A Month for Roses and a Time to Share
June is National Rose Month, and if you’re reading this, chances are you already know how special that is. The rose isn’t just our national flower—it’s a part of our gardens, our memories, and for many of us, our daily joy. But even with all that beauty, too many people still think roses are too much trouble or too hard to grow. We know better.
So this month, let’s do something simple and meaningful: let’s share our love for roses. Whether you’ve been growing them for decades or just planted your first one, you have something to offer. Here are three ways you can help someone else fall in love with the rose, too:
1. Give a rose bush, not just a bouquet.
Next time you’re thinking of a gift, birthday, housewarming, or just because consider giving a live rose. Choose a hardy, low-maintenance variety with a reputation for easy success. A potted ‘Knock Out,’ a fragrant ‘Iceberg,’ or an old-fashioned shrub rose can open a whole new world for someone. And don’t forget to include a few tips from your own experience.
2. Invite people into your garden.
You don’t need to host a full garden tour. A casual visit over coffee or an evening walk with a neighbor can make a big impression. Let the roses do the talking. Point out the ones with fragrance, or share a fun story about how long one’s been in your care. Seeing healthy roses growing in real gardens, not just in glossy catalogs breaks down the myth that they’re “too hard.”
3. Share what you know.
Post a favorite bloom on social media with the name of the rose and why you love it. Offer to speak to a local group or school. Bring extra cuttings or blooms to your place of worship, the library, or the office. You don’t need to be an expert to be an encourager. Just let people see that roses are within reach.
This month, let’s celebrate the rose by helping it reach new hands and hearts. The more we share, the more likely someone else will give it a try—and find the same joy we do.
See you in the garden,
Chris VanCleave
Editor
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