Everywhere I go on the web I'm seeing reports on the last rose before winter.
Here in New Zealand, we're galloping towards early summer and I have my annual race on to see which of my roses will be the first to flower.
So far, the educated money is on Madame Gregoire Staechelin, sometimes called Spanish Beauty, who has two buds that are showing color. She is indeed a beauty with lovely pink wavy petals.
But she could yet have competition.
Not from Madame Isaac Pereire, of course, who threw in the towel early by going toes up over the winter. No idea why. Rugosa roses are normally as tough as they come. I did think last summer she didn't look quite her old self - I guess I should have taken more notice. The only thing I can think of is that, when we were in Australia a few years back and rented our place out, that she got hit by the lawnmower and rot got into the wound.
But the wild rambler I have crawling over the hen run (and who I think is American Pillar) often makes a late run for this title to be the first. She can be looking as if there is nothing but tight little buds one day and the next she's draping great swathes of crimson down into the hen run.
Hubbie and I argue about this - the wisdom of letting a rambler hang it's branches down into the hen run. He refuses to go in to feed "the gals" or collect eggs because he gets caught up in them. But I think it looks pretty. And I'm sure our 6 brown shaver's enjoy a touch of beauty.
Crepsucle has one bud that could surprise me, and being against the warmth of the house does give her an advantage, so she can't be totally ruled out. She did win the race one year.
Still haven't got my digital camera yet but I will certainly treat you to a photo of the winner.
Nothing to do with roses but if anyone uses a Salton yogurt maker would appreciate hearing your views on it. I'm going to writing a a review page on this brand.
Did a page on the EasiYo yogurt maker which was easy because I love that brand. Everyone in NZ uses it - probably because it was invented here!
Anyway, I'm off out into the garden now to see our my contestants are going today!
Photo-Finish Friday --Play Ball
1 day ago
6 comments:
I'm going to go with Crepsucle. It's the warmth of the house advantage that sold me.
Oooh, I can hardly wait to see the photo of the winner! Hoping you'll post lots of pictures of your flowers for us when you get your camera so we can enjoy the beauty while we're looking at our leafless trees.
You're going for a bit of a long shot there, Leah. I can see color with Crepsucle but no where near as much as Madame GS. Still, Crepsucle has surprised me before.
Lots of photos, I promise,Baggie. I'll get them put on disk so I can download them. My garden is a real Spring garden - looks a bit tired by summer.
I'm with Sis, you have to post lots of photos for us sun & flora starved northerners.
Nothing helpful to contribute here, knowing nothing of roses or yogurt makers, but it's always fun to visit. Can't wait for rose photos... may not know any names but I know pretty when I see it!
I look forward to seeing a pic of the winner, too!
Our first cold front of the season is pretty much doing our last roses in, but now I'll get to look at your beautiful roses! :) Yay! :)
Post a Comment