Ancient, antique, old or heirloom; these roses have been around a while. The alba rose was grown during the Roman Empire, two thousand years ago. Alba is thought to be a hybrid of R. canina and R. damascena or R. gallica. The flower color ranges from white through medium pink. Blooms are double to very double rosettes, yet rarely large. Typical of old roses, albas … Continue reading Antique Rose–Rosa alba
A single bloom has one through five, simple, clean and most alive Twelve to sixteen is semi-double, flat and wavy, rarely trouble More than that is just plain double, shapes of pointed, wide or bubble Fully or very double is flower excess, one to two hundred petals in full dress Counting petals day and night, fragrant job, soft and light Continue reading Counting Rose Petals
The Washington Park Arboretum is beautiful this time of year. Walking through the grove of witchhazel, scents swirling, will bring a smile out on even the darkest of days. This was a dark day. I had been hoping to make it to the arboretum for the last month. Finally, we were going to be in Seattle, so I planned on stopping for pictures on the … Continue reading Washington Park Arboretum
The footsteps of the gardener are the best fertilizer. Continue reading Chinese Proverb
Reading Plant This! Best Bets for Year-Round Gorgeous Gardens is like hanging out with an old friend. You talk about your favorite subject (plants!) but there’s also talk of history, poetry, people and places. There’s weather talk, humor and music (I enjoyed singing ‘Garrya Indiana’). Small in size, this book is only 6 1/2 by 8 inches. Easy to tote around, tuck into a bag … Continue reading Book Review: Plant This! by Ketzel Levine
Rainyleaf 