Staff of the American Rose Society, headquartered in Shreveport, is in Syracuse, N.Y., for the sold-out national convention. More than 400 rose growers from around the country –including hybridizers from Britain and France -- will converge on the fall conference that gets underway Thursday and runs through the weekend.
The society’s new executive director, Laura Seabaugh, says while the society’s 32 board members live across the country, she wants Shreveporters to appreciate what’s in their own backyard.
“I love Shreveport and I want this garden to thrive,” Seabaugh said, who took over leadership in June. “There’s a tug and a pull between the national society and the local garden, and where our tension needs to be placed.”
The American Rose Center’s final educational seminar of the season will be held Saturday. Seabaugh says county agents from Longview and Tyler will do a three-hour workshop on the topic of garden sustainability as part of its Green Thumb series.
“Everybody wants to know how to grow roses without having to use a lot of pesticides. There are great new roses that have been hybridized, and a lot of wonderful information,” Seabaugh said.
The American Rose Center is trying to find new ways to deter one unwelcome visitor. Seabaugh says deer jump the fence and devour about $1,000 worth of roses every day.
The workshop is set for Saturday, Sept. 12, beginning at 9 a.m. It’s free and open to the public. The gardens are open daily (but not to deer) through Oct. 31.
