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Rose in Review: Questions and Answers

by CLARENCE RHODES, RIR Coordinator

What is Roses in Review? RIR is the method that the American Rose Society uses to arrive at the ratings of roses in the Buyers Guide.

We can participate in the RIR survey? Anyone. If you are an ARS member, you receive the RIR form in one of the issues of the ARS magazine. If you are not a member, you can get a copy of the form from your local rose society. You can also submit a report online at www.ars.or. Yankee District members in the U.S. send reports to Clarence Rhodes (mrs@mainerosesociety.com). Societe des Roses due Quebec, please send reports to Phil Schorr. The greater the number of reports, the more realistic the rating numbers.

Q: How do the rose varieties get on the rating list?

A: After a variety has been introduced for one year it is placed on the list. It remains on the list for three years for evaluation by the individual growers.

Q: Why do some varieties in the Buyers Guide have no rating?

A: They have not had enough reports submitted.

Q: Is individual reporting hard to do?

A: No, just follow the instructions on the form.

Q: When does it have to be submitted?

A: Usually the cut-off date is the last week of September.

Q: How and what do I report?

A: The only thing you have to do is observe the roses. Now is the time to start. How well did your roses survive the winter? How does it grow in the summer? What don't you like about it? Does it have fragrance? Is it resistant to black spot or mildew? Add any comments you would like to make.

Let's have a record number of reports this year. If you submit a report your name will be in the "hermetically sealed" envelope at the time of the winter district meeting. If you are lucky enough to have your name drawn you will win a "valuable" prize. You must be present to win.