About Photographer Rich Baer
Rich Baer is an award-winning rose photographer who has won hundreds of American Rose Society awards over the last 20 years. His photos have appeared in numerous texts and magazines as well as in the catalogues of companies such as Jackson & Perkins; Edmunds’ Roses; Weeks Roses; and Heirloom Roses. of course, Rich’s photography is so good because it is imbued with the passion that he has for roses. not only does he have degrees in botany, plant physiology, and plant pathology that help him to know what it is that creates good roses, but he also has a garden of over 1,000 roses that demonstrates the practical application of that knowledge! The photo above depicts a portion of his garden. in addition, he is an accredited rose horticultural and arrangement judge and is an ARS Master Rosarian. and yes, he sometimes takes hours, or days, to get just the right shot.
About the Portland Rose Society
The Portland Rose Society is the oldest rose society in the United States. It was established in 1889 by Mrs. Henry Pittock, wife of the first publisher of the Portland newspaper The Oregonian, and some of her friends. Their vision was to celebrate the glory of the rose, a goal reached through the dedicated efforts of the members of the Portland Rose Society. Today, the PRS continues this vision in its 132nd year. The mission of the PRS is to educate the public about all facets of rose culture in order to perpetuate the love of the queen of flowers.
The PRS has sustained its purpose of growing and showing the best-of-the-best roses for the enjoyment and education of the citizens of Portland since it held its first rose show in a tent in Mrs. Pittock’s garden. Today the PRS sponsors annual Spring, all-Miniature, and Fall Rose Shows, which are extravaganzas. In addition, the organization has helped establish the Gold Award Garden and the Gold Award Pavilion in the Washington Park International Rose Test Gardens. The PRS also conducts several pruning demonstrations each spring and holds monthly educational meetings to further its mission. Many rose lovers enjoy its monthly newsletter, The Portland Rose Chatter, which contains articles, timely tips, and new insights on rose culture. Finally, the PRS maintains educational booths at garden shows and fairs to encourage the public to grow and enjoy roses.
PRS members are passionate about their favorite flower and America’s popular pastime and hobby of growing roses. They work to continue Portland’s heritage as “the City of Roses” and invite others to join them in perpetuating the love of the rose. To that end, PRS has enlisted the help of award-winning rose photographer Rich Baer in producing this annual calendar. PRS hopes you will enjoy the calendar and join them in their quest to ensure that the rose continues to be “America’s national flower.”
