A record breaking 36 volunteers and staff turned out this morning for the annual fall cutback. Chill winds and the threat of rain did not prevent the determined gardeners from wielding pruners, loppers, rakes and tarps from preparing nearly 10,000 roses for winter.

The actual rose  count is closer to 12,000, but heritage  and shrub roses are pruned after they bloom in the spring. Other type roses are cut back after the first frost to protect them from winter winds and ice. All roses will be heavily mulched with wood chips for more seasonal protection.

Old and new volunteers sipped coffee and cider in the volunteer office before heading out to work. Some volunteers choose to show up for only the spring and fall events, while a larger groups works weekly from April through October. The spring pruning in late March will signal the start of the 2017 season. Once the date is selected, it will be posted here, and existing volunteers will receive emails or letters alerting them to suit up for the year. Potential new volunteers can contact me, Tina Bozzuto, at volunteers@parkofroses.org and get more information. The 2017 volunteer registration form will be available right before the spring pruning.

The Park of Roses Foundation and Columbus Recreation and Parks Department both thank all the hardy volunteers who turned out on a chilly and damp day to what needed to be done. Hope to see you in the spring again

BIG NEWS: Friends of Columbus Park of Roses now has our own Facebook page! Share your photos and comments, like the page and share with your friends.

http://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Columbus-Park-of-Roses-1675190616132175/