Volunteering & training in your s. California rose garden

14 years ago

Ok, so last week I put up a post on how & where to volunteer at a public rose garden in Southern California. The choices I were given were great but no one is taking in volunteers at this time. I really want to volunteer at Descano gardens since they have five acres of roses where they train you on everything from the types of roses to propagating to pruning; but they don't have any openings till probably September they said. Then I tried my second choice, the Huntington Library but it's the samething with waiting except for they have deadheading class on Tuesdays, but I don't want to do an hour drive everyweek, fighting the morning commute traffic for deadheading (They also have a 2 yr. committment). So I just have to wait, but in the mean while I was hoping & wondering if any of you Southern Californians whose have huge rose gardens (I saw some people say they had 1000+ roses, but can't remember who) would like to have me volunteer and assist them with their roses either once a week or every other week until September or whenever. I want to work with lots of different types of roses, especially antiques and english roses & I want to learn everything like propagating & the varities (I'm young & have a lot to learn). I also live in Orange County, so with in an hour of a drive is good enough. Let me know, thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (14)

diane_nj 6b/7a
14 years ago
Have you tried contacting one of the local rose societies? Maybe one of their members has a private garden where they would allow you to help.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pacific Southwest District Rose Societies - So. California
bethsmom
14 years ago
I recently visited Armstrong Nursery in Carlsbad CA where they have a large "test garden." It badly needed pruning, and when I inquired "why do your roses look so neglected?"---they informed me that it is usually taken care of by volunteers, but they hadn't had many volunteer offers recently, and
needed help. You might give them a call----
Related Discussions
Garden model trains in your yard!!
Q
Comments (9)
I had a friend who had a train running through his garden. He had it so it would run through his house and basement and out a 'flap' into his garden. He was a 'train nut' and insisted on making it realistic using vegetation around the train that was 'to scale'. For example using bonsai trees and dwarf Rhodendrums, and Irish moss for "grass" around the little buildings. The rest of his garden was all green stuff with mostly hostas and sedum never any flowers. He thought it ridiculous when he saw magazine pictures with trains running through petunias. His 'train garden' looked like green rolling hillside with a train that would run through. Be careful, trains can become 'addictive'! Once you get started there is always so much more to learn and do. Then of course, there are train swap meets to attend. This guy had his whole house decorated with train stuff he bought off eBay. He had curio cabinets filled with trains and other train collectables like the dinnerware used on old time dining cars and cases with antique railroad tools on display. Do you really have time for another hobby? LOL.
...See More
Looking for Nevada gardeners& garden trains
Q
Comments (18)
Hello to Beca! Just to let you know I'm here and slowly getting settled. It was a long trip mid-Aug. with the temps going up as we crossed the countryside. Had some plants in the car and trunk...didn't do too badly except that I forgot the first day to cover the ones near the back window; leaves got burned. But all survived and are reaching blooming stage again. Ones in the movers' van had a more difficult trip but I was surprised. My system generally worked. Some lost no leaves at all. A few drooped a lot but they were the ones where my watering system failed. And stuff didn't arrive for two weeks. Repotted lots last week...know they won't be getting into any flowerbeds for another year (doing the back area is bottom of the list of jobs.) So, I wanted them to have a better chance of getting through the colder weather. Some desert plants were already in place out front, but found out the drip irrigation system wasn't working all this time. (I started watering by hand when I arrived, figuring that weather was so hot system wasn't able to water enough.) Later realized valves weren't even turned on. Still had problems; maintenance came to check. Discovered that mine was also sprinkling house next door and visa versa. But, since neither system worked properly, we both have dead trees and puny shrubs. Another of those "to be fixed" things. Realize lots of things do grow here but it won't be the conventional type of garden I was used to. And neighbour told me Oct. is great time to plant - she also said it was definitely fall. (Temps. have to change a lot more for me to think autumn.) I've no plans to buy any more plants til I know what kind of areas I'll be working with. My husband bought an oleander, some bougainvillas, and hibiscus. They'll all have to stay in pots for awhile...but at least they're growing. And you weren't joking about the winds! WOW - actually blown some pots over. My concern now is what do I have to bring in when temps get colder? Would bougs., hibiscus, oleander have to come inside? Always brought them in back east. What about my orange tree? Could they just be tucked against the house? See - I never stop with the questions! But I am ready to put up my birdfeeders and hummingbird feeder (with your good advice about the solution to put in). Still construction going on here but less in our area so some birds are back. And, of course, the windchimes have to go up...hope they don't drive the neighbours crazy. Still so much to do inside but some garden things just couldn't wait. Have you ever planted bulbs? I brought my favourite tulips with me. Kept them in the house til now. Got a huge pot, layered those tulips with some daffodils and paperwhites - covered all and left in garage. Did this before (but insulated pot with styrofoam and newspaper). In spring, bulbs were showing; simply moved to front, uncovered and let the sun do the rest. Tulips were beautiful but squirrel did get some of them. I've been told there are no squirrels here to worry about. Let me know how things went with your garden over this hot summer. Sorry I was so long getting back to you, but we've had so many problems with communication because the area is new and farther out. Finally got internet service and a different telephone system. Cell phones still don't work inside very well (dropped calls all the time). It's been frustrating but finally have a workable arrangement.
...See More
Rose Comments from a Hot Southern California Garden
Q
Comments (32)
The botanic garden did test the water. I think they are more up on this topic than I am ever likely to be. We use the same water, and I am within walking distance. I know not to use this fertilizer again in my conditions. Next year, it is back to diluted fish emulsion, or nothing, as usual. And we will see how the roses look. Sorry, no place for olive trees (and I don't want the mess), and grapevines are out because I have dogs (grapes are toxic to dogs, depending on the dog as to how much). But I did plant alfalfa within the last several years to see how it would do (fields growing alfalfa frequently supplement with boron). The alfalfa grows well here with zero supplementation. The wild creatures eat it like crazy however.
...See More
What's happening in your California garden?
Q
Comments (41)
Wow, loving everyone's photos! I'll upload some after getting on the phone app. So far I have a bed of lettuce, tons of radishes, tomatoes just got put in the ground, and peppers and such going. Our Eva's Pride Peach is setting tons of fruit, and our Green Gage Plum and dwarf peach are also setting fruit now. So many plants back from the brink after years of drought, it's really something. Potatoes, raspberries and grapes all doing well, just busy terracing and trying to find room. A dove has taken nest in our grapefruit tree, which is overwhelmed with gorgeous blossoms. What a harvest it will be this year in our orchard. Just loving all the photos. So grateful for the rains we've had this year. The canyons in SD are extra green and lively right now in a way I haven't seen in so long.
...See More
petaloid
14 years ago
There is an Orange County Rose Society that meets in Westminster and they may have some ideas for you.

