Friends Drift Inn Special Series
Kentucky Derby Week
I am no expert on roses; but I do not have to be when Chris VanCleave, twitter handle RedneckRosarian, is just a tweet away. President of the Birmingham Rose Society, Chris knows his roses. In fact roses are his passion! Visit his site The Redneck Rosarian to learn from the master. Giggles
Guest Post by Chris VanCleave aka “The Redneck Rosarian”
It’s the time of the year when the hats come on and the Kentucky Bourbon pours freely. Yes, friends, it’s Kentucky Derby Time!
Since its beginnings in 1875, the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is the stuff that legends are made of. People come from around the globe to view the horses, fashion, enjoy the race as well as some good Kentucky bourbon. It is estimated that over 120,000 mint juleps will be consumed during the weekend. The mint julep is the official drink of the Derby.
This race is the destination of royalty, dignitaries and many a southern aristocrat all sporting the latest in haberdashery and haute couture. And then there are the roses.
The annual race culminates with the winner center stage crowned by a blanket of roses. In 1904, the red rose became the official flower for the derby and was solidified in 1925 when New York sports columnist Bill Corum coined the phrase “Run for the Roses”. Since that time roses have taken center stage along with the winner celebrating with millions the sweet smell of victory.
Many a thoroughbred and derby winner now has a rose named after them thanks to David Clemons, a hybridizer of roses in Grant, Alabama. His dedication to the Kentucky Derby and his love of roses has produced a beautiful collection of exhibition roses that are winning national acclaim.
His first introduction ‘Ruffian’ , considered by many to be the greatest female race horse in history is honored with a beautiful pink miniflora rose.
Another introduction ‘Whirlaway’ named for the Triple Crown winner of 1941 is honored with a superb white miniflora.
‘Unbridled’ the 1990 Kentucky Derby champion was the last to sire at least one winner of the American Triple crown: Grindstone (Kentucky Derby 1996), Red Bullet (Preakness Stakes, 2000) and Empire Maker (Belmont Stakes, 2003) is honored with an attention grabbing miniflora.
When I spoke to David about his Thoroughbred roses, he told me that just as the horses are groomed for excellence, so are his roses. It takes thousands of tries to create a rose worthy of a thoroughbred name.
So this year, as you sip your mint julep and enjoy “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” consider the roses and how you can add a little bit of Kentucky Derby history to your own garden.
Visit Chris at The Redneck Rosarian for gardening adventures!
Check out Chris and his rose garden on YouTube
Thoroughbred Rose photo credits David Clemons.
Friends Drift Inn Recipes Gardening and Hot Flashes
Kentucky Derby Week
Gardening with Joyce Pinson
I live in a barn and cook up a storm. I am not a debutante. I have hot flashes. I garden in red high heels. I like fat rascals, tea, and bourbon. Welcome to Friends Drift Inn!
Beautiful roses that are groomed for excellence!
Wonderful article! Mint Juleps and roses, OK I won’t argue. When do we go?
David’s roses are really great – what a fun article on a special day!