Mike Dering

E. P. "Mike" Dering

1906-1969

Internationally known nurseryman and founder of Peterson & Dering Rose Growers, Scappoose, Oregon

E.P. "Mike" Dering started in the nursery industry at age 16.  In 1926 ( at the age of 20), he founded Peterson & Dering Rose Growers.  Mr. Dering operated the nursery in Scappoose from 1933 until retiring in 1963

Peterson & Dering was at one point the largest commercial rose nursery in the United States, and one of the Scappoose area's largest employers.  The Rose Valley neighborhood in Scappoose was named in honor of the business.  The 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse and shipping dock still stand on Elm Street near the railroad.

Known for his sincere generosity, he gave away thousands of rose plants for the benefit of civic beautification to cities and community organizations throughout Oregon and elsewhere - notably Scappoose, St. Helens, Portland and Salem.

Peterson & Dering was a leader in the field of rose hybridizing research - building the first hybridizing laboratory in the Pacific Northwest in 1949.  Several of his patented varieties were All-American Rose Selection (AARS) winners.  Some notable roses he brought to market were Golden Slippers, Oregon Centennial, and Governor Mark Hatfield.

Mr. Dering was known in this country and around the world as a lecturer, author, developer, and expert on new varieties of roses.  Many of his roses are in the International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park, Portland, as well as noted rose test gardens in Canada and Europe.

He was a multi-term president and treasurer of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, as well as past President of All-American Rose Selections, Inc., honorary member of the Portland Royal Rosarians, life member of the Portland Rose Society, and member of the American Association of Nurserymen and American Rose Society.

Information provided by Kathy Dering for the dedication of the rose garden planted in his honor at the Watts House in Scappoose.