Magnolia Woods - Sherman Oaks Residents Association

Rose Contest Winners Announced

May 20, 2004

MAGNOLIA WOODS, SHERMAN OAKS -

Melanie Bruno-Williams of Weddington Street took top honors in the first annual Rose Competition for her entry of a hybrid tea rose of the variety 'Orange Blossom.' The winning rose was a beautiful shade of coral orange and showed almost perfect form and the light fragrance typical of the variety.

Elizabeth Crowell of Norwich won second as well as third prize for her submissions of hybrid teas 'Black Magic,' a deep dark red of excellent form and a variety Crowell believes to be 'Double Delight.' Judge Colleen McGurrin noted that it was an unusual representative of the variety due to its deepness in color and lack of heavy fragrance.

Michael Foley of Weddington Street earned honorable mention nods for a floribunda 'Scentimental,' a red and white peppermint striped rose with a deep, spicy fragrance. Bruno-Williams also received an honorable mention for a hybrid tea submission whose variety was not known.

There were 15 entries in the inaugural contest that took place at Springfest, Sunday May 16, a neighborhood-wide event sponsored by the Magnolia Woods - Sherman Oaks Residents Association. McGurrin said the late Spring date as well as recent heat waves had seriously limited rose production, and hopes that next year's event can be scheduled earlier to take advantage of the impressive first bloom of the seaason.

Next year's entrants are encouraged to know the names and types of roses being submitted, remove all thorns and leaves except the top three sets.

Roses are best cut early in the morning or late afternoon for the best color and form, and should be kept in a cool area until submitting. Slight defects in petal structure are acceptable but good overall form and color are recommended. Fragrant roses are especially desirable.

When planting new roses, select a plant with at least three strong branches or "canes," preferably on opposing sides.

Because our area's soil tends to be clay, McGurrin recommends amending the extracted soil with equal parts each of Kellog's Amend or Gromulch and a planting mix specifically developed for roses.

For best overall shape, prune away any shoots growing into the center of the bush and snip canes to an outward and upward-facing eye bud.

For best walue and selection, shop in winter for "bareroot" roses.

Local hardware and garden center, OSH, generously provided some of the prizes for the Rose Competition. Osh is located at 5960 Sepulveda Boulevard. The Association encourages neighbors to support the businesses that support our neighborhood.

For more planting advice from Osh, please see

Osh Projects: Planting rosebushes.