Ever seen folks stop at a rose display in a store near you? Perfect colors, perfect shape, perfect long stems, no thorns, with few leaves? Gorgeous colors!
Almost invariably those same folks sniff expectantly, hoping that unique rose perfume will assail their senses. Then, slight disappointment as it doesn't happen. Holding the flower away from them they'll look at it more closely, finding rational reasoning to buy, with this rose perfection they see but cannot smell. |
I was given a beautiful mini-bouquet of bright, yellow roses, about three years ago, by a dear neighbor. They were from her garden. It totally made my day. Within minutes the house was filled with a most beautiful fragrance, that was quite startling in its intensity. I enjoyed this for several days, until the petals started to fall. Even then, those petals kept their incredible perfume. That's when you know how potpourri came to be, so long ago.
People hang them upside down, and do everything they can to preserve those rose bouquets, because usually they're a symbol of a special occasion, and many times a special gift to reflect a loving relationship with someone.
Through this time of Covid-19, the loneliness, the depression, the anxiety, missing family and events, a growing rose shows you that it survives the odds of time too. You take the time to stop and smell the roses, and doing that instantly transports you into a more relaxed frame of mind.
But there is another way that roses can keep on living and giving. It's old fashioned, from times when you couldn't just go out and buy new plants. You can grow another bush from that precious bouquet! And it’s so easy.
Everyone should try to grow a rose. I only have three. They’re all chosen for their fragrant blossoms. There is the aforementioned yellow beauty, no name but a sweet old variety. Then there is this flamboyant red one, Don Juan, with flowers that look like velvet, and a perfume that is addictive.
May your week ahead be happy and blessed. And do remember when you have the opportunity to always stop and smell the roses.
These berries are being hailed as the new super food. Although much loved and used in Europe and other countries, very few folks from the USA have ever tasted one. It has an interesting history there, if you wish to find out more. Click the title to see the article: Why REAL Blackcurrants (not Currants) Should be the Next Superfruit Craze and a Recipe for Blackcurrant Jam
From this one bush I will have enough fruit to freeze, and juice. I have already made my annual batch of fabulous jam.