When I was at the
rose nursery yesterday, one tea rose after another was calling my name, and I had to reply "no room". It occurs to me now that it was similar to going to an animal shelter and being touched by so many adorable doggies and kitties that need homes and, of course, being unable to adopt them all but wanting desperately for each and every one of them to be safe and secure in a loving place. Granted, I shed no tears yesterday as I drove out of the nursery and am grateful that I am not
that easily touched with heartbreak, but it is a truth that many old roses go ungrown, insecure in their future. In particular, Florida seems to be a place with 'little room' for these glorious plants that would thrive
and bloom so well if given a chance. We have an environment and a climate that can be rather inhospitable for gardener and flora alike, but perhaps we should look at our gardening from a different perspective and ask ourselves the question, what is the value of preserving and perpetuating an aspect of nature's beauty that has largely been neglected? At one point in our history there was the catch phrase, "a chicken in every pot". Perhaps it's not quite as catchy, but how about "an antique rose in every yard"? They don't even need a garden...just a spot in the yard.
Sometimes I think we focus too much on rootstock and poor soil in the same way that folks say they lack a large fenced yard and don't like litter boxes in the house. Own-root roses are strong and quite tolerant of less than perfect conditions, and a rose has the ability to weedle its way into one's heart just as a furry creature does. Give one a chance. The rewards will be amazing.
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| Nur Mahal |
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| Maman Cochet |
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| Louis Philippe |
You are lucky you have a nursery close by that sells such unique roses. Around here, all you see are hybrid teas:-), although they can be beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteMasha, online "adoption" works, too. LOL My favorite nursery is an hour away via interstate, so with gas prices the way they are it might be a wash compared to shipping. But it's fun to go with friends and see the owner and the previous owner, too, in person and even meet other rosarians who I've only met via email. I'm always torn between wanting to stay longer and not wanting to be a bother. It really is a pleasure to be around rosey people. Maybe you should move to north central Florida!
ReplyDelete.....professorroush weeps for being unable to grow Maman Cochet.... Must...Build....Greenhouse.....soon.
ReplyDeleteYou're so tenderhearted, Professor. Get started on that greenhouse but make it a big one. You'll need it.
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ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being you...it would be so wonderful if you could make the trip up and let us show you the grazing antiques of our state. Along with growing antiques at the nursery, we breed and sale Registered Fla. Cracker horses and Registered Fla Cracker cattle. They both are on the critical list. We agree with you that growing antique roses are so important, as are perpetuating our antique grazers....Come and spend the afternoon with us on Open Sale Day or maybe on another day :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry...I'm so glad to have found you via your comment on my blog. I'm always happy to find another Florida gardener. Roses...one of my favorites. I do have a handful of antique varieties...let's see, I've got six. If I had more sunshine I'd definitely have more. I look forward to future visits to your blog.
ReplyDeletePlease, if time allows, come by and see my sick roses and offer advice, ;)
ReplyDeleteCyd, I just googled your Cracker horses and cattle. Very interesting and a very admirable endeavor. Thanks for the invitation...someday - I don't know when - I'll try to make it up there.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I've seen your photos of your garden, and it's very charming. I enjoy your blog, too, and keep track of it from mine, hoping others will jump over to yours and read about your experiences.
Darla, I posted a comment on your blog.
Sherry, could you tell me what color you would consider Louis Philippe? This is a rose I have always wanted but I don't want a red rose and I have seen this listed as red. However when I see pictures of it he looks more of a med. or darker pink and not red. Could you please tell me what you think and perhaps name another rose you would think the color would be similar too? Thanks and thanks for adding my blog to your blog list!
ReplyDeleteMeghan, The photo above of Louis Philippe is pretty typical. He is not solid red. Outer petals are varying shades of red. Inner petals are pink, tipped with white. He is not a “red rose”. Fully open the flowers are about 2”. Delightful cherry candy fragrance that makes my mouth water every time. You can go to HelpMeFind.com and see lots of photos. The link to the website is in the sidebar.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sherry. I have gone to helpmefind and to me he never looked like a red rose but I have seen some people describe it as red so I thought maybe the color in the picture was off. Yours is very beautiful by the way.
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