The Gift of Roses

The gift came in the form of a fat catalogue from the foremost rose supplier in Britain, with a voucher to enable me to choose my own. Every rose described – and there are hundreds – sounds magical and desirable, and it is an enjoyable dilemma as to which to choose for my home. You may remember that I have a wildlife garden: there are some roses already, mostly tucked away in a rose hedge, and the formality which so often is associated with a rose garden is not appropriate for me, while the long grasses and wild flowers could damage a rose bush needing light and air around it. [caption id="attachment_1812" align="alignleft" width="150"] My sister's beautiful rose[/caption] In the fine summer weather we have been experiencing in the last few days I have been outside as much as I could, and wherever I have worked I have thought about its potential as a home for a rose.  It has been an enlightening exercise, for it has caused me to see each area with new eyes not just in terms of roses but also as to how it could be enhanced both for wildlife and aesthetically, bringing nectar for insects, cover for birds and animals, and fragrance and beauty for people. Sometimes it takes an unexpected impetus to help me look at my world from another perspective, and I am inspired, thanks to the gift of roses to come, to introduce fresh ideas to enhance the place I love. I realise that change is in the air not just for our global world but also nearer to home, and that sometimes I have to create it not just observe it. It will be a busy summer…and still I have not chosen my roses! [byline]  ]]>