Mary Lou and Michael Bates

He promised her a rose garden
if she would follow him to Antarctica.

Mary Lou Bates

I have published articles on rose culture internationally in the New Zealand Rose Annual and nationally in the American Rose magazine. I also served as editor of KATnips (Tenarky District Newsletter for Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee) and have written extensively for the Tennessee Rose Bud magazine.

I am writing a book about the time Michael and I spent in Antarctica. Michael was the real Antarctic explorer, spending approximately 8 years in the U.S. Antarctic Research Program and almost 5 years on the ice. Since I was his soul mate, he didn't want to leave me in Tennessee. I spent 4 seasons in Antarctica following in his footsteps.

My byline for my book will be — he promised her a rose garden if she would follow him to the ice.

If you have always wanted to know about Antarctica and a bit about New Zealand and Australia, stay in touch. I will keep you up to date.

I am enjoying being a member of Pitch to Published.

Mary Lou and Michael Bates

Some of My Published Articles

2009 American Rose Annual

The Gift of Memories

A reflection on roses, memory, and the generations of gardeners who pass their love of flowers forward.

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2009 American Rose Annual

Mam-Maw Sarah's Yellow Roses

The story of heirloom roses passed down through family, carrying stories and love across time.

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2015 American Rose Annual

Roses Take You Away Down Memory Lane

How the scent and sight of roses transport us back to moments, people, and places we hold dear.

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