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Photo: John Kennedy Rose

By Howard B. Owens

This is a bloom from the John Kennedy Rose in my yard.

Mardell Lamb

It's gorgeous! The yellow in the center almost looks like the sun coming through, or a "light." So beautiful. Love the name as well. Keep the great pics coming, Howard.

Jun 21, 2010, 6:28pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Janice, growing roses is not really difficult.

-- Prune properly in the early spring.
-- A handful of epson salt early spring.
-- Fertilize every two weeks.
-- Spray for insects and disease every two weeks (I'm about a week behind on each of these last two items)
-- Dead head appropriately.

During aphid season, it's a good idea to hose off the plants regularly.

During japanese beetle season, it's a good idea to spray insecticide on each bud every night.

Now, all of these items do add up to a little more expense and time than growing many other flowers, but the effort is worth it.

The only other thing that makes a difference is knowing something about the variety of roses.

Going onto the American Rose Society site and looking at past ARS winners will give you some ideas of varieties worth trying.

My favorites are Mr. Lincoln, Opening Night, Betty Boop, Queen Elizabeth, Honey Dijon, Hot Coco and Barbara Streisand.

The John Kennedy produces wonderful white blooms, but it's not among my favorite because, so far, it hasn't been much of a producer for me.

Jun 21, 2010, 7:54pm Permalink
Janice Stenman

Thanks again....have you thought of doing articles on flower gardening? Perhaps visit area yards and gardens and ask homeowners their secrets? What about an interview at Pudgies, the Cornell Cooperative Extension and the county's master gardeners?

I for one would love it.

Jun 22, 2010, 9:49pm Permalink

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