Katy Banks, known as @roseladykaty, is a passionate rose gardener living in Arlington, Virginia (Zone 7). Her journey with roses began with the iconic New Dawn variety, recommended by her mother. "I’d bought my first house and wanted to have a climbing rose," Katy recalls. She installed an arbor with a gate in her backyard, creating the perfect setting for the climbing rose whose first blooms quickly captivated her. "It was so pretty and made me so happy that I’ve grown New Dawn in every house I’ve lived in."

Katy’s love for roses runs deep, stemming from her family's rich gardening legacy. Growing up in Washington State, her mother and grandparents nurtured about thirty Hybrid Tea Rose bushes that produced large, fragrant blooms. "Every time I’d visit my grandma, she would cut a bucket of roses for me," she reminisces. "To this day, I put my cut roses in buckets! It was the most luxurious, decadent gift I could have received."

When asked about her favorite rose, Katy playfully responds, "I hate this question! If I had to answer, I would say Olivia Rose Austin by David Austin." She loves its beauty and resilience, blooming abundantly all season long. Other favorite roses include Evelyn, Koko Loko, Julia Child, and Colette.

Gardening in Zone 7 presents unique challenges with the hot and humid climate that makes roses susceptible to black spot and powdery mildew. "My biggest fight each year is midge, a horrible mosquito-like insect that eats blooms before they have a chance to form," Katy explains. "We also have Rose Rosette Disease in our region, which is the most devastating of rose diseases." She has learned that the best way to stay on top of plant health is to be active in the garden. "The best fertilizer is the farmer's shadow!" By tending to her roses daily, Katy is better equipped to fight pests and diseases and is able to identify problem areas quickly before they get out of hand.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, like many others, Katy faced stress and uncertainty. "My husband worked in a hospital, my kids were in college out of state, and life was very uncertain," she recalls. Yet, her garden became her sanctuary. "I spent more and more time outside. I have this little cushioned bench in a shady spot with a view of my roses, and I’d treat myself every day by sitting there and calling a friend or just meditating." This experience taught her the calming power of gardens, which is why she hosts her Open Garden event every Mother's Day. "I want to share that feeling of escape and tranquility with others."

While Katy’s garden primarily features roses, she has recently started incorporating other perennials. "Spanish lavender is an easy addition for Zone 7 for quick impact and results," she notes. She also discovered how adding vertical structures like obelisks, arches, walls, and railings can really transform her garden. "When people visit my garden, they always take photos by the tall stuff!" She encourages fellow gardeners to get creative, stating that even tall stakes or fences can add a touch of magic to your space.

Katy has a valuable piece of advice for aspiring gardeners: “Grow what you love and just have fun! Start small and learn as you go. Don’t be tricked by perfect rose gardens on Instagram or in magazines; every garden has its challenges.” She also emphasizes how important community is and encourages new rose lovers to find and join their local rose society. “My rose friends are such a great support for me,” she says.

As a third-generation rose gardener, Katy Banks continues a family legacy of growing stunning blooms that brighten her garden and the lives of those around her. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her knowledge about roses inspires others to embrace their unique gardening adventures, reminding everyone that every rose has its story, just waiting to bloom.