May Roses

Santa Cruz Mountains

May in a rose garden is magical. Though I longed to visit UC Botanical Gardens' heirloom rose bed, my work schedule kept me at home in my own rather unkempt garden.

As our climbing roses age, the blossoms pale from pure red to pink veined with white. Each climber sports a variety of blooming colors and shapes.

Mrs. Smith, the 80 year old Brit who owned the house for 40 years before us, planted a row of these cabbage roses along the driveway. They are surprisingly drought tolerant.

What could be more classic than a deep red scented rose outside the front door? Thank you, Mrs. Smith, for planting these "greeters" for our family and friends to enjoy.

Our friend Joy left this world too soon, but the lovely roses that we inherited from her remind us that her spirit lives on, year after year.

The heirloom English rose is a newcomer to the garden. A birthday gift from me to my husband, it lived in two of our previous gardens before relocating here. Bugs seem to pick on the new kid. 

Despite its popularity with rose bugs, the heirloom makes a showy display. And its scent is heavenly, unlike many newer cultivars.

Concluding the garden tour with another of Mrs. Smith's plantings. Her beautiful choices will enhance our yard throughout the summer and fall.