My Garden of Eden (Climbers)

You know that I have been on-the-go this year and I was unsure how my roses would fare without my constant attention.

Yep, they're fine.  

Just look at this magnificent swath of Eden climbers that I found blooming as I found them when I got home.  Love love love. Yes, roses need to be watered from the ground (don't let their leaves get wet from a sprinkler) and fertilizer and bug spray is important. But boy oh boy, how could anything seem like too much work when the results are like this.

May you remember to stop and smell the roses.

Waiting for Eden: A Gardener Thinks of Spring

Did you know that you only need to tend one rose bush to be considered a rosarian?  Not that I would advocate stopping at just one.  The more the merrier in my garden.  And since roses require special care:

• do not allow water to hit the leaves (as with a sprinkler system) - water from the ground with a soaker hose
• plant roses with enough space to allow plenty of air circulation
• be vigilant in removing yellow or dead leaves
• spray with a recommended fungicide and treatment to prevent black spot/bugs
• love them with all of your heart

I know that all that work seems like a pain in the neck, but I assure you that the bounty outweighs any burden.  I can cut a bouquet any time I want to and I love it.

This particular beauty is an Eden Climber.  A soft white climbing rose with a pink center that I know you will love.

Any day now, the garden catalogs will start arriving in the mail.  As you dream of this year's improvements (I personally want to add Bellflower, Zinnias and more Peonies to my garden) consider adding an Eden Climber.

Movie Star Qualities: Eden Climber Rose

Do any of your roses have movie star qualities?  I'm convinced that an Eden Climber can't take a bad photograph.  The quiet and demure photo above was taken on my patio last month. I liken this photo to a black and white portrait of a movie star in her silk dressing gown, sitting at her vanity full of perfume bottles.

This red carpet look was taken in July in northern Michigan at my parent's cottage.  A different plant, a different plant hardiness zone, but thriving just the same.  I think of this photo as one of "a star and her entourage."

If you love roses and have a wall or fence for support, you really need to add this stunner to your collection.  Then stick around for some camera-ready moments all summer long.