Four of the Nine Hymn Graphics Added to the Bethany Lutheran Hymnal Today

Norma A. Boeckler

The Bethany Lutheran Hymnal Blog

Feed the Roses, Feed the Birds

 Though a floribunda (more color, short stems), Easy Does It quickly develops long stems, blooms like the dickens, and has some fragrance.

I bought 50 glad bulbs for three sets of gardeners. We each had about 15 bulbs to plant. One fancy iris bulb ($20) would pay for all 50 glads, so I would rather have a riot of color now than one imperial bloom later. Next year I may be taunted with - I thought you said iris were over-priced.

John Paul II is the best white rose for photos.
Leave it at that. Great in the garden, depressing in the vase.

The daffodils blooming in the gloom of spring made me think of planting them all among the rose bush paths. The growers call those "estate packages," because one bag is enough to decorate an estate. The cost per bulb goes down dramatically, and the labor goes up at the same rate. What better way to cheer up the Jackson Rose Farm than to announce spring with random yellow daffodils?

 Veterans Honor is lacking in flaws and rather hardy compared to other varieties. Someone who wants strong and hardy roses should stay close to the reds. Some roses like certain zones, but weather varies so much from year to year - it is a gamble.

I complimented Ranger Bob on the vigor and abundance of weeds in his flower boxes, so he and a co-worker rooted them out, planted, and poured in wood mulch. We relaxed with pour-over coffee with sugar, pour-over coffee with sugar and whipped cream, pour-over coffee with whipped cream. No coffee shop can touch the flavor and fragrance of good coffee.

Mulch played a role in solving a Columbo murder show, Playback, because mulch sticks to feet and tracks into homes. None was found where the alleged burglar broke in, though he walked through a heavily mulched border.

We often have mulch on the floor inside, though I sweep it back into the yard. Mine is leaf mulch, the best kind. Later I will add wood mulch for favored roses and flowers.

I answer objections the the mulch carpeting with "You married a farmer and you love roses."

Sassy and I just got back from our morning walk in perfect weather. I use the time to check the roses while she sniffs around for rabbits. The bushes along the front of the house are their condo unit. They never lack for fresh greens.

Rugosa roses (raggy leaves) are strong, tolerant of bad conditions, but have rather dowdy blooms. But if you want big hips, Rugosa  roses have them - loaded with vitamin C.

 Rugosa roses grow where others fail, even near salt water.

Someone said, "Rabbits ate all my Hosta plants." I worried, but I can find no damage. Now the earlier plants are large, spreading, and ready to bloom for the hummingbirds. Last year the slugs ate more Hosta than the rabbits did.

The Veterans Honor roses are blooming already. Though I miss certain roses (Falling in Love, Double Delight, etc) I like having an abundance of one type, especially when the new buds are like jewels glowing in the morning light.

John Paul II is a perfect white rose in the garden, but it wilts almost immediately upon cutting and putting it a vase. In contrast, Veterans Honor lasts in the vase, longer than most roses.

Easy Does It glowed orange on the altar yesterday. What we see in the sunshine is bright, glowing orange. I noticed that the video tape showed more sunset colors and variation, which the rose is known for.

 This Easy Does It rose favors pure orange, but has variation in the colors on the outer petals.