HISTORY OF THE CONSULTING ROSARIAN PROGRAM
In 1945 the president of ARS stated, "The purpose of the ARS is to increase the general interest in the cultivation of the rose for all people and to improve its standard of excellence." This is still our purpose.
The Consulting Rosarian program was started in 1926 with thirty-two rosarians listed in that year's Annual for the same purpose. Today there are more than 2600 CRs contributing their time and talents educating the public on rose culture. The program did not start up in the mode we know, but went through several phases that best met the needs of the day.
In 1917, Dr. Huey first conceived the idea of organizing something like a bureau of information and a committee appointed to answer questions for the amateur. Remember, in 917, the membership was predominantly commercial growers, with only 250 members. By 1925, there were 3,708 members and the first Committee of 32 Consulting Rosarians were divided up to address different concerns. 24 were available for general questions, one for diseases, five for greenhouses and two for insects questions. The list was published inside the front cover of the Annual with an invitation to paid-up ARS members to write for answers to their questions. The list included past and future presidents of ARS, noted hybridizers, nurserymen, scholars and other noteworthy rosarians. By 1940 there were only fifteen CRs listed to answer questions. In 1949, the ARS Board instructed each of the 14 districts to select knowledgeable people to be appointed as Consulting Rosarians. Thus began the exchange of information to individuals on a person-to-person basis.
In 1960, Dr. Zollinger of Columbus, Ohio became the first National Chairman. Since then the CR code has evolved that expects CRs to enthusiastically inspire a love and appreciation of roses, to stimulate new memberships, serve the membership, be knowledgeable of all aspects of rose culture and share that knowledge with others.
As ARS grew so did the CR program. There are now over 2600 CRs. Some of them are now answering questions about roses and rose care by e-mail. Here is a list of available "cyber rosarians".
A new CR certificate has been designed with the ARS emblem and "Consulting Rosarian" in gold; a half page suitable for framing. All new CRs will receive the new certificate as part of their CR School fees. Existing CRs can purchase the certificate from ARS for $5.
The Consulting Rosarian Manual is available to everyone. Order it from ARS at $15.00 (cover and postage inc.). Use this link - Shop Online and order it today!
