Potomac Rose Society upcoming events

Merrifield Garden Center Presents: GROWING ROSES AT HOME (28 Jun 2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

GROWING ROSES AT HOME

Presented by Merrifield Garden Center on Sunday June 28 at 1:00 PM

In this class, learn about the environmental requirements, seasonal tasks and other tips for growing abundant roses at home. Instructor Jon Gazarek, Merrifield Plant Specialist and American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian, will share his experience growing roses as well as some of his preferred products and solutions to common issues experienced by gardeners.

THIS EVENT IS FREE, ALL ARE WELCOME, AND THERE IS NO NEED TO REGISTER.

Jon Gazarek is 2nd Vice President of the Potomac Rose Society, an ARS Consulting Rosarian, and a Master Gardener. Follow him on Instagram @dmvgardener.

This event is sponsored by MERRIFIELD GARDEN CENTER. Contact them at (703) 968-9600 with questions.

photo 1: courtesy of Merrifield Garden Center. Photo 2: Jasmina, courtesy of Jon Gazarek.

Nature’s Network: Harnessing the Soil Food Web ~ A New Paradigm for Rose Culture ~ (20 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Nature never uses a bag of fertilizer—so why do we?

As the global community switches to regenerative agricultural practices to secure our planetary health, the Potomac Rose Society is thrilled to welcome Leslie Lewis, Soil Food Web School board member, and founder of Living Systems Soil, LLC , for an exclusive deep dive into the microscopic world beneath our feet.

During this session, you will discover how to transition from a "chemically-dependent" garden to a self-sustaining ecosystem.

You'll learn the secrets of Mycelium—the vast underground networks of fungal hyphae that can extend for miles. These hairlike "arms" act as a living superhighway, delivering nutrients and water directly to your roses while shielding them from disease and pests.

That's right! If you feed your soil the right way, you may never have to feed your roses again!

We will also cover:

How to brew your own Actively Aerated Compost Tea (AACT) at home—a potent biological "shield" for your plants.
Which common gardening practices are hurting your soil's microbiome?
The specific "superfoods" that turn soil fungi into your rose's new best friend.

As a certified consultant and Board Member of the Soil Food Web School, Leslie is at the forefront of the movement to preserve the legacy of the late Dr. Elaine Ingham. She will share transformative insights on how living microorganisms—not chemicals—are the vigilant guardians of your garden’s health.

"The living microorganisms in the soil are the overlooked foundation of planetary health."— Leslie Lewis

This event is FREE and open to the public. Registration and more details coming this summer, so mark your calendar!

ARS Consulting Rosarians will earn one credit towards recertification for attending this program. A recording of the Zoom presentation will be posted to the MEMBERS ONLY section of the PRS website.

Photo Credits: 1. Mycelium, courtesy of Alex Hyde, 2. courtesy of Leslie Lewis

RESCHEDULED! A Glimpse of American Grandeur: The Huntington Rose Garden with Stephen Reid (15 Nov 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Few gardens in the world command the reverence of The Huntington Rose Garden in San Marino, California. With over 1,200 varieties and 100 years of history, it is a living masterpiece of American horticulture.

On Sunday November 15, the Potomac Rose Society invites you to go behind the gates with Stephen Reid, Assistant Curator and Head Gardener of this iconic collection. Stephen doesn't just manage roses; he curates a legacy.

During this exclusive session, Stephen will share:

Curatorial Secrets: What it takes to maintain one of the most expansive and historic rose collections in the United States.
The Sustainable Shift: How Stephen merges traditional herbalism and landscape design with modern, sustainable practices.
The Curator's Eye: Insight on rose selection, aesthetics, and care from one of the most celebrated botanical landmarks in the world.

About the Speaker: Stephen Reid is a California native plant expert, educator, and landscape designer. As the Assistant to the Curator at The Huntington, he sits at the intersection of botanical history and future-forward sustainability. Known for his deep technical knowledge and engaging workshops, Stephen brings a unique "California-cool" perspective to the timeless art of the rose.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Registration coming this fall!

Photos courtesy of The Huntington