Victory in the Fenway

The roses in the Fenway Victory Gardens started to pop just as sunshine gave way to rain last week, and many of those growing along the fenceline, weighed down by water, gorgeous as they are, are drooping into the aisles, making them, in some cases nearly impassable. 

The board of FGS understands that this is a special time in the gardens, and wants all you rosarians out there to know that we respect the time, effort, and love you put into your roses. 

Those growing on the fenceline should be pruned after the spring blossom, and tended throughout the season so that rows are always passable.  Roses should be pruned to allow for visibility into the garden, and should not violate height retrictions meant to ensure that sightlines are not obstructed.

We want you to know: the FGS will NEVER authorize anyone to hack your roses back!  The area along the fenceline and immediately outside and adjacent to a garden is, according to FGS Guidelines and Regs (Section IV.3), the gardener’s responsibility, and if it is found to need tending the issue will be approached the same way as any compliance issue:  the gardener will be contacted about it and given an opportunity to take care of it him or herself.

Likewise, according to our Guidelines and Regs, “vigilante” pruners are in violation of the prohibition against entering a plot (which includes the area along the fenceline and immediately outside and adjacent to a garden) other than their own without the authorization of the VP of the Park.  This is a revocable offense.

If you notice a situation with growth from a garden impinging on the aisle to the point where the aisle is impassable, we ask that, instead of taking matters into your own hands, you call the FGS hotline at (857) 244-0262 and report the garden to us.  We will then contact the gardener (and offer assistance in addressing the situation if needed).

The board is committed to communicating with members first, and assisting in addressing any issues that arise through cooperation.  Please help us by respecting your fellow gardeners and following the guidelines and regulations established to promote cooperation and communication among us all.