Three people enter a garden and come upon a rose bush. “What is this?” they ask the garden’s caretaker, as they have never seen such a bush before. “It is a rose'” replied the caretaker, who was working among the roses, tending and pruning. “I’ve always wondered what a rose was like,” replied the first person, who also had happened to run into its lower branches, cutting his leg. “It must be a weapon, for it has many sharp points along its branches and my leg is still stinging from its attack.” The second person inhales deeply and says, “A weapon? How can that be, for its fragrance fills the air with delight. It must be perfume.” The third person stares intently at its blossoms and says, “Weapons, perfume, have you even looked at it? Never have I seen more vivid color and beauty in all the world. It is a work of art.” And the three moved along, still arguing over what a rose really is.
What is a rose to you? As Alphonse Karr said in A Tour Round My Garden, “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorns have roses.” Today, I choose to rejoice that gnarled branches laced with weapons produce some of the most beautiful flowers in the world.
And whatever name you use for a rose – weapon, perfume or art – I promise, it can grow in your garden. Sure, it can be challenging in Florida, but what would gardening be without a little challenge to keep us on our toes?
This summer, I finally got a chance to plant my own rose garden at home. For years I’ve tried one spot or another but just could never find the right sun to keep them growing well. A perfect sunny area finally opened up, and we planted a variety of bushes to get as many colors and patterns as possible. It has been amazing to walk out each morning and see the colors smiling at us, to inhale the fragrance, and to simply enjoy nature showing off.
If you want to get a rose garden started or just need to get your rose garden back into shape, come see us at the Nursery. We’ll be happy to give you our tips for growing roses in Florida. And check out our Teaching Thursday on Fall and Winter Rose Care in Florida for what to do in the cooler months.
