Every Consulting Rosarian, on accepting the appointment, should be fully cognizant of the Consulting Rosarian Code and should wholeheartedly be willing to live up to the code.

“I __________________ accept the honor of the official appointment as a Consulting Rosarian of the

American Rose Society for the _________________ District. I pledge my earnest efforts toward the

increase and stimulation of membership in the American Rose Society, in cooperation with the District

Director. I shall uphold the highest standards of our American Rose Society in inspiring a love and

appreciation of roses, their culture and exhibition. The aims and purposes of the American Rose Society

shall be foremost in my mind in promoting and forming new rose societies, securing new members and

serving present members and anyone interested in roses. I recognize and accept the responsibilities of

this post, as well as the privilege of service.”

THE CONSULTING ROSARIAN GUIDE

It is incumbent upon every Consulting Rosarian to exercise every effort to further a greater interest in the rose. They should SHARE their knowledge with those less informed on the care of roses.

The Consulting Rosarian should not wait to be asked but should share knowledge voluntarily and willingly help others.

They should be available to help friends, neighbors and rose society members in any way possible. In fact, they should be willing to help anyone who is interested in learning about roses and their culture.

Being a Consulting Rosarian is more than an obligation to share technical knowledge concerning roses. It involves participation in every aspect of the rose society to which they belong, be it helping set up a rose show, showing slides at meetings, writing articles for news media or publications or serving on any of the society’s committees. The object is to HELP others and to stimulate greater interest in growing roses and further the scope of this growth and scope of the rose society to which they belong. On the broader level, Consulting Rosarians should be active in furthering the cause and interests of the American Rose Society in whatever way they can.  Some of the things a Consulting Rosarian should do:

IN THEIR OWN GARDENS:

The most obvious obligation is to grow good roses, to grow a variety of roses to include Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Grandifloras, Climbers, Miniatures, Tree Roses, Shrubs and Old Garden Roses. There is no need to have acres of each, but there should be a few of each. The roses in the garden should include the most popular of the new introductions to be informed and better able to answer questions concerning them.

Consulting Rosarians should be acquainted with everything NEW in rose culture, be it a new type of sprayer, a new insecticide or fungicide. They should be familiar with state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to use of chemicals in the garden. They should know how the garden chemicals should be used, safety precautions to follow, etc.

The rose garden of any Consulting Rosarian should be open for all to enjoy and admire and the roses should be of the quality to inspire and encourage others to grow roses.

The Consulting Rosarian should be familiar with chemical and nontoxic approaches to rose growing. Regardless of the approach Consulting Rosarians take in their own garden, chemical, no chemicals or Integrated Pest Management, it is important to be knowledgeable about all approaches.

IN THE LOCAL ROSE SOCIETY:

Consulting Rosarians should not have to be asked to help. They should meet with other Consulting Rosarians to share knowledge and information. They should volunteer to help wherever and whenever needed. They should be willing to hold an office, serve on the board of directors, head a committee or perform any other task which will further the interest in the society.

Consulting Rosarians should let it be known they are willing to help members any way they can. Special attention should be given to helping new members with rose information. Consulting Rosarians should be willing to open their garden to others.

IN THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY:

1. Assist members and non-members with cultural problems.

2. Obtain new members for the American Rose Society.

3. Work together in organizing and assisting new rose societies.

4. Encourage each organized rose group to sponsor at least one rose show per year.

5. See that district and national shows do not conflict, and whenever possible, that local shows do not

    conflict with any other show.

6. Attend the Consulting Rosarian Meeting each year at the district meeting.

7. Be a member of the district Public Rose Garden Committee where one exists.

8. Complete and submit the annual Roses in Review survey each year, and the Triennial Survey every three years.

9. Be in attendance at the local rose shows, answering all questions.

10. Maintain an American Rose Society Membership Booth at all local rose shows.

A willingness to share knowledge and an enthusiasm for the joys of growing roses are the identifying traits of a good Consulting Rosarian. He/she must be willing to give of himself and have time to help others – members and non-members alike.  A good Consulting Rosarian must, in addition, keep the aims and ideals of the American Rose Society ever in mind and must be dedicated to furthering those aims and ideals.  Finally, a good Consulting Rosarian must convey to others that growing roses is a hobby with a tremendous potential for enjoyment and satisfaction that is greatly increased by sharing knowledge and love of the rose with all.

It is against the principles of the Consulting Rosarian Program to charge a fee for rose advice.