Category: Uncategorized

Simple List of Roses (already planted) on the Farm

Abbaye de Cluny
Abraham Darby
Alba Meidiland
Alba Sauveolens
Albertine
Alchemist
Alfred Colomb
Alfred de Dalmas
Alister Stella Gray
Aloha
Altissimo
Anisley DIckson
Ann Boleyn
Apricot Clementine
Apricot Twist
Arcanum
Ardoisee de Lyon
Arthur Bell
Austrian Copper
Autumn Damask
Autumn Sunset
Baby Masquerade
Ballerina
Baltimore Belle
Barkarole
Baron Girod de l’Ain
Baronne Edmond de Rothschild
Bees Knees
Belinda’s Dream
Bella di Todi
Belle Amour
Belle de Crecy
Bentley’s Beauty
Betsy Sinclair
Betty Will
Bill Reid
Black Caviar
Black Jade
Blanc Double de Coubert
Bleu Magenta
Blush Noisette
Blushing Lucy
Bonica
Boule de Neige
Brilliant Pink Iceberg
Buff Beauty
Burnet Double Pink
Buttercup
Cafe Ole
Caramella
Cardinal de Richelieu
Carnival Glass
Cecile Brunner
Celine Forestier
Chapeau de Napoleon
Charles de Mills
Cheesecake
Chevy Chase
Chicago Peace
Chloris
Climbing Iceberg
Coffee Bean
Commandant Beaurepaire
Common Moss
Compassion
Complicata
Comte de Chambord
Constance Spry
Copper Kettle
Crackling Fire
Crown Princess Margareta
d’Aguesseau
Dainty Bess
Danae
Danielle
Darlow’s Enigma
Day Break
Daybreaker
Deep Velvet
Delany Sisters
Distant Drums
Dominic Sunset
Don Juan
Doorenbos
Dreaming Spires
Duchess de Brabant
Duchess of Portland
Duchesse de Montebello
Earth Angel
Easy Going
Eden
Electron
Elina
Elle
Etoile de Hollande
Eugene Furst
Evelyn
Excellenz von Schubert
Fantin Latour
Felicite Parmentier
Fellowship
Ferdinand Pichard
Ferdy
Firefighter
Florentina
Flower Power
Folklore
Fragrant Cloud
Francis E. Lester
Francois Juranville
Fred Loads
Gertrude Jekyll
Geschwind’s Orden
Ghislaine de Feligonde
Gizmo
Glad Tidings
Goldbusch
Golden Century
Goldfinch
Good as Gold
Gourmet Popcorn
Graham Thomas
Green Ice
Gros Choux d’Hollande
Gruss an Teplitz
Harrison’s Salmon
Hazeldean
Heaven’s Eye
Heidi
Henri Martin
Henry Nevard
Hermosa
Honeymoon
Hoot Owl
Hope and Joy
Horatio Nelson
Hot Cocoa
Hot Tamale
Iceberg
Iced Tea
Incantation
Incognito
Indian Summer
Irresistable
Isabella Skinner
Ispahan
Jacques Cartier
Jeanne Lajoie
Jeri Jennings
Joan Austin
Joan Fontaine
John Davis
Julia Child
Julie Ann
Kaiserin Friedrich
Kazanlik
Kiss Me Kate
Ko’s Yellow
Konigen von Danemark
Kosmos
Kristen
La Belle Sultane
La France
La Reine
Lady Ashe
Lady Emma Hamilton
Lady of Shalott
Lagerfeld
Laguna
Lamarque
Laneii
Laura Ashley
Laura Ford
Lavender Crystal
Leda
Leontine Gervais
Leverkusen
Liebeszauber
Little Girl
Little White Pet
Liverpool Remembers
Louise Odier
Lovely Fairy
Luis Desamero
Madame Alfred Carriere
Madame Hardy
Madame Plantier
Magic
Magic Carousel
Maiden’s Blush
Maigold
Malvern Hills
Maria Mathilde
Marijke Koopman
Mary Rose
Mayor of Casterbridge
Meg
Melody Parfumee
Memoire
Memory Lane
Michelangelo
Mme. Antoine Mari
Moonlight in Paris
Morden Ruby
Morden Sunrise
Mrs. Oakley Fisher
Mrs. William Koning
Mutabilis
Narrow Water
New Dawn
Nicole Carol Miller
Nostalgie
Oakington Ruby
Ocarina
Old Blush
Olds College
Olympiad
Pandemonium
Papa Meilland
Parole (Buxom Beauty)
Pat Austin
Paul Neyron
Paul Shirville
Peace
Peaches ‘n Cream
Philatelie
Pillow Fight
Playboy
Polka
Pompon de Paris
Pomponella
Pope John Paul II
Prairie Peace
Pride ‘n Joy
Purple Pavement
Purple Prince
Queen Elizabeth
R. californica Plena
R. eglanteria
R. foetida
R. moyesii
R. rubrifolia
R. spinosissima
Radio Times
Rainbow Niagara
Rainbow’s End
Ramblin Red
Red Intuition
Redwood Empire
Robert le Diable
Roberta Bondar
Roberto Capucci
Robin Hood
Robusta
Rock Star
Rosa gallica officinalis
Rosa Mundi
Rosanna
Rosaraie de l’Hay
Rosarium Uetersen
Rose de Rescht
Rosemary Harkness
Rosenstadt Freising
Rouge Royale
Royal Sunset
Royal WIlliam
Rubrifolia
Rugelda
Salita
Sally Holmes
Scabrosa
Scarlet Moss
Scentsational
Schon Ingeborg
Sebastian Kneipp
Sheila’s Perfume
Sight Saver
Singin in the Rain
Skyrocket
Small Miracle
Snow Pavement
Sophie’s Perpetual
South Africa
Souvenir de la Malmaison
Souvenir du Docteur Jamain
Spectabilis
Stanwell Perpetual
Stars ‘n’ Stripes
Stephen’s Big Purple
Super Dorothy
Swedish Doll
Sweet Revenge
Sydonie
Teasing Georgia
Teddy Bear
The Fairy
The Pilgrim
The Reeve
Topaz Jewel
Tranquility
Turbo
Tuscany Superb
Variegata di Bologna
Veilchenblau
Vineyard Song
Violet Hood
Walferdange
Warm Welcome
Wedding Bells
Westerland
White Koster
White Licorice
White Moss
Wild Blue Yonder
William III
William Lobb
William Shakespeare 2000
Winchester Cathedral
Work of Art
X-Rated
Yellow Magic
Yolande d’Aragon

