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Welcome to the August 2004 edition of my web site! The roses I write about are the Old Garden Roses and select shrub and miniature roses of the 20th and 21st centuries. For tips on rose culture, pruning, propagation and history, see the "Site Resources Guide" box in the navigation panel at left. To return to this page, click on the "thorn icon" in the margin at left. Articles from the previous months are archived and can be viewed by clicking on the listings in the left margin. Oh, and please don't write to me for a catalog or pricelist.....this is an information site only, not a commercial nursery. If you wish to buy roses, see my sponsor, The Uncommon Rose.

The following article is presented courtesy of Sequoia Nursery, with full permission. Special thanks to Carolyn Supinger and Irene Lindsey for supplying the material.

Visalia, California's new Ralph Moore Rose Garden, dedicated May 29, 2004.

Friends and admirers of Moore’s have constructed a rose garden in Veteran's Memorial Park on Main Street in his hometown of Visalia. The charming garden includes hedges of roses, a meandering path, a gazebo, benches, and many examples of Mr. Moore’s roses. Members of this volunteer committee include Don Stone, Alan George, Carolyn Supinger, Burling Leong, Tom Link, Mary Hill, Norm Phillips, and Irene Lindsey.

Ralph Moore is thought by many in the industry to be the “Father of the Modern Miniature Rose.” Mr. Moore’s worldwide reputation comes from the hybridization techniques that he has perfected over his more than 65-year career. As one author said, “He has laid the groundwork for the breeding of roses for many years to come.” The official registration files maintained by the American Rose Society list more than 300 miniatures hybridized by Ralph Moore, plus numerous floribundas, hybrid teas, shrubs, ramblers, polyanthas and Old Garden Roses.

The Dedication of The Ralph S. Moore Rose Garden
(Excerpted from the Summer 2004 issue of Minirama, the Sequoia Nursery quarterly newsletter.)

On May 29, 2004 the city of Visalia, California honored one of their own. The Ralph S. Moore Rose Garden at Memorial Park was officially dedicated, A Visalia native, Mr. Moore has hybridized over 300 miniature roses for family members, Visalians, friends throughout the world, places, institutions and colleges. It was evident his love and passion for roses has affected many people by the number of family and friends that were in attendance.

The dedication program reflected what a diverse number of people he has influenced in his career. Master of Ceremonies was Rich Hansen, the Pastor of the church Mr. Moore attends. Speakers included Mary Hill, his longtime banker and friend whom he named a rose for; Tom Link, Commissioner of Visalia Parks & Recreation; Norm Phillips from the University of California Master Gardener's Program; Bob Ludekens from the California nursery industry and ARS Vice President Steve Jones representing President, Marilyn Wellan, John Petrula from the Santa Clara County Rose Society filmed the entire dedication and presented it to Mr. Moore after the ceremony. Another NCNH district member, Rosy McKenny, wrote a song "The Fella From Visalia". At the end of the dedication the audience stood and sang the song.

Ralph Moore at 97 has brought beauty and happiness to many people. He has brought international recognition to Visalia through his rose breeding. Sequoia Nursery was established February 28, 1937 and Mr. Moore still hybridizes today in Visalia at his nursery site.

The Ralph S. Moore Rose Garden is a celebration of Mr. Moore's simple philosophy in life-striving for the "perfect rose". It is this dedication that has kept him hybridizing for over 65 years. Visalia has honored a great rosarian whose contributions to the rose industry will continue for future generations of Visalians and the world to enjoy.

Mr. Moore's Dedication Speech from the ceremony

"I am honored to be here today. A friend suggested this little ditty: Roses are red, violets are blue, some roses are too big, miniatures are made just for you.

"We all need heroes-folks we admire-those who guide and inspire us. Some of my heroes are: Luther Burbank—world famous plant breeder; George Washington Carver-noted black scientist; Walter Lammerts-famous rose breeder; Jack Harness-noted English rose breeder and Ethel Wallace Bryant-English professor at COS. And there are many others-lesser heroes but all important in guiding and inspiring me.

"Others- my family and many friends. I am a dreamer and many of you have inspired some of my dreams which helped to make all of my work possible.

"I often tell the story of Moses and the burning bush (Ex, 3:2-5). We must turn aside (ask questions) and realize that we may be standing on holy ground.

"My grandmother had a saying that has guided me through the years; "Hitch your wagon to a star, keep your seat and there you are."

"Things don't just happen, they come to pass.

"I want to express my thanks and appreciation to all the members of the Visalia City Council, the Visalia Parks and Recreation Foundation and the volunteers for their dedication to this project.

"Special thanks to Alan George, and the Rose Park Committee and all those who have worked so hard over these many months to make this happen. (Come to pass)

"Thank you for being here today. God Bless you all for helping to make this a special day for me."

A delightful video of the Ralph Moore Miniature Rose Garden Dedication is now available. John Petrula of the Santa Clara County Rose Society taped the May 29th ceremony and captured the essence of the event, plus several quick interviews of selected attendees. This is an excellent example of John's work and a real treasure for all you Ralph Moore fans.

To get your copy just send your name and address with a check for $20 made out to Visalia Park & Recreation Foundation—Ralph Moore, and mail it to Irene Lindsey, P.O. Box 3746, Visalia, CA 93278. (559) 747-3040. Be sure to specify if you want a video tape or a DVD.

Click on the thumbnail photos below to view some of the events from the dedication service held at the new rose garden on May 29th. Use the "back" button on your browser to return to this page. Photos copyright 2004 by Irene Lindsey, all rights reserved.

HAPPINESS is mostly a state of mind. HAPPINESS is doing for others.
To be happy, look for the beautiful
• in people
• in nature
• in fruits and flowers
• in friendship and love
• in roses for sure


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