Rose Show Welcomes All--Except Aphids

Chemical versus biological warfare? It’s not a likely topic for a weekend seminar unless you’re on duty in the Army Reserves, or going to the 19th annual Glendale Rose Pruning and Garden Show this Saturday. The warfare in this case is against garden pests, and no, your cranky Aunt Millicent doesn’t count. Whether to spray your aphids or sic ladybugs on them is only one of the topics covered.

There will be talks on drought- and fire-resistant landscaping, drip irrigation, bare-root planting, flower arranging and landscaping with roses. More than 40 vendors will display their wares. “There’s all sorts of things for people who don’t have gardens--potted plants and things,” said Bernice Lucas of Glendale Beautiful, one of three sponsors. Rose pruning will be the main feature, with several demonstrations throughout the day. There will even be door prizes.

Along with Glendale Beautiful, the Pacific Rose Society and the Glendale Parks and Recreation Department are sponsoring the event. “The show is a year-round planning event,” said co-Chairman William McKinley, administrative analyst for Parks and Recreation. “It just gets bigger and bigger.” The best part of all, it’s free. There will be food for sale, and the vendors will be selling items. But it doesn’t cost a thing for the talks and demonstrations.

The whole shebang takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 N. Verdugo Road. Parking is also free. Aphids beware!