausen. There was a time when this dry soil and harsh winters. number was considerably higher, indicating that In the northern hemisphere, the rose season is in the rosariums conservation eff orts have been its fi nal fl ush by October but still there is much successful. How many of us have roses that were to view. I was drawn to the perfectly formed once threatened with extinction fl ourishing in blooms of the deep pink Portand, Madame Boll, our gardens? (known in New Zealand as Comte de Chambord) For myself, I leave the garden humbled and and entranced by the heady perfume that wafted with a deep admiration and respect for all the across the path from the almost thornless Rugosa people who have worked tirelessly during the last hybrid, Madame Charles Frederick Worth. century to make Europa Rosarium one of the true Innovation was very much evident when it came wonders of the rose world. to displaying the rosarium’s collection of climbers Anyone contemplating visiting Sangerhausen and ramblers. With neither walls nor trellises for should allow at least two days if possible – there the dedicated support, they were trained up single poles with is a lot to see! Regional trains run from Erfurt gardened on, barely a metre between each plant. It isn’t every every hour and the journey takes approximately day you see a bed of climbers! 1½ - 2 hours. Buses run regularly from the undaunted by Both the ’Black Rose’ and the ‘Green Rose’ had station, although the walk is a comfortable challenging political been identifi ed as being roses of special interest, 1.5kms – just make sure you have a map before systems, and I made a determined eff ort to locate them. you start out. Nigrette (Krause 1933) is a Hybrid Tea with poor dry soil, blackish-maroon fl owers, but in New Zealand and harsh winters. is generally regarded as not living up to its hype. Rosa chinensis Viridifl ora is a curiosity that has resulted from a mutation in an original Bengal rose, Old Blush, where the pink petals have been transformed into photosynthesizing structures resembling green petals. I was not why does overly impressed with this rose, though concede Europa Rosarium Nigrette does have a certain charm. not receive the All too soon it was time to leave. I felt elated at what I had seen but a little bewildered as to why acknowledgement a garden so important in the history of roses doess it so richly deserves? not, in the western world at least, receive the acknowledgement it deserves.

2020 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritagege RoseRoose Group,GGrrououpp, No.Noo. 7 March 2012 | 2121 from America Quarter. There Jon Kemp, whose house is Seeing these gardens makes us realize the impact The “Peggy Martin Rose” is available at numerous adjacent to the park, has planted over 50 old of the revival of old in the South,”’ nurseries. Part of the proceeds goes to restore roses. One of the highlights is a Lamarque that he concluded. public Gulf Coast gardens devastated by New Orleans roses sprawls over an 8 foot tall fence. Great praise coming from one of the men most Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Dr. Welch particularly enjoyed seeing several responsible for the growing popularity of old Armstrong Park’s entrance is at 801 N. Rampart St. impress visitors of the roses he had originally brought back roses in Southern gardens. Cabrini Park is in the 1200 block of Dauphine St. into commerce thriving in both parks, Dr. Welch’s books include Antique Roses for the Both are free and open 7 days a week. including McClinton Tea, Georgetown Tea, and BY LEO WATERMEIER South and his latest, Heirloom Gardening in the For more information, contact Leo Watermeier at Natchitoches Noisette. Dr. Welch recalled that he South: Yesterday’s Plants for Today’s Gardens. [email protected]. Dr William Welch, noted Texas A&M rosarian and found McClinton Tea, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, author, was able to enjoy the old roses in both in the mid-1980’s: Louis Armstrong Park and Cabrini Park in early Mrs McClinton, like many conservative African-Americans, January when he was in New Orleans to speak did not discard her old roses but propagated them profusely. at the monthly meeting of the New Orleans Old The fragrance was unforgettable. It is exciting to see how the Garden Rose Society. He was accompanied by City of New Orleans has included her rose in several public his wife Lucille and escorted by Peggy Martin, plantings. Mrs McClinton would be pleased. namesake of the Katrina survivor rose. Luckily it’s been a mild winter even by New Orleans standards (USDA Zone 9, annual rainfall 62 inches) and many roses had the lush, vibrant blooms cooler winter weather brings out. Armstrong Park has one of the country’s largest collections of those roses that do best in warm climates: Teas, Chinas, Noisettes, Tea-Noisettes, Bourbons and Hybrid Musks. It is located adjacent to the city’s famed French Quarter. Leo Watermeier has been its volunteer curator since its inception in the mid-1990’s. Dr. William Welch, his wife Lucille, Peggy Martin, and Leo Watermeier The roses are well integrated in front of Georgetown Tea in Cabrini Park. into the park’s landscape and “Roses are important to the gardening heritage Peggy Martin remarked she was of New Orleans and these are really thriving” he So impressed with the scope of the garden, with the way added. the roses follow the slopes and the winding wide paths At Cabrini Park, clockwise from top right: Both Armstrong Park and Cabrini Park provide an opportunity through the garden, and with its many beautiful large healthy Jon Kemp looking out her window at Natchitoches Noisette; to see beautifully maintained old garden roses in a beautiful specimens... it gives you the feeling of the old New Orleans McClinton Tea; Jon Kemp Natchitoches Noisette; and green space. It is a rare treat to be able to stroll through these nostalgic gardens of my youth. pruning Lamarque. mature, 4 to 8 foot tall roses, touch them, smell them and The group also toured Cabrini Park, which is enjoy their colors while refl ecting on their romantic stories. nearby in a quiet residential part of the French

2222 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritage Rose Group, No. 7 March 2012 | 2323 Fred found Souvenir de la Malmaison, four or preserve and beautify the cemetery. Among fi ve Hybrid Perpetuals, including Paul Neyron, the initiatives of the Old City Cemetery and several red Chinas. He identifi ed two plants Committee was the Adopt-a-Plot program, which as the shrub form of Aimee Vibert. He also encouraged volunteers to tend one or more of from America In the 20th century, fewer and fewer burials took spotted some popular old , Manetti the pioneers’ gravesites. After nearly a year and place. The cemetery became the “Sacramento and Gloire des Rosomanes, often called “Ragged a half of discussion, the city set aside three acres Historic City Cemetery.” It fell into disrepair as Robin.” of the 28-acre cemetery for the Historic Rose the Sacramento families moved away, died off or simply forgot. Fred also found inspiration. The cemetery was a Garden, installed irrigation in one section and Weeds choked the pathways and gravesites, “jewel in the rough,” he recalls. Fred envisioned told volunteers to start planting roses. Historic Rose Garden: the plot surrounds collapsed, and vandals growing heritage Jean and Fred and thieves damaged and stole artifacts and roses amidst the contacted preserving roses in a monuments. Despite the neglect, trees, shrubs mortuary art, fellow old and roses lived on. letting the plants rose lovers, California gold rush Roses can live to a great old age in Sacramento’s do what they some of benign Mediterranean climate. Winters are chilly wanted to do. whom had cemetery enough to encourage hardy roses to bloom, but “With so much collected not so cold that more tender roses freeze. The open space in heritage TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ANITA CLEVENGER Sacramento Valley’s hot, dry summers discourage the cemetery, we roses from most fungal diseases and insects. If not irrigated, would have the historic sites Gold-seekers rushed to Sacramento, California the repeat-blooming roses stop growing and luxury of letting or purchased after the fi rst nuggets were found in the nearby blooming until rain revives them in the fall. them grow large.” them from foothills in 1848. Disease and misfortune took Given regular water, they keep on blooming, and Fred had the few their toll. The fl ood-prone city needed a place can grow immense. spent decades commercial to bury its dead, preferably on high ground. collecting roses sources Sacramento leaders established a cemetery on a When botanist and old rose collector Fred Boutin from abandoned available. The sand hill overlooking the Sacramento River. They visited the Sacramento cemetery in 1990, he mining camps, fi rst planting laid out a grid of plots for gravesites, and sold found some twenty-fi ve roses typical of varieties sleepy foothill Fred Boutin Barbara Oliva day was in