Group Celebrating Half-Century Of Roses

The Spokane Rose Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a special Rose Hill Day at Manito Park Sunday evening.

The public is invited to visit with society members during the event from 4 to 8 p.m.

Spokane’s rose experts will be on hand to offer advice on planting, pruning, fertilizing and maintaining the graceful plants.

Rose Hill currently is in full bloom with lots of buds opening every day. A new pergola, less than a year old, adorns the north end of the formal garden.

Lynn Pierce, president of the society, said this has been a good year for roses because of the rain and lack of intense heat.

“I have the best foliage,” said Pierce, who grows about 180 rose plants at her home in the Spokane Valley. She specializes in miniature and hybrid tea roses.

Some plants have been hit by a fungus called black spot, but it can be controlled with spraying, she said.

Most rose enthusiasts talk about the great variety of roses available and their intense colors and graceful shapes.

Pierce said roses are easily the most popular flower in the nation.

At Manito Park’s rose garden, the All-American Rose Society has four beds planted with test varieties as part of its effort to develop high quality new roses.

The Spokane Rose Society is planning to donate $3,000 to buy paving masonry for the base of the 80-foot-long pergola, which was built last summer with a donation to the Parks Department from the estate of Erna Bert Nelson.

In past years, the rose day was held during the early afternoon, but hot weather kept turnout low, Pierce said. Rose society members hope to attract a bigger crowd this weekend by holding the event in the evening.

Refreshments will be served.

The society is also looking for new members. The annual membership dues are $6.50 for an individual or $9 for a couple. Members receive a regular newsletter that includes tips on growing.

The society has 125 members.

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