We also have about 50 roses (many from the California collector I mentioned in the video) ready to go into the ground in spring. How many are the “right” number? It’s hard to say. There are definitely some of the above that are on the naughty list for being weak growers or just not interesting enough. Culling some of those will make room for new picks! Feel free to nudge me in the YouTube comments if you’d like clarification on some of these varieties & classes.

Tiny Wedding Chapel

While on the farm, feel free to stop by and visit the tiny chapel near the rose garden. There’s at least one other wayside chapel that notably claims the title of the “Smallest Chapel in the World” – but with all due respect ours is much smaller! Not that anyone is really counting…

As noted in the above video, we put our efforts into building this interesting little landmark in part just because it was a neat addition to the farm, but also in response to the ongoing question: do you host weddings or wedding photos?

This makes our answer straightforward: nothing too big!

Our farm setting is more appropriate to a low-key exchange or renewal of vows with the happy couple and those directly involved in the moment – officiant, witness(es), photographer. There’s no room or facilities for a large wedding party nor a gaggle of guests. Think of this as a casual backyard wedding for those who would rather use our backyard than their own. We’re not asking any fee for the use of the chapel or photos on the farm.

If you’d feel better paying something, make a donation in any amount to a charity of your choice or one of these: Child Marriage – Plan International or ally.org: Anti Human Trafficking

If this is something you’d be interested in arranging, contact us to let us know what you’re considering:

Please note that conditions on the farm will vary in ways we can’t predict. We always expect peak bloom of the roses in the middle of June, but a cool spring can push that back by quite a bit. If it rains, there’ll be mud. If it’s sunny, the farm next door may decide to harvest the hay – or worse, spread manure! Mosquitoes are a real possibility in the month of July.

I say all this both to manage expectations and to offer reassurance: if the day you picked isn’t going to work for you (either on your end or because of the conditions here) we’re amenable to changing the date and time. So long as we keep it friendly and flexible, I’m quite sure we can make something work. No prior arrangement is needed to come out for photos on one of our open days on the farm, currently Fridays and Saturdays from 9-3 during the gardening season.

Daytrips and Activities Near Nicomen Island

Daytrips and Activities Near Nicomen Island

If you are travelling some distance to visit Fraser Valley Rose Farm, why not pair your trip with a fun outing along the way and explore the surrounding areas north of the Fraser River? We have curated a list highlighting popular destinations including hiking, shopping, sightseeing, dining and family fun activities. Be sure to check their websites for more information.

