C o n t a c t U sYou may e-mail us at: nrjr@volcano.net
O u r M i s s i o nThe Mother Lode Rose Society’s purpose is to promote the beauty of flowers in general and roses in particular. To this end we have monthly meetings, seminars, and guest speakers.
O u r H i s t o r yHistory of The Mother Lode Rose Society
A PRUNING DEMONSTRATION BY LONG TIME ROSARIAN, ANNETTE DOBBS at a local nursery was the inspiration for the formation of our Rose Society. Her enthusiasm and energy proved contagious and several people attending expressed interest in starting our own group. Annette offered her help and expertise in organization, an offer which was gladly accepted, and so The Mother Lode Rose Society was born.
On June 26, 1988, we became official as an Affiliated member of The American Rose Society. There were twelve charter members: Annette Dobbs, Bob Douglass, Bea & Fred Fabian, Earla & Dan Brown, Marlene & Sylver Schaller, Glen Farmer, Henrietta Widmer, Judy Lester, and Judi Babcock (now Lindholm), who was our first President.
In November of that year it was decided to take on the ambitious project of planting a public rose garden at the Senior Center in Jackson. At this time there was no landscaping at all around the building, just a lot of weeds. A plan was drawn up and submitted to The American Rose Society for approval and soon with a lot of hard work, the dream became a reality, with 134 roses planted and labeled.
A redwood gazebo was built as well as an archway trellis. A stone birdbath, a bronze sun dial, weather vane and benches were donated. The need for a fence became clear as a large herd of Longhorn cattle (also deer) that graze in back of the property found the roses quite delicious, so a fence had to built and a gate installed.
Over the years some changes have been made––a new irrigation system, a raised bed with a stone wall, new walkways and so on, but the dream lives; the roses continue to bloom and inspire. The garden is especially enjoyed by the older people that live nearby in a retirement home, many who were avid gardeners in their younger days. They are quick to point out any signs of neglect but are also generous in expressing appreciation. The garden makes a lovely spot for wedding receptions and other events.
The Mother Lode Rose Society has grown to about 70 rose loving members.
O u r M e e t i n g S c h e d u l eThe Mother Lode Rose Society meets every first Tuesday of the month at the Jackson Senior Center, 229 New York Ranch Road, Jackson, CA. (See Meetings on the “Welcome” page or click “Meetings” here.)
