Charlie Sue Helped with the Roses Today - And the Kids Were Running with Her

 

I had roses on the altar today and peeked out to see if any popped up overnight. The view from the door was not of huge roses but small intensely perfumed ones. All of them David Austen roses.

Diane got the big flashy Enchanted Peace and also the tiny, delicate Queen of Sweeden - on the altar today.

A group of kids were next door and some playing on the other side. Charlie Sue and I went out to enjoy the commotion. One dad was supervising and we talked. Charlie did wild circles in the PARK! to wear down the girls. It was a lot of fun.

A mother took the flowers in - and they were intense. Two of them were enough to fill a room and make someone say, "Where did that come from!?"

Charlie Helps with the Rose Gardens

 

"You don't need more roses." That has become a popular bit of humor, because every year is more fascinating. Charlie and I went out to the backyard gardens today to get ready for Mother's Day. Hint - flowers cannot be overdone. We checked the front yard as well.

Charlie is the type of dog that will seem to be gone when she is carefully behind me. Chopping weeds is a lot more interesting with a companion alert for everything. Several roses were a bit dry, so we hauled more rain water to the stressed plants. When Charlie is thirsty, she takes one lick from a source and suggests a fresh pan, bowl, and kiddy swimming pool. The more birds we get, the worse the water is. A sip of water is like a watercooler to her, and she waits for the hose to fix up all the supplies. Four sources are just what she wants before the others take over.

This is an overwhelming year for roses. The gardening center had plenty of David Austin (Engish) roses and God provided a lot of rain. Knockout roses were very colorful and David Austin beyond all dreams - fragrance, colors, pale colors, multi-colors, strong colors, large blooms, tiny delicate and perfect flowers.

The Enchanted Peace rose above - the plant grows easily to six feet tall, produces prolifically, and repeats quickly. Shipped and gardening centers say them fly out the door.

Below are Chicago Peace, Pink Peace, and Peace - in that order.

Flowers for the Road Crew, Part 2

 

Maria Shriver is not only pure white but also more perfumed than any rose I have grown. I did not say anything about that, but the father will know in the car as he drives home!

The road crew was even closer today, running fiber optic cable underground, just off the curb. I asked, "Anyone need more flowers?" Several guys said no, but one said, "I gave my wife your flowers yesterday, and my daughter said - No flowers for me? She is seven." 

I said, "I will get some for her right away." I had lots of Enchanted Peace and also Maria Shriver.

I have cups ready all the time, so I filled one with water and went looking for the best roses. I brought them out, and he was so happy. I said, "I always have roses, so come on by when you have a need."

We talked a little, and he told me his crew were all bachelors and not looking for flowers. I said, "Get some roses and you will have wives."

The color of Enchanted Peace makes the rose look as if it were illuminated from the inside. It has some fragrance, unlike the original Peace rose, and grows tall, loaded with blooms, long lasting.

Thursday, Muddy Thursday

Enchanted Peace came back very strong. Hint: do not rush into a floral shop on Saturday and ask if there are any flowers left. They are the leftovers - reserve early or grow your own. Christina said, "I want to smell roses when I open the front door." And she did. 

 

Most of us take our garbage barrels out Thursday because the truck pickup is unpredictable on Friday.

When we have long-term sod soakers, like this week, the backyards are a soupy clay that pulls the feet ankle deep. Our entire backyard is one pond now, with the excess draining along the sides and out into the street. 

IBM expects us to have rain the rest of the day, all night, and tomorrow. This has happened so many times on Thursday that I thought of a movie title for it - Thursday, Muddy Thursday.

 Queen Elizabeth is impossibly beautiful, developed by a Creation scientist, a PhD in his field. Riddle me that one, evolutionists.

My best chance to survive Muddy Thursday is pulling the garbage and recycling barrels through the kitchen and living room again, leaving a trail of rainwater and leaves. 

We are not likely to flood, because our yard is slanted toward the street, the street toward Scott, and Scott toward White Road, which also is downhill and away from us. 

Friday and Saturday will be sunny, so the roses should be blooming well for Mothers Day.

 Fragrant Cloud is beautifully formed and potent with fragrance. I saw this year that they are eager to grow.

Spring Is Here Enchanted Peace

Enchanted Peace Rose - new this year.
Yes, I did - more than one.