them with the expectation that the owners and found in old cemeteries throughout California. towns, old March 1992, their descendants would care for them forever. There were Tea roses, including Safrano, cemeteries and other historic sites. He kept with nearly 100 roses donated from Fred and Throughout the 19th century, the cemetery was Duchesse de Brabant and a few unknown records of where they were collected, and others. Over the next few years, a small, informal a showplace. The raised plots were surrounded varieties. A rose that may be the Noisette studied the roses. Some he could identify, and group of volunteers planted again and again, with granite, marble or brick, edged with Lamarque grew on a single cane near railroad others remain a mystery to this day. Often, Fred’s complementing the monuments with roses that elaborate wrought iron fences, and graced with baron Mark Hopkins’ imposing mausoleum. botanist eye would spot diff erences between pioneers and early Sacramento residents knew statuary, mausoleums two plants that were thought to be the same and loved. and monuments variety. “Are they diff erent, or are they not?” he decorated with carvings It’s not easy to start a garden, but it’s harder yet wondered. “I can’t resist collecting an unknown of roses and other to keep it going. Barbara Oliva came to the initial rose.” He could see value in planting these and symbols. The city lined planting. A retired teacher, Barbara lived nearby, other “found” roses in a single public site where the carriageways with and had the time, interest, and perseverance they could be preserved, and visitors could study elm, yew, cypress and to become the curator of the garden and the them and enjoy their beauty. palm trees, and families Convener of the Yolo and Beyond HRG. planted roses and other On his fi rst visit to the Sacramento cemetery, Fred Barbara coordinated an annual Open Garden fl owers in the plots as was accompanied by Jean Travis, a member of Day, with sales of propagated roses to raise living memorials. City Yolo (County) and Beyond Heritage Roses Group funds for garden operations. She gave talks, led residents often came and co-founder of the Sacramento Perennial tours, and conducted classes about old roses and to enjoy the beauty of Plant Club. She, too, was inspired by the idea of how to prune and propagate them. Through this Victorian “garden planting a rose garden in the cemetery. these outreach eff orts, a few volunteers stepped cemetery” at the edge of Their timing was good. A group of concerned forward to work in the garden and behind the town. TThehe SSacramentoacramento CCemetery,emetery, 11866866 citizens had begun to work with the city to scenes, and then a few more.

2424 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritage Rose Group, No. 7 March 2012 | 2525 Barbara also keeps records of the roses, entering pine tree, bursts into bloom. It’s been described under a barbed-wire fence to get it. “The Abbott October 12-14, 2012. The conference will be co- information about the location and provenance as resembling a giant, three-tiered wedding and Burns Family Rose” is a miniature China sponsored by the Old City Cemetery Committee, of each rose into a database and producing labels cake. Other varieties follow in quick succession. which is said to have been passed down through the Heritage Roses Group, and the Heritage Rose to hang onto the roses. As Fred envisioned, About two-thirds of the roses in the garden the generations by a family who brought it Foundation. The original founders of the garden the grid layout of the cemetery made it easy are remontant, and there are usually at least a across the prairies in a covered wagon in 1858. will be there, roses will be off ered for sale and to number, track and locate the roses, which is few roses in bloom throughout the year. Jean “Elisabeth’s Red China” is one of the original there will be an opportunity to learn about the critical in order for people to study them. observes that old Tea roses, in particular, are roses in the cemetery: fragrant, deep red and garden and its roses. The collection has now grown to about 500 roses, “utterly superior” in Sacramento, but many constantly in bloom. Rose lovers from around the world have studied approximately 350 of which are distinct varieties. volunteers and visitors equally appreciate About fi fteen dedicated volunteers propagate the cemetery roses, just as Fred envisioned. Chinas, Teas, Noisettes, and Hybrid Perpetuals the nearly constantly-blooming Chinas and and