This raggedy Rose was especially colorful and bright before
the blooms faded. I don’t know what cultivar it is because it wasn’t marked
when we moved here many years ago. It’s a pretty Rose, though, while it lasts.
This is all that’s left of the blooms on another Rose bush
with pretty bright red flowers that were so heavy this year they folded over
onto the mulch below.
But my favorite Rose is the one my great-grandfather grafted
in the mid-19th Century: ‘Sweet Mary.’ To read more about it, check
out this post from last summer. The family looks forward each year to the days
when its sweet scent fills the air. It’s not a flashy Rose, but oh, it smells
fantastic. Many of us have cuttings from the original plant, cultivated on a
farm in south central Minnesota .
We also donated ‘Sweet Mary’ Roses to Old World Wisconsin
in Eagle. It’s a living history museum, with
buildings, homes, gardens, and authentically dressed characters from Wisconsin ’s
early settlements. Dad, Mom (both work at Old World), my sister, my hubby, and
I trekked over to Old World a couple of weeks ago to find out how the Roses (planted last year) are
doing.
Here they are in front of the Raspberry
School
Zooming in a little closer…
The Roses were a little past prime, but they’re still
thriving. Yay!
While we were there, we enjoyed some of Old
World ’s other plants and gardens.
Lots of critters, including pigs and sheep.
I like this shot of Little Lamb next to a Lamb’s Ear plant.
Dad posed with Laura, the lead interpreter.
Then we headed back to Dad and Mom’s place, where we were
entertained by hummingbirds and ground squirrels.
And another view of ‘Sweet Mary.’
It was a great day. And so encouraging that Grandpa’s Roses
live on in so many gardens for family and others to enjoy.
A perfect story. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen! It was a beautiful day, and there's so much to see and do there!
DeleteWhat a great place. I'm so happy to see that we are keeping our history alive.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Mary! If you ever have a chance to visit, it's worth a trip. You could spend a whole day there and still not cover everything.
DeleteWhat a wonderful legacy. :o) Any plant that smells good is a winner to me.
ReplyDeleteI seriously wish I could share the scent. It would make a wonderful sachet!
DeleteBeth I wish I had family pass-a-long plants. Yours are so much more...a true family legacy from a long line of gardeners. These are just lovely roses and I love the Old World plants and critters....our roses have been lasting a long time with our weather but the heat to come will change that. Cute hummer and squirrel.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna. Yeah, it's fun to have a family plant in the garden--especially a Rose! Hopefully next year I can get some better shots.
DeleteSo nice the roses can live on in at such a wonderfully historic place. It looked like a fun day with many delightful things to see. I like Old World plants too and they look right at home at this place.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's the perfect place for them! And a great place to get in touch with the ways people used to live, work, and garden.
DeleteSo nice the roses can live on in at such a wonderfully historic place. It looked like a fun day with many delightful things to see. I like Old World plants too and they look right at home at this place.
ReplyDeleteI just love a round barn.
ReplyDeleteMe, too! It's kind of the showcase building at Old World. People have parties and gatherings there.
DeleteThis is a beautiful place and I enjoyed the visit to the Old World through you post. Seeing your Grandpa's Roses in such a historical must have hold many pleasant memories for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Autumn Belle. Yes, it's very special for the family. I never met my great-grandfather, but I imagine he was a great guy--I think we'd have a lot in common.
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