Roses Are A Vital Part Of Country Living And Gardens
Shrub Rose 'Royal Bonica" Planted In The Side Yard.©Country Living & Gardens 2011-13
Having a lifetime of country living and experiences behind me, I cannot remember a time from the cradle til now when there wasn't a rose somewhere in my life. My parents, no matter the financial situation or hardship, always had time for growing things, working hard in the gardens and fields, and providing for us as a growing family. This included subtle (and not so subtle) lessons in austerity, self sufficiency and strict discipline! With this foundation of life laid down, we as a family were taught to enjoy the very simple things in life like the natural beauty abounding around us. This included for me a patch of wild roses which grew in thickets nearby. Their fragrance wafted along the fence row dividing the field where we would be weeding onions or tending garden; and I've never forgotten that unique smell. It was similar to wild grapes when they are in bloom. I've never known to this day what those wild roses were, their history, origin or botanical name other than something 'rosa'. Time and circumstance would bring some of these fragrances to my own yard and gardens as the years passed where they can be enjoyed for their beauty and landscape value as well.
Shrub Rose, Scarlet Meidiland
©Country Living & Gardens 2011-13
September 4, 2011: As much bragging as I do about some of these roses, you'd think I'm some kind of an expert. That couldn't be farther from the truth since my only talent with these jewels of the garden is to grow them, enjoy them and take pictures of them. And of course posting those pictures here for you to see. This is another one of the original batch of roses I planted way back in 1994. It was hybridized by Meilland (of France I believe) and introduced about 1987. So it was fairly new on the market when I was fortunate enough to buy it. Its name 'Scarlet' is the only way to describe its rich, brilliant color which pops out all over large clusters of two-inch dainty blooms. This makes a spectacular vision during its first bloom in late spring, and continued repeat blooming each month thereafter. The picture at right is from blooms today, September 4, 2011. Shaded areas in the garden do little to impair its growth and bloom; and it seems to be one of the most shade tolerant roses I've grown. The plant forms a 5-6' vase-like spray of canes which arch gracefully above surrounding perennials. It is so carefree I let it grow as it pleases and prune out dead wood only as needed.
Old Roses In The Landscape
©Country Living & Gardens 2011-13
Some might think roses are to be planted in neat little holes away from other plants, trees and perennials. But I feel companion planting can enhance a garden or perennial bed. There is, first of all, a story about the pink roses seen in this picture. They were collected many years ago from along a country roadside where they grew without care. I know absolutely nothing about what they are, or how they got there. Could there have been an old farmstead there at some time in the distant past? Could birds have carried a seed from a rose hip? Or did they just grow there knowing that some day in a future spring I would come along in my pickup truck with shovel and five-gallon bucket ready for that moment? Whatever the case they were carefully dug, stored in a bucket of water and transplanted in the very spot where they reside to this day in the picture above. These are single and double petaled roses, are mildly fragrant and are brightly colored, adding greatly to their surroundings. Single pictures are posted below for details. Companion plants include irises, phlox, German statice, Asiatic lilies and another rose not seen here.
Cardinal de Richelieu
©Country Living & Gardens 2011-13
This is an old rose dating back to 1840, and bred by a gentleman named Van Sian of Holland and introduced by Laffay. It is what is classified as a Gallica hybrid I assume because it is (or could be) one of the famous old hybrids of France where many originated during the 19th century. I planted this rose in 1994, and can only describe it as one of the most carefree roses I grow. I do absolutely nothing for winter protection except to leave it alone. The coloring is most unique among roses with buds opening to very doubled cups of deep purplish crimson. This color is more pronounced in shaded and semi-shaded conditions, with a more reddish cast in sunlight. The picture at right is in a semi-shaded condition, and is a very reasonable representation of its true color. The following link takes you to an excellent web site detailing so much about its history and characteristics. It is called "Old Garden Roses And Beyond" where you will learn so much more about it than here.
Tropicana: Did This Come From Eden?
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August 21, 2011: This rose has resided here since 1984 when I planted a "Mart" prepackaged spindly looking plant with little expectation that it would last more than a year. Today that original plant still lives and blooms here just a few feet from where it was first planted. In addition, two cuttings from it thrive here as well. This rose is all about fragrance and color. The scent is a delightful, almost a Heavenly overpowering mix of cloves, raspberries and assorted ripe fruit. It is most likely the most fragrant of all the roses I grow with Ice Berg as #2. The colors range from a pastel orange blend to a creamy pink infusion on a cream base. No two blooms seem ever to be the same. Below are three more pictures to illustrate.
The Fabled White Rose Of York
©Country Living & Gardens 2011-13
August 23, 2011: When a rose's history goes back to more than 300 years, it requires some research and study to find what the facts really are. Some reports have it originating around 1629 while others are adamant that 1579 is more accurate. Whatever the truth, it is a gorgeous old rose with a honey/lemon scent which perfumes the surrounding landscape in early June when it is in full bloom here. It is also recognized as Bonnie Prince Charlie's Rose, and Alba Semi-Plena, its registered name. It has grown here since 1994 when we first became acquainted with the historics and antiques. It is perfectly at home here with blistering hot summers and winters when temperatures can occasionally fall to -20ºF. Like Cardinal de Richelieu above it is completely winter hardy here and gets no winter protection. Both, like all roses require pruning out dead wood, fertilizing and care for attacking insects which can be many. The brown rose chafer is its (and my) most hated rose enemy. There will be an article on this insect later under the Garden Enemies tab, but for now I'll post some large thumbnail images of this hated enemy below. They are very destructive, and usually arrive about the time the first roses bloom. An internet search will turn up any number of articles and opinions about this garden enemy.
The pictures above are intended as educational tools, and are not meant to discourage anyone from their interests in growing and appreciating roses. It is simply a fact of life there will always be enemies in the garden. Below are some pictures of what this beautiful rose looks like, minus the bugs.
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