care for the roses throughout the year, However, the Historic Rose Garden is not just a are especially well-represented, although there Polyanthas. assisted by the Sheriff ’s Work Project crew. place for them. Casual visitors are amazed at the are examples from nearly every class, and almost Over fi ve hundred visitors come to the annual These sentenced off enders weed, spread variety of forms and fragrances of old and species twenty species roses. Many of the roses have not Open Garden, held the third Saturday in April, mulch, cut grass and haul trimmings. Additional roses. “Is that a rose?”, they ask, looking at the been defi nitively identifi ed, and still carry a study and vie to buy rooted cuttings of the cemetery volunteers tend the garden during special events, ‘Green Rose,’ a huge banksiae, a moss-encased name. roses. They enjoy the mystery, history and such as January’s “Pruning Party” and monthly bud or a species rose covered with hips. “Yes,” Visitors to the garden fi nd themselves dwarfed adventure that these found roses represent, and “Deadheading at Dusk” work parties throughout volunteers assure them. “That is, indeed, a rose. by roses. Roses tower overhead, sometimes love their fragrance, form and vigor. Survivors of the summer. Volunteers lead tours, publish a Let us tell you about them.” reaching up into the trees, and sometimes decades of summer drought and neglect, these newsletter, conduct talks and classes and take No longer neglected, the Sacramento Historic supported by archways that extend over the found roses are well suited for California water- displays to the local rose society show and to City Cemetery also boasts a California Native paths. The roses are accompanied by iris, other effi cient gardens. Sadly, many of the roses in the other community gardening events. Plant Demonstration Garden, the Perennial Plant perennials, and self-seeding fl owers. collection have disappeared from their original Fred says, “The volunteers have been wonderful.” Club’s garden in Hamilton Square, and hundreds The California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, sites, victims of development or herbicide. Their commitment and the success of their of plots adopted by individuals and groups. is an especially appropriate and beloved They are preserved in the Sacramento cemetery preservation eff orts have been recognized by Work continues to repair the plot surrounds and companion. The combination of cemetery and passed along through the rose sales. Sacramento’s former mayor, who granted a to mend the monuments. Volunteers lead history stones and fl owers creates a visual feast and a Most of the roses off ered in the cemetery sale Historic Preservation Award, and a Great Rose tours, research the archives and produce popular photographer’s delight. are not widely in commerce, if at all. Many come Garden of the World award from the Great evening fund-raising events. People come to Spring usually starts early and happens fast with an interesting back story. Barbara collected Rosarians of the World ™ . learn Sacramento’s history and to stroll the lush, “Barbara’s Pasture Rose”, an especially vigorous in Sacramento. In mid-March, Rosa banksiae The rose garden volunteers will host a 20th shady grounds. It is a showplace, once again. La Reine-style Hybrid Perpetual, by slipping normalis, extending more than fi fty feet up a anniversary symposium and celebration on Anita Clevenger volunteers as the manager of the Sacramento Historic Rose Garden. She is a University of California Master Gardener, a trustee of the Heritage Rose Foundation, a director of the Old City Cemetery Committee Board, and a member of the Heritage Roses Group and the American Rose Society. Further information about the Sacramento Historic Rose Garden is on their website: http://www.cemeteryrose.org

RRosaosa bbanksiaeanksiae lluteautea RRosaosa bbanksiaeanksiae nnormalisormalis AAnn unknownunknown TTeaea roserose