Rose Hills Memorial Park has tons of roses, and they might want help.

Los Angeles Rose Society meets at Descanso Gardens, next meeting this Sunday at 12:30. If you can, why not come and talk to us? The current president leads pruning days at the gardens by the VA hospital, and if you can't come, you could e-mail her for info.

Here is a link that might be useful: OC Rose Society
jerijen
14 years ago
The folks who maintain the Stagecoach Inn Heritage Rose Garden might love to hear from you, but Newbury Park is a LONG way to go from Orange County.

Jeri
kstrong
14 years ago
You should join the California Coastal Rose Society, which meets in Carlsbad. I live in San Juan Capistrano and that's my "base" rose society (although I officially belong to several of them). That group takes care of the Magee Rose Garden in Carlsbad in exchange for the free use of its meeting space --- the garden care group meets on assorted Saturday mornings to deadhead, prune, train or whatever is needed. The next care dates are June 27, July 18, August 1, August 22 and September 5. Sessions start at 9 and last 90 minutes or so. All hands are welcome. Bring clippers. The garden is at the corner of Beech Avenue and Garfield Street in Carlsbad.

Also, I know the AARS test garden in Carlsbad is also looking for a few helping hands. I can put you in touch with them, or you can call the Armstrong nursery in front of the garden and they can probably direct you to the proper folk.

Kathy
Brian
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for all the info! I don't know which ones to pick.

Stagecoach Inn Heritage Rose Garden is out of the question because of the long drive but thanks Jeri!

I like the AARS test garden, I will be in the area on Friday, so I will check it out. The Magee Rose garden sounds good too, but I would like to work more with english roses and antiques. I may do the Descano pruning with the LA society. I also emailed rose society members asking what they can do for me. Again thank you for the great info & please let me know of anything else!
jerijen
14 years ago
We visited the garden in Magee Park last week, and it is lovely. A lovely garden, in a lovely setting. Nice climate, too. :-)

Jeri
hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
14 years ago
Oh wow, come on over! Mine always need deadheading! I can show you how to propagate if you like. And if you want to see textbook cases of terrible Rust, I have some stunning examples. ;)
Brian
Original Author
14 years ago
Great hoovb. Where do you live, how many roses do you have, and do you have a lot of the english and antique roses?
hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
14 years ago
Orange county, about 320, yes. email me. (click on name).
Brian
Original Author
14 years ago
Let me know if you got the email or not, this is my first time using that feature.
piper101
14 years ago
OCBrian, I live in Org.Cnty and just became a master gardener here. We have lots of venues that involve roses where you can volunteer. Centennial Heritage Gardens in Santa Ana is one (The Kellogg House). They have a couple prunings a year. I did one already. The Irvine Family Ranch has a small rose garden (corner of Irvine Blvd/Jamboree I think),,I will look up the rest of our projects and get back to you here.
Brian
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks Piper, I will check out the Centennial Heritage Gardens. Please let me know of anything else you find out. Again thanks to everyone for your great suggestions!
hershigrl
14 years ago
Brian, HoovB has a stunningly beautiful garden. She has a designer's eye in addition to a gardener's thumb. She is also very generous with her knowledge. I would definitely take her up on her offer!

Volunteering & training in your s. California rose garden

Comments (14)

diane_nj 6b/7a

bethsmom

Related Discussions

petaloid

jerijen

kstrong

Brian
Original Author

jerijen

hoovb zone 9 sunset 23

Brian
Original Author

hoovb zone 9 sunset 23

Brian
Original Author

piper101

Brian
Original Author

hershigrl

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Volunteering & training in your s. California rose garden

Comments (14)

Related Discussions

BrianOriginal Author

BrianOriginal Author

BrianOriginal Author

BrianOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Brian
Original Author

Brian
Original Author

Brian
Original Author

Brian
Original Author