RHA Trials at the American Rose Center

General Discussion
1

Last November I posted the following on the forum:

Suspension of the 2009 RHA trials

Posted by John Moe [email] on Wed, Nov 5, 2008

Some of you might have heard that the RHA trials have been suspended for 2009. This morning I contacted Jack Walter, the Trial Grounds coordinator, who gave me an update on events there at the American Rose Center. Although the timbers were redone a few years ago, apparently the soil in those beds has deteriorated so much that there wasn’t much to evaluate this fall. He also told me that the deer and the armadillos have also been causing a lot of trouble so a fence is in the works. Jack was to meet with the newly hired horticulturalist next week to discuss the renovation of the soil in the trial grounds beds. Apparently this same suspension is in effect for the AOE trials there in Shreveport as well. I have to apologize to those that were considering sending plants this fall, as it would have been better if this had of surfaced a tad earlier, but I do understand the difficulties associated with the communications sometimes. I hope all gets worked out for the trials to resume in 2010.

John Moe

General Director, RHA

Received from Carol Spiers, ARS Hq in Shreveport this morning;

"Chairman Jack Walters was here yesterday. We reviewed these items…here is what was decided:

  • 2007 - while we agree the evaluations are limited, we are going ahead with the 2 awards for 07 and calling that test period done (Awards at Palm Springs Fall 09).

  • 2008 - I am going to contact all hybridizers to request that they retest in 2010 (preliminary); fees will carry over, etc; their choice.

  • 2009 - Entries have been suspended; garden rejuvenation, etc. is in process. It is hoped we can begin again in 2010.

Jack has the list of evaluators and will work on contact with them, etc. We will work up some plans for 2010 that we hope will be beneficial.



THANK YOU for your GOOD WORK!"

I will keep you informed via the forum and the newsletter as to the latest ststus of the trial grounds.

John Moe

General Director, RHA

2

Hi John,

Does that mean that plants that were sent in 2008 are all dead and will need to be re-submitted?

Thanks!

Jim Sproul

3

Hi Jim,

I was not a party to these talks, but I will track down the status of the 2008 entries and post here for all to see.

4

Hi Jim,

Talked to Jack Walter this morning. The entries submitted for the 2008 trials are not in any condition to be rescued and replanted elsewhere to be able to continue, even on a temporary basis. The poor soil in addition to the deer and armadillos have not left anything worthwhile. There will be a fence added along with the refurbishment of the beds! He realizes, as I do, that some folks are disappointed, but he assures me that work will progress and that the trials for 2010 will be a go! Let’s look forward to that.

Thanks,

John Moe

General Director, RHA