By Patti Spezzaferro

In the waves of change, we find our true direction.

After being at home zooming for the past two years and three months, Peninsula Rose Society returned to its old stomping grounds at the Redwood City Veteran Memorial Senior Center for its most recent membership meeting. Twenty-five in-person members and twelve members on zoom attended the meeting on Tuesday, March 15th.

The excitement in the air was undeniable. It was so good to see old friends and new faces. I have missed being together physically as a community learning about roses, building new friendships, and nourishing long-time relationships.

Despite this lockdown, I am proud to say that Peninsula Rose Society has come out of this challenging time stronger, wiser, and more connected than ever. We have grown our membership by offering new ways to connect, grow, and learn through zoom meetings, garden tours, and pruning help. In the waves of change, PRS found its true direction to stay connected. I want to thank Jerry Georgette and John Erskine for opening their gardens to our members in March. Both gardens were a feast for the eyes and left me inspired to work harder and smarter in my garden.

Meanwhile, I have finished pruning with the help of PRS member Lydia Truce, applied dormant copper fungicide to my roses, and just last week applied the Apex slow-release fertilizer purchased from Jim Crowther. If you need any fertilizer, you can contact him. In early April, I will start finger pruning. Watch my video on why we finger prune and how it’s done: Finger pruning lesson.

That’s it for now, and don’t forget to smell the roses.
Happy Gardening,

Patti.