1. Power House at Stave Falls Visitor Centre. Hayward Lake Recreation. Located at 31338 Dewdney Trunk Road Mission. Take a tour of the 100 year old powerhouse. Check out the displays, demonstrations, and exhibits. If you enjoy a hike, choose between the Hayward Falls walk, or the longer Hayward Reservoir Trail. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at Hayward Lake, or stop for a coffee at the Energy Wisdom Tea Lounge. Great beach and a place to launch your canoe or kayak!

Powerhouse at Stave Falls – BC Hydro

Photo by Holly Cuny CC BY-SA 3.0

2. Mission Springs Pub Brewing Company. 7160 Oliver Street Mission. Try some craft beer from this 10 barrel brewing company while enjoying outstanding pub food. Established in 1996, this place offers family dining area as well as a licensed pub area, so the whole family can enjoy this unique setting with views overlooking the Fraser River.

3. Fraser River Heritage Park, Blackberry Kitchen, Westminster Abbey. Located off 5th Ave and Stave Lake Street in Mission, this 40 acre park offers impressive views of the Fraser River, biking and walking trails, a rose garden, a large gazebo and lots of history. The park is also home to many of Mission’s festivals, events, and concerts as well as the summer Sunset Markets.

If you enjoy fresh, local dining with stunning views, be sure to stop in to the Blackberry Kitchen right in the heart of the park. (reservations are recommended).

From the park you are not far from Westminster Abbey 34224 Dewdney Trunk Road Mission– A hilltop community of Benedictine Monks. A peaceful, serene setting offering lovely grounds and walking paths that lead to breathtaking panoramic views of the Fraser Valley—be sure to bring your good camera! Please check the website for visiting hours and visiting guidelines. *There is a hike that begins at Heritage park and climbs up to the Abbey, but it is a steep grind!

Photo by Joe Mabel CC BY-SA 3.0

https://westminsterabbey.ca/

4. Ferncliff Gardens– open mid August to late September this family owned 100 year old Dahlia retail nursery displays over 150 varieties of Dahlias in their beautiful show garden. Located at 35344 McEwen Avenue in Mission, this nursery is nestled amidst a picturesque setting.

5. Shangrila Farm- Open late July to early October, this unique Dahlia farm hosts a summer flower festival, displaying over 200 varieties of Dahlias throughout their 10 sprawling acres of land. There is so much to explore at this one-of-a-kind property including sculptures, fairy gardens, forest trails, ponds, bridges, flower tunnels, artwork, grapevines and many unusual green structures. This is guaranteed fun for the whole family. Located at 13842 Spratt road Mission, only minutes from Cascade Falls. Check website for hours and rates.

6. Cascade Falls- Located at36421 Ridgeview Road, Cascade falls is a 22 Hectare park complete with a stunning 30 metre waterfall, suspension bridge, 2 viewing platforms, walking trail, picnic areas and many spots to cool off on a hot summer day. Whether scrambling over boulders in the rushing Cascade creek, or finding the perfect spot in one of the lower crystal clear pools, this is a very popular spot in summer, so plan to arrive early especially on hot days!

https://www.fvrd.ca/en/main/parks-recreation/parks-trails/cascade-falls-regional-park.html

By Casey Yee – Cascade Falls Park at Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18291190

7. Historic Dewdney Pub aka Church of the Blues– 8793 River Road South- this building is rich in history. Built in 1912 originally as an Anglican church, this landmark has been operating as a pub since 1978. The amazing food, friendly atmosphere, big patio, and live music has made this unique spot a very popular destination for travelers and locals alike. Be sure to check their website for hours, menu, and list of live entertainment so you can plan your visit. The pub is licensed for family, so kids are welcome!

8. Noorish Creek, Ravens Bluff hike, Dewdney grind. Dewdney is home to a secret paradise of crystal clear swimming and hikes with breath taking views. Just off Hawkins pickle road in Dewdney, there are so many spots to explore. This area is also known for some of the most spectacular places for bald eagle viewing.

9. Sasquatch Inn. Located at 46001 Lougheed Hwy, this pub is a wonderful place to stop for lunch after enjoying a day of local recreation. Boat tours, fishing, paragliding, golfing, camping and bird watching are just some of the activities to try while exploring the Harrison Mills area.

http://sasquatchinn.ca/

10 Rowena’s Inn and Sandpiper Golf. choose from a menu featuring fresh and local, the River’s Edge Clubhouse is a perfect dining experience. With indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant has waterfront views of Harrison river as well as sweeping sights of the Sandpiper golf course. Located at 14282 Morris Valley Road In beautiful Harrison Mills. Rowena’s offers many group activities including guided wine tours, Eco tours and Eagle viewing. Book a tee time for a round of golf, or continue up Morris Valley Road for loads of recreational destinations including Chehalis Lake, Grace Lake, Wood Lake, Weaver Lake and dozens more.

11. Kilby Historic Sitethis is a heritage attraction fun for the whole family. A living museum of farm history in the Fraser Valley, there is so much to see and do. Farm animals, general store, cafe, gift shop, museum, tours and costumed staff all make this historic trip through time fun and educational. Check website for hours and admission fees then stop for a picnic at Kilby Beach in Kilby Provincial Park.

12. Hammersley Farms u-pick berries-2320 Bodnar Road. Take the family out to pick farm fresh blueberries. This is great hands on experience. Harvest a few buckets of summer berries as the kids learn how their food gets from farm to table.

fresh, blueberries

And on the note of farm fresh, be sure to bring some cash. The corridor through to Agassiz is loaded with farm stands selling all sorts of items including eggs, fruit, veggies, plants, artisan and local crafts. Try the Agassiz-Harrison Circle Farm Tour and shop fresh and local by shopping at one (or all) of these Farmer’s Markets:

Mission City Farmers Market

Deroche Farmers Market

Agassiz Farmers Market

Here’s a video I prepared featuring these and other locations in the north Fraser:

Events

Events

Public Speaking

One of my favorite ways to get the message out about roses is to speak with garden clubs (online or in person). I ask a speaking fee of $150 for an in-person event at local clubs. I’m quite happy to bring along plants for sale, and I can set up online ordering in advance for garden club guests. For online presentations, because there’s no travel involved, I reduce this rate to $100 CDN. For any group outside of the lower mainland, I’m happy to work out details for a visit, but we’d have to talk about a fee to cover travel expenses.

Here are some of the clubs I’ve booked so far for the 2024 season. For those who live nearby, there may be an opportunity for club members and visitors to pre-book plants & have them delivered to the meeting:

Feb 21 Maple Ridge Garden Club meeting 7pm

Mar 18 North Surrey Horticultural Society meeting 6pm

Mar 27 Richmond Garden Club meeting 6pm

Apr 3 Hope Garden Club meeting 7pm

Apr 9 Dogwood Garden Club meeting 7pm

Apr 11 Upper Lonsdale Garden Club meeting 7:30

Apr 16 Bowen Island Garden Club

Apr 20 Fraser Pacific Rose Society meeting 2pm

May 1 Burnaby Rhodo & Garden Society meeting 7pm

May 8 Chilliwack Garden Club meeting 7pm

May 14 Qualicum Garden Club (day trip)

May 16 Mt. Lehman Garden Club meeting 7pm

May 21 PoCo Garden Club 7:30pm

May 22 South Surrey Garden Club meeting 7pm

Jun 11 New Westminster Horticultural Society

Sep 16 Squamish Gardeners meeting 7pm

Sep 17 Seattle Rose Society (online) 4pm

Sep 17 Vancouver Rose Society (online) 7pm

Sep 24 Dunbar Garden Club meeting 6pm

Nov 12 Huronia Rose Society (online) 4pm

Local Selling Events

Most seasons I’ve been able to book time at local selling events like farmers markers and specialty plant sales. Here’s what I’ve planned so far for 2024 (subject to changes and additions):

Mar 24 BC Master Gardeners meeting 9am

Apr 6 BC Council of Garden Clubs (Burnaby)

Apr 13 and 14 Bradner Flower Show

Apr 21 Port Moody Farmers Market 10am

Apr 27 Langley Garden Club Plant Sale 9am

May 5 Coquitlam Farmers Market 9am

May 19 Coquitlam Farmers Market 9am

Jun 1 Gwynne Vaughan Park plant sale 9am

Jun 9 Coquitlam Farmers Market 9am

Oct 26 BC Council of Garden Clubs meeting 9am

Do you know of another worthwhile (read: well-attended) local community event or plant sale you think we should attend? If so, drop us a message.

Old Garden Roses: The Gallicas

Continuing my Youtube series on the old garden roses, this on covers the Gallicas. This class of roses was so dominant in Europe in the middle ages, there were literally hundreds of cultivars. Treasured for its close-to-red color, breeding focused on high petal counts, deep shades of pink and purple, and novelty traits like stripes and mottling.

I also mention in the video that the Gallica roses are of a low, suckering habit. Some, like R. gallica officinalis can form a bit of a thicket in the garden if left to wander. A few gardeners have come to me in distress when their gallica “takes over” a perennial bed. I’m sympathetic, of course, but I assure you the rose didn’t dominate that landscape in a single year –  if attended to, the suckering can be managed (or wisely relocated to a more appropriate location).

This video runs a bit longer then the others, just because there’s a lot of material to cover. Next up: the Albas.