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Yes, many of the roses here are among the world's most popular roses. In fact, the variety called Double Delight - featured as tree roses in the center of the garden - has been designated as "The World's Favorite Rose," according to the World Federation of Rose Societies.
But what makes this Tiger Pride Chaffey Community Rose Garden truly unique is a matter of origin, of heritage, of history, of community pride. You see, all of the rose varieties in this garden were originally developed right here in Ontario, California, primarily by the horticultural scientists of Ontario's Armstrong Nurseries, Weeks Wholesale Rose Growers, and others.
From Charlotte Armstrong in 1941 to more recent introductions, Ontario has been a leader in the development of world-class roses. More
All-America Rose Selections originated in Ontario, California, than in any other single location anywhere on earth. Here is a list of the thirty-two varieties currently in the garden. At a future date we expect to add many more selections. After all, Ontarians have produced more than eighty different varieties!
| Brandy
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Candy Apple
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Century Two
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Charlotte Armstrong
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| China Doll
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Double Delight
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Duet
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Fragrant Plum
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| Garden Party
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Gold Medal
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Helen Traubel
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Houston
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| Ink Spots
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Joseph’s Coat
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Midas Touch
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Mister Lincoln
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| Modern Magic
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Mojave
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Montezuma
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Night ‘n’ Day
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| Oklahoma
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Old Smoothie
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Olé
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Origami
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| Paradise
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Royal Highness
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San Antonio
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Summer Sunshine
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| Sutter’s Gold
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Sweet Surrender
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Voodoo
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White Lightnin’
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The garden was conceived by Principal Dennis O'Connell in collaboration with biology teacher Jack Christensen and others. Plans were drawn up by a student in Ashley Wolf's drafting class. Roses were donated by Louis Guerrero of Guerrero Rose Farm in Ontario (Mr. Guerrero himself is an alumnus of Chaffey High School.) and by Weeks Wholesale Rose Grower, formerly of Ontario and currently located in Upland, California.
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Grounds preparation was handled in coordination with Mark Chase and the staff of the Ontario Parks Department, as well as staff from the Chaffey Joint Union High School District. Student volunteers from biology classes taught by Ted Reeves and Jack Christensen planted the garden. Other rose growers have agreed to donate additional plants this coming winter, and student volunteers will assist with future planting and maintenance.
Come next spring and for many seasons to come -- GRRRRR! That Tiger Pride! What a beautiful addition to our campus and to the city! Beautiful, not only because of the roses, but also because this garden provides clear and compelling evidence that Ontario residents can and do make the whole world a better place to live!
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The above article was prepared by Mr. Jack Christensen, teacher in the Department of Science, Chaffey High School, who also contributes weekly to the garden section of the Daily Bulletin, and who also has his own internet website at:
http://home.earthlink.net/~jchristensen/ Mr. Christensen can be contacted at:
jchristensen@earthlink.net |
