A cold front, dumping tons of snow onto Colorado, and with snow also predicted in the Oklahoma panhandle, is making its way further south. After a summer that felt more like a brutal dictatorship, instigated by Mr. Sun, the roses are finally blooming once again and filling the garden with their unique fragrance.
While I’ve filled bare spots in the garden with bulbs, pansies, kale and cabbage, I’ve felt the tug of rosy prickles, as if the roses are asking for attention. Why wouldn’t they? Only roses have their signature scent, and each rose in my garden smells differently. Some have a classic rose fragrance, while others are scented of strawberries and even tea. Beneath their royal feet, I’ve planted tiny bulbs which I hope will please them come spring. I’ve longed to dip my nose into their blooms all year, and believe me, I’ve spent the last few weeks just taking them in. It was a long and horrible summer, and now it is coming to an end.
I could be sad, but instead, I’m enjoying the cloudy skies and the brilliant colors only fall can bring.
I also dream of spring and all the colors I’ve planted, the pinks, yellows, blue and even white, the very absence of color. One of the things my dear friend Wanda taught me was not to hurry to the next season, but instead, to enjoy what is in front of me now. So, while I dream of spring, I’ll also inhale fall’s magic for it is a season gone too soon.
It’s sad to say goodbye to roses that don’t perform well, isn’t it? I have some adjustments to be made too, and it will be hard to dig them out. But I see what roses have performed well for me, and I know I’ll be happier with better bloomers.
Robin, it is sad, but I find I’m more upset because I see that it will take awhile to fill that particular hole in the garden. Of course, it also gives me a new opportunity.
Dee, I have not a rose one in my garden, but I was imagining myself planting my nose in each one of yours! Nice pics and descriptions…thanks!
Hey John, I might have to come over and see where we could fit a special rose in your garden. Every garden needs a rose. I’d love to see your garden btw. Hint, hint.
I don’t grow roses, so i’ve enjoyed seeing your fall crop. You can always look back at your blog posts over the cold winter!
Cynthia, I’m so glad to share.
Your roses are so lovely…I hope you get a little longer to enjoy them!
Well Leslie, there might be a few out there after the recent lows. Thank you.
These are beautiful photos, I especially love ‘Cliffs of Dover’…so pretty! After the crazy summer you’ve had I’m sure you must be enjoying the cooler days and autumn blooms!
Lara, I only saw ‘Cliff of Dover’ once at the nursery where I bought it for half-price. I am so enjoying the cooler weather. Thank you.
I always enjoy seeing roses sprinkled with snow. Extend those good feelings for the garden as long as you can.
We don’t usually get snow until they’re long gone, but I love the photos I see from further north and east. You too on the good feelings.
Dee, I love your rose pics. Do you have a favorite cold-hardy, fragrant red rose. I have a spot for a new rose –
Oooh, Gloria, you’re a lot further north, and I don’t know your zone, but if I were you, I would look into the Canadian Explorer series. They are supposed to be very good for your area. Everyone should get to have at least one rose.
Farewell, pretty roses, until next spring!
It won’t be long right Pam? Keep telling me that in February. :))
It always seems such a shame to me that the roses look nearly their best just before the bottom drops out. On the other hand, it is good to see them again after their summer stupor. ‘Carefree Beauty’ is just great, thanks for introducing it to me.
It’s such a shame our summers are so hot. I’m so glad you like Ms. Carefree.
The only rose I grow, the climbing ‘New Dawn’, has only a faint green-apple scent. Whenever I pass the rugosa planted in a nearby parkette, I always cross the street to dip my nose into its old-rose fragrance. Enjoy yours, Dee. You deserve them, and many more.
I have ‘New Dawn’ myself, and yes, she smells of apples. She’s a hardy creature unless felled by Rose Rosette Disease. Thank you Helen!
Dee, I am glad that your lovelies bloomed this fall~What a treat after your summer. I adore the classic rose fragrance and since I can’t grow roses, I choose peonies that have rose fragrance. Love thinking of the tiny bulbs at the roses royal feet. gail
I do love peonies too Gail. They are lovely if only for a little while. I hope all the tiny bulbs bloom. Fingers crossed.
Bittersweet, dear Dee, your roses are exquisite as the cold front threatens. I am so glad you are enjoying them to the fullest, and can imagine the sweets scents in your beautiful garden. I have Carefree Sunshine, a pure yellow, that has not performed up to that Carefree name, either. I wonder if the Sunny Knockout would be better?
Frances, I have ‘Carefree Sunshine,’ and it does okay here, if a bit stingy with its blooms. I don’t have Sunny Knockout. Why don’t you try it and let us know.
There is nothing like the fragrance of a rose is there? Glad yours sent you flowers after the dreaded heat wave. Enjoy for the next few hours and remember….winter will be too long no doubt.
Layanee, I’m hoping for a mild winter since that is the forecast. I do hope we get enough cold to kill some bugs though.