2626 | Newsletter of the World Federation of Rose Societies Heritage Rose Group, No. 7 March 2012 | 2727 AAnnnn ChapmanChapman andand OlgaOlga YuretichYuretich iinn ffrontront ooff RRawiriawiri ((photophoto bbyy LLloydloyd CChapman)hapman) CComplicataomplicata from New Zealand the property with budwood coming from from Canada her vast collection. Still an avid collector, Joanne concentrates on adding to her Tea Rose collection, buying or sourcing roses for private Heritage Rose comparison and to help her identify foundlings. comments please! A couple of particular treasures are Lord Tarquin collections in the and Peace (1902). Joanne also has many Alistair BY CRENAGH ELLIOTT, VICTORIA, BC North Island of NZ Clark roses, and has ensured their continuation by sending budwood to Tasman Bay Nursery. We have been having some correspondence about Old Garden Roses and Heritage Roses. BY GEORGINA CAMPBELL, HASTINGS Marie Philo also gardens just North of Katikati. In consequence we would like to collect Marie has been an active collector since the comments to take to the WFRS Heritage meeting There are many Heritage Roses of interest Heritage Roses movement began in New Zealand in Sakura Japan in June 2012 so that decisions growing in private gardens in the North and has sourced and swapped plants, plus can be confi rmed at the WFRS meeting in South Island of New Zealand. Many are very rare on worked on identifying foundlings. Her vast rose Africa in October 2012. a global scale, with the owners unaware at collection includes many rarely seen Teas, Chinas, times as to how precious they are. Roses have Bourbons and Gallicas including Red (Niles) 1) Old Garden Roses (OGRs) are classifi ed for been collected from many sources and were Cachet, Solfatere, Le Vesuve, Charles Lawson show purposes and are determined by the sometimes propagated name unknown or and Cramoisi Picote. date of the classifi cation, at present 1867, the date of the fi rst . awaiting the outcome of further research, and Elysse Jones gardens just out of Whakatane, have been shared within families or communities and began collecting many years ago when This includes all roses descended from and treasured by the gardeners over many her health and mobility were better. With the these ancient classifi cations however new years as part of their plant collections and/or support of her husband Elysse has been able to the is. This excludes Wichurana and enjoyment as part of the planting scheme. ensure many rose treasures have not been lost to Rugosa hybrids. On a visit to the following gardens you will note New Zealand. Among Elysse’s collection are Dr 2) Heritage Roses are well defi ned in the that all the gardeners allow their roses to grow Huey, Rosa chinensis minima and many Alistair Heritage Roses Australia Inc. mission to their full potential, due their having suffi cient Clark roses. statement ,which reads in part space and gardening skills. The roses are often Georgina Campbell gardens between Napier a fellowship of those whose aim is to advance the not pampered unless it is needed to ensure they and Hastings. Although the garden is only preservation, cultivation, distribution and study of old garden remain alive, and many of the roses are grown about six years old a lot of the rose collection roses, roses no longer in general commercial cultivation, roses organically. There is an abundance of fl owers and came with her from her previous garden. of historical importance, species roses and their hybrids. the air is full of perfume. With a better climate more Teas, Chinas, older These do not allow for a date, and can include Hybrid Teas and Alister Clark roses have since Olga Yuretich gardens out of Wellsford, north any rose regardless of classifi cation, but of been added. Included in the garden is a of Auckland. The garden has evolved over some age. forty years with a vast collection of named and increasing collection of roses bred by the three seedling roses. There are ramblers scrambling generations of McGredy rose breeders. These are As an aside, rose classifi cation is like Topsy, it on fences, up trees, or holding each other up, planted in their own dedicated area and offi cially just grew. Now it is a gross muddle of form and thickets of spinosissimas / pimpinellifolias, roses opened by Sam McGredy IV. Investigation as to ancestry which will not be easily untangled. bred by New Zealander Ken Nobbs (co-founder of how to bring in budwood of other McGredy roses Please take your comments to Sakura or send to Heritage Rose New Zealand) and mixed plantings from overseas is boding well for the near future. [email protected] before the end of April. where hundreds of roses grow happily with As a conserver of plants Georgina fi nds a home other plant companions. Roses of note include for any new additions, knowing that in the future Marechal Neil, François Poisson and Rawiri. some form of Trust will be needed to ensure Joanne Knight gardens at Kauri Creek, Katikati. the roses along with companion plantings are Joanne had a wonderful rose nursery on protected.

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