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Connect people PHOTO BY VINCENT KNAKAL Coming Up Roses Encinitas native exemplifies reap-what-you-sow dedication S PEND MERE MINUTES WITH 37-year-old Beth Van Boxtel and you'll be instantly enchanted by her world of blooming beauties. e lifelong Encinitas resident began her involvement in rose growing after seeing an exhibition at the San Diego County Fair Flower Show. "Barbara Lester, a fellow competitor, showed me the proper vase to use and gave me some tips to set up my first rose," she says. Since she started growing roses in 2017, Van Boxtel has entered every San Diego County Fair rose show (eight or nine shows each summer) and the San Diego Rose Society annual show, and she has won a trophy and numerous ribbons. e American Rose Society gave Van Boxtel the Rising Star Award in 2019 for her efforts in volunteering at the local level, for promoting rose education, and for being an up-and- coming member in field. But that's not all — the certified consulting rosarian is a board member of the San Diego Rose Society and built the organization's new website, she answers all inbound emails, and she runs the society's social media pages. And by day, the full- time real estate agent sold a whopping 25 homes last year and was nominated for Realtor of the Year from the San Diego Association of Realtors. Van Boxtel she says that each of the 140 rose varieties in her home garden have different growth habits or levels of care. "Light maintenance every day is the key to success," she explains. "My favorite roses right now are Distant Drums (russet and lavender colors), Ring of Fire (one of the best exhibition roses), any of the David Austin Roses (high petal count), Neil Diamond (very fragrant), and any other highly fragrant or striped roses." To share what she's learned, Van Boxtel will speak at the Del Mar Rose Society gathering on October 27 at Powerhouse Community Center. Her presentation is titled "From Vision to Creation — How to Start a New Rose Garden." In a world that at times seems upside down, it is encouraging to remember that where flowers bloom, so too does hope. MIA PARK Beth Van Boxtel @ranchandcoast ranchandcoast.com 90 MAY 2022 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE