The Parsley Patch

Whether or not the Lady of the Lake who glides across a mist-laden lake to and from Avalon in Arthurian legend was in mind when this rose was named, I had to have it for the implied connection. I was looking for a pillar rose for in the ‘Magic Garden’ and nothing could’ve been more perfect. This is the first it’s bloomed and, although gorgeous, isn’t showing its true colors of violet-pink shading to cream and copper in the center. It’s not unexpected as this rose is said to change coloring with each new flush.

10/07/07
This rose did not live up to expectations. Bloