Judith’s Corner - February, 2002

   The “Grand Valley Rose Society” has a ring to it, don’t you think? OK, maybe not a ring, but . . . well, what does it sound like to you? Have you had to defend and explain your membership in a “rose society “  yet?

    Some of us were meeting, recently, to plan various of our rose events, and we got to talking about how hard it can be, sometimes, to sell the idea of a “rose society”. It seems to conjure up strong images for people, and most of the first impressions contain the words “snooty” or “tea party”. In fact, when Tracy first uttered the words to me, I thought it sounded kind of silly, but she wasn’t silly, so I held my tongue. I’m glad I did, but I’m beginning to think I wasn’t alone in my initial response. I think we might have an “image” problem.

    How do you explain what we are when you tell people you belong to the GVRS? I’ve found that I have to defend the time I spend on this organization, because there doesn’t seem to be an obvious “benefit” to the greater good--we’re not feeding the hungry, eliminating poverty, or securing civil rights, so . . what’s the point?

   I joined GVRS because Tracy bribed me with hands-on help, which was irresistible, and then I met some of the other people who’d been similarly seduced by Tracy’s enthusiasm. It was such a great group of people that I didn’t want to lose touch with them. From such seedlings, do organizations grow.

   However, my motives were purely selfish. I had some roses, and I wanted to know more about their care.  I wasn’t thinking about the good of anything except my garden, so, in truth, this is the very first time I’ve belonged to something that wasn’t about the needs of other people.

     I’d never given a thought to a “rose society”, but as soon as I heard the phrase, I thought of garden parties and women in big hats. Everyone who has actually belonged to a rose society has told me that’s the wrong impression, so it makes me wonder just where that image came from. Is it a generational thing?

    I’ve been lucky enough to be in on this organization from its beginnings, and I’m familiar with the people who have been attracted to our activities, and, so far, there hasn’t been a “snoot” in the group. I’m not saying that there will never be a “garden party” in our future, but it will be a fundraising lark, not an attempt to feel “superior” to other gardeners. I’m in the GVRS for two things--better roses, and friends with similar interests. This is my gift to me, after a lot of years of volunteer work on behalf of others.

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