The lush Mills Magic rose was named in honor of master rosarian Ted Mills.
Photo by Clayton BeatyTed Mills has a passion for roses.
A master rosarian, Mills, 89, is known nationally throughout the rose community as “Rose Doc.” But it’s not the numerous accolades he’s received for his award-winning roses that means the most to him. It’s educating others about roses that has been the most rewarding, he said.
Mills began growing roses shortly after he retired in 1986 as a senior vice president with American National Bank (now SunTrust). “I wanted a hobby that would be beneficial to me and to others. First, I wanted to win awards in our local rose shows. I spent as much as four hours daily trying to excel. After winning trophies, there was a void in my mind. I wanted to teach others how to grow God’s most beautiful flower.”
So instead of seeking awards, Mills started teaching others how to grow roses.
“Local, regional and national instruction became my lot,” he said, noting that he is a member of the executive committee of the American Rose Society (ARS). “The highlight of my life with roses came in 2010 when I was awarded the second highest award in the national body — most outstanding educator of roses in America.”