I have a passion for just about all roses, and right now, as they put on their brave last act, I feel especially tender towards them. The changes in light—intensity and duration—have affected their colors. The petals of my red and white-striped ‘Scentimental’ are now more red than white. Back in May the color ratio … Read more
Not long ago I saw an absolutely arresting flower arrangement. It was composed of white roses, with a few blue delphiniums added for contrast. “White roses,” I thought, “Why doesn’t my garden have more white roses?” I am not sure what the answer is to that question. I do have three white-flowered bushes, but overall, … Read more
Some people are party animals. They may arrive early or late, but they always stay to close the place down. I have some roses like that. Now that the fall garden party is almost over, they are still awake and alive, dancing in the cold wind, putting on an exuberant show of new growth and … Read more
The more I know of the shrub rose, Rosa ‘Mutabilis’, the more I believe it is a metaphor for life. Think of it–the tightly furled buds are a saucy peach shade that speaks of the flirtatiousness of youth. Those racy young things open into sensible pink blooms, in a bow to the combination of vigor … Read more
In 2000 the horticultural world turned upside down with the introduction of a new rose. Its registration name was ‘RADrazz’, but it became known to the world as ‘Knock Out’. Sixteen years later, it is probably the most popular rose in the United States, if not the world. On the face of it, ‘Knock Out’ … Read more
