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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

ALABASTER – Rosarian Chris VanCleave, often seen locally on Good Day Alabama, will host a seminar that is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Feb. 10.

The seminar, entitled “Roses for the Real World,” will be held at the Albert L. Scott Library’s Nan Abbott Room from 1-3 p.m. The seminar will cover such topics as the nurturing and pruning of roses and will also explore how partakers in the hobby can better maintain healthy and vibrant roses.

Sponsored by the Alabaster Beautification Board, the seminar is also billed as an exploration of the “intrinsic mix of life, faith and gardening.”

“This seminar promises to equip attendees with valuable insights to enhance their rose gardening experience,” said VanCleave. “(It will also) provide practical tips and expert advice on the caring for roses in real-world conditions.”

The event is free and open to the public, with anyone interested in the topic being encouraged to attend.

VanCleave, who is referred to as America’s favorite rose gardener and who also operates under the nickname of “The Redneck Rosarian,” has been involved in the growing of roses for much of his life and continues to serve as an active member of the Birmingham chapter of the American Rose Society.

Since 2007, he has also operated and hosted the still active Rose Chat Podcast which has reached and educated over a million listeners on the topic of roses and their propagation.

VanCleave has also appeared in several publications such as the Southern Living Gardening Book and Southern Living Magazine in addition to several television appearances including a segment of P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home TV.

Outside of his work and hobby as a rosarian, VanCleave is the current holder of Place 2 on the Helena City Council and serves as council president pro tempore in that capacity.

To ensure event capacity, registration for the seminar is recommended by the event organizers. Those interested in attending can do so by visiting Cityofalabaster.libcal.com.