Mike Shoup, the owner of the Antique Rose Emporium in Independence, Texas has been propagating and selling antique roses since the late 1970s. Some of his most prized and coveted roses were virtually extinct. But he found neglected “survivor” heirloom varieties still growing in old pioneer cemeteries—even though no one had cared for them for decades. Shoup commenced cemetery forays to secure cuttings… and thus was born his knick name, “The Rose Rustler”. A bonus of his antique varieties is they are super aromatic. Shoup explained that most hybrid roses are bred for color and appearance, and the aromatics are often greatly diminished. Come along and Join Mike at his Emporium as he shares his passion as a Rosarian, and how to maintain healthy roses, organically, without utilizing pesticides.
Listen to Mike Shoup on Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, the Lowell Thomas Award winning podcast featured on NPR.ORG