Yea, flowers!

Roses are red/pink/white/peach/other.
Violets are still pretty much blue.
Ain’t it grand
when we bring new flower introductions to you?

OK, Elizabeth Barrett Browning has nothing to worry about. My flower poetry doesn’t do justice to the fact that the 2008 All-America Rose Selections, Dream Come True and Mardi Gras, are great plants. Likewise, the 2007 AARS champs, Moondance, Rainbow Knock Out and Strike It Rich. You no doubt are selling or hearing requests for the 2007 selections. You no doubt WILL BE selling or hearing requests for the Class of 2008.

So…

I would suggest you check out the AARS Web site, to see what’s what in the way of champion roses — and to learn how to market them. The site offers a range of news about the selection process and about the plants in general. Also available is a documentary film, “Love at First Sight: America’s Affair with the Rose,” which looks at the national flower through the eyes of top breeders.

As the husband of a person who knows the rose, I recognize the importance of staying on top of the latest news about the subject. In fact, I can’t tell you how many times selecting a dozen of just the right rose got me out of the doghouse.

--Yale