Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
Once the garden has awoken from its dormant slumber, time seems to fly by, and just like that, we find ourselves in late spring. Tulips and daffodils are only a memory, leaving behind nothing but languishing leaves. Spinach is already beginning to bolt, sending up pretty yellow flowers, and preparing to go to seed. The lilac flowers have mostly turned to brown (and should be pruned immediately), their heavenly scent lingering in the air. But, oh, the roses! The orchestra is tuning up, and the big show is about to begin. If you listen closely, you can almost hear the opening notes of Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” playing gently in the breeze. But with eager rosebuds waiting in the wings, the quiet whisper soon turns into a raucous party as the flowers burst open, no longer able to contain themselves. Each rose seems to be vying for attention in a friendly “War of the Roses.”
Let’s join the party and mingle through the garden to become acquainted with each rose’s unique personality. The first thing that catches our eye is a vibrant, red Knock Out®️ rose. Though this easy-to-grow rose has become common, it carries a special meaning in my garden. Mine was a gift from my mother-in-law, many years ago, when we first planted our garden. Wind storms and even a fallen tree have attempted to conquer it, but with a strong spirit like the gift-giver, this tough rose blooms more robustly than ever. Nearby, we have the Collette rose, with full, peach-colored flowers, offering a subtle lovely scent. My dear friend Esther gave it to me to remember her by, as if I could ever forget her. Sometimes, I can still hear her voice coming through, with that beautiful Scottish accent giving me advice on life and gardening. Her pronunciation of liriope will always be the only correct one to my ears.
Just to the right of the Collete rose, we have the Meidiland®️ roses, with pure white flowers and glossy dark green leaves. In a nod to the White Gardens at Sissinghurst, the low-growing Meidiland® roses are partnered with the slender spikes of white Siberian irises. At night, the stems and greenery disappear, and the white iris flowers look like dancing butterflies. Soon, this white garden will be complemented by the soft purple flowers of Russian sage. On the other side of the garden stands the tall and proud nameless rose. Perhaps she was a duchess or crown princess. Her stature, deep fragrance, and rich pink color reminds one of an old-fashioned rose, or possibly a hybrid tea? You’ll wish she could tell you her name and realize how important it is to learn about a rose before its history is lost to the ages. Use caution around this royal, because her millions of thorns will remind you that she won’t be taken lightly.
Across the garden, we have the beautiful roses from my sister-in-law, who gives the best gifts. Growing alongside each other, we have the unlikely couple: Passionate Kisses, with its playful pink flowers and the more sophisticated Julia Child rose, with deep yellow, beautifully scented flowers. They were recently joined by a new elegant flower, meadow rue, having sprays of purple flowers and leaves like columbines.
Leaving the garden, we see that when passing through the arbor, we almost missed the New Dawn roses from my daughters. The blush pink New Dawn roses, flanking the arbor, have finally matured enough to climb up and meet at the top. Given their shady location, these flowers are blooming a little later than their cousins. Take a glance back before you leave and you’ll see the deep purple Jackmanii clematis climbing the almost forgotten white post. This is the first time in many years that the clematis has bloomed, and I like to think of it as the flower my son gave me years ago.
But look! More New Dawn roses are climbing the front porch. Below, the newly planted clematis (also purple) will grow up and bloom to remind me of my dear mom and dad, since the flowers were transplanted from their old house. Along this front garden, we have pink fairy roses and more Knock Out®️ roses, in pink. In between, a stunning velvety burgundy rose has popped up. I don’t remember inviting her to the party, but she is an intriguing guest, perhaps a red rose of the House of Lancaster?
As you say goodnight, stop and take in the lovely scent of the wild, white rambling rose that just appeared out of nowhere, long ago in my “woods”. This time of year, you can see this wild white rose rambling up and down the South Jersey Parkway. Perhaps if you roll down the window, you’ll catch a whiff of its scent wafting through the air.
All these roses fighting for our attention complement each other in a beautiful chorus. Each has unique qualities, often accompanied by a story. Little did I realize our garden walk would be a walk filled with meaning and emotional memories. May all of your gardens be planted with such mindfulness.
We would love to hear about your gardens. Do you have an emotional attachment to certain flowers? Send your pictures, comments, and questions to: shorelocalgardener@gmail.com.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
