Monday, April 30, 2007

Antique roses for the soul....

Earthly Gardener by Bobbi A. Chukran

Dear earthly gardeners,

I love antique roses! If you thought you couldn’t grow roses, try some antiques. Also know as heirloom roses, they are low-maintenance, gorgeous plants that actually smell like roses are supposed to smell! I have nine antique rose bushes growing in my small garden, and each one is different. Unlike hybrid roses, heirlooms require no pesticides, strong fertilizers, or a rigid training/pruning schedule. I cut mine back when they get too large and that’s about it. I bought all of our roses at the wonderful Antique Rose Emporium in Brenham, TX, but they also do mail-order. Here’s a photo of some of them, just opened.



Yesterday I noticed that another of my favs, Mutabilis, has started blooming profusely all of a sudden. The roses on this large bush look like little butterflies, and each one changes color as they open! You can see a great photo of a Mutabilis rose HERE. Mine is actually taller than the six-feet mentioned on there, and covers part of the front fence. Here's a photo!

Check out the information on the Antique Rose Emporium website…..lots of great color photos, inspiration, and you can order from there, too. And if you’re in the area, visit their gorgeous display gardens and take a picnic and a camera! You’ll find acres of blooming roses, antique buildings and other native and heirloom plants for your “inspirational” garden. And please, tell ‘em I sent ya!

dig it!

bobbi c.

Copyright ©2005-2007 by Bobbi A. Chukran. All rights reserved to text and photos.

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