The Single Rose that Lit My Garden

At this time of year, you have to search for beauty in your garden. Under little pockets of leaves or flopped masses of foliage, you can often discover colorful moments. I must admit, there are certain plants I love because of low maintenance. Roses don’t typically fall into that category. Lots of insects and diseases love roses. With such fierce competition from nature, roses are often one of those plants you say, “Never mind.” But we always make room for exceptions.

We position roses as accent pieces; individually planted and strategically located within our borders. Each rose in our garden is chosen for exceptional color and impact. If the rose is taken out by some pest or disease, it doesn’t tend to offset the composition. Another more reliable plant can easily replace the rose. The rule of thumb when planting any delicate, sensitive, marginally hardy or susceptible plant; use only one specimen and position it strategically for impact.

This year when we were buzzing around Russell’s Garden Center, the Rose ‘Light My Fire’ by Jackson & Perkins™ stood out amongst a myriad of container roses. With over 150 various selections to choose from, this rose’s brilliant color and dark foliage caught my attention. It went in the cart despite any cultural questions. It was love at first sight.

You have to search for this floribunda rose. Don’t look in the big box stores. And if you happen to see it, grab it. This winter, look online and order bare root stock or make sure you get into the nurseries early in the season. Another favorite Jackson & Perkins™ floribunda Rose difficult to locate in the garden centers is ‘Hot Cocoa’. This rich-colored rose is hard to describe. If you see it, don’t pass it over. Its unique ruby-red blossom with deep purple to chocolate hues is absolutely stunning. Go directly to the Jackson and Perkins website for oodles of information at http://www.jacksonandperkins.com

The Rose ‘Light My Fire’ has not disappointed me. Just last week during fall clean-up, a single rose lit my garden. No pests, no Japanese beetles munching its leaves, just enough light and dew to make the moment special. To quote one of my favorite inspirational speakers, Leo F. Buscaglia, “A single rose can be my garden...a single friend, my world.” Leo was one of those passionate Italians that loved everything in life and made everything worth loving. Have a great Wednesday - find something in your garden that lights up your day. Annie

P.S. Photo of 'Light My Fire' - By Greg Bilowz

Tuesdays with Annie – 11 03 09

The November Birth Flower - The Chrysanthemum

Photo by Greg Bilowz

Many of you may be off to the voting booths early this morning but I hope you can sneak in Tuesdays with Annie. As always, your choices are true or false. I failed to put that in yesterday’s blog. Were you paying attention?

The November Birth Flower is the Rose.
False.
The Chrysanthemum, a favorite in the fall garden is the November birth flower. But for any of you who love roses, tomorrow’s blog may be on that subject.

One of the most abundant nutrients in winter squash is beta-carotene.
True.
If you didn’t plant winter squash this year, make sure you find a spot in your garden come spring. We all need those important nutrients to stay strong and healthy gardeners.

Honey was the most popular sweetener in New England until the late 1800s.
False.
Until honey bees were brought over, maple sugar was the popular sweetener. Even after refined sugar had been introduced, maple syrup continued to be the choice sweetener for New Englanders for quite some time. What do you have on your pancakes?

Peonies are a long-lived perennial.
True.
Peonies, one of the tried and true perennials can live an extremely long life and gain considerable size. Some of the peonies in my garden are from my grandmother. This perennial should always be transplanted in the fall. Be sure to set them at the right height.

Russia is the largest garlic producer in the world.
False.
China is the largest producer of garlic, although Russia still produces more garlic than the United States. Hope you planted your cloves this weekend.

In the spirit of Election Day, the inspirational gardening thought is brought to us by James Bovard. “Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.” Enjoy the day. Annie

Monday Brain Teasers – 11 02 09

As the head honcho of our gardens, November is the month for evaluation and final preparation. We need to make sure all the necessary precautions are in place to assure that all is well next spring. Go back and review any tips from past blogs, ask questions and make comments.

Remember, as gardeners, most are a crotchety but thankful lot. And November is the time to be thankful: for our democracy, our veterans and our families. Vote on Election Day, be thankful for our veterans on November 11th and share our gardens’ bounty on Thanksgiving.

So, if you are still crotchety because of the time change (great in the AM, not so in the PM) then I’ll rouse the nest with Annie’s Monday morning brain teasers. Take a guess; waiting for tomorrow’s answers does not increase your chance of learning.

1) The November Birth Flower is the Rose.

2) One of the most abundant nutrients in winter squash is beta-carotene.

3) Honey was the most popular sweetener in New England until the late 1800s.

4) Peonies are a long-lived perennial.

5) Russia is the largest garlic producer in the world.

Today’s inspirational gardening thought of the day is from Cyril Connolly. “Fallen leaves lying on the grass in the November sun bring more happiness than the daffodils.” It’s the best I could find – most folks look at November as a bummer month. Extra points if you can top the quote!

Photos - Greg Bilowz