Those of us who grow roses know that some of the most meaningful lessons are learned not from checklists and fact sheets, but slowly, through years of observation, trial and error, and conversations shared between rose beds. There’s a particular joy in passing that knowledge along, especially when you see it spark curiosity in someone else, the familiar moment when they catch “the bug,” too.
Ann and Elton caught the bug 20+ years ago, and in addition to winning numerous awards and ARS accolades, they’ve grown an extraordinary collection of roses, holding more than 400 rose plants across 125 varieties at the time of filming. Just as important as the scale of the garden has been Ann and Elton’s generosity. Last October, they shared more than 100 plants with members of local rose clubs, ensuring that both their roses and the knowledge behind them continue on in other gardens.
This short film is part of an effort to preserve rosarian stories and share them with the wider Buckeye District and rose growing community. Our hope is to inspire others to grow roses, learn from one another, and recognize the incredible depth of knowledge that exists within our local rose community.
We’re deeply grateful to Mike Bernot, who created this beautiful piece, and to Ann and Elton for welcoming us into their garden and allowing this conversation to be shared.
Interested in growing roses in central Ohio? Join us.