Rio Samba Rose, Fairfield Glade. May 17, 2009.
Several times over the years I’ve been asked why I take the trouble to grow roses. Roses have a reputation for being difficult to grow. I’ll admit that they can take a lot of time, but I think they are definitely worth the effort.
I first started growing roses about 35 years ago, At that time I was teaching and found that coming home and getting my hands dirty was great therapy.
As I said, the rewards for growing roses are pretty wonderful. Take looking at roses, for instance. You’ll have to ignore the dirt splatters from the rains we had yesterday, but those three blossoms are from the same rose. Rio Samba starts out as a bright yellow bud with red highlights (lower right). As the bud opens, it shows more and more pink with yellow in the center (lower left). But as the blossom matures, the yellow turns to white (upper blossom). The mature blossom has coloration completely different from that of the bud.
I haven’t even mentioned fragrance. Today I brought in a rose for Betsy. It’s another new rose and is very fragrant. I’ll say more about that rose another time.
Sure roses can be work, but with displays like this you can understand why Betsy and I are always eager to check the roses when we get up in the morning.
Senior Moments 