New Year’s Resolutions

by ’Pop’ Warner, Master Rosarian, Golden Triangle Rose Society.

Excerpt from A Year In the Rose Garden. The Wit and Wisdom of “Pop” Warner, written January 1991

I will continue to give space to some very fragrant roses just to make beautiful bouquets smell beautiful.
I will keep my beds clean and reasonably well-groomed so passers-by will enjoy the roses more.
I will go out of my way to encourage new growers. And I will tell them about the advantage of belonging to the American Rose Society.
I will spray religiously once a week for black spot and mildew.
I will try to check the spider mites before they start defoliating the roses.
I will use insecticides sparingly, only where and when needed.
I will remember that water is more important than fertilizer.
I will try to avoid letting any weeds go to seed and regenerate themselves.
I will take fewer and better roses to the spring show. (Well, I will at least try.)
I will take better care of my equipment so I will have more time for enjoying the roses instead of making repairs.
I will look for the beauty of the roses instead of dwelling on their faults. I will try to do the same with the people who grow them.
I will remind myself regularly that the people who grow roses are more important than their roses.
I will call on my pleasant memories as often as I choose. They do not wear out.
I will go out of my way to create some more pleasant memories for future years.
I will stop putting things off; if not this year, maybe next.