Dr. Walter Van Fleet from Medicine to Roses

Connie Hilker

Heritage Rose Foundation Trustee

On today’s episode, Rose Chat Host Teresa Byington chats with Connie Hilker about one of Connie’s favorite rose heroes, Dr. Walter Van Fleet. Born in 1857, Dr. Van Fleet initially pursued a career in medicine for ten years before transitioning to the world of horticulture becoming a renowned plant breeder, especially known for his roses. Join us as we go deeper into his life, work and his wonderful roses.

🌹 MEET THE ROSE CHAT TEAM

🎙 Executive Producer & On-Air Personality

Chris VanCleave – RedneckRosarian.com

Chris—aka The Redneck Rosarian—is the mastermind behind the Rose Chat Podcast. He’s a nationally known rosarian, speaker, and TV personality who believes roses are for everyone, not just folks with fancy garden gloves. Whether he's talking bloom care or thorny troublemakers, Chris brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of rose wisdom to the mic.

🎙 Content Creator & On-Air Personality

Teresa Byington – TheGardenDiary.com

Teresa is a Master Gardener, Consulting Rosarian, and one of the kindest garden cheerleaders you’ll ever meet. She’s been growing roses for decades and still gets excited when one bursts into bloom. With stories, tips, and a dash of garden gossip, she helps make Rose Chat feel like a visit with a good friend—who just happens to be a rose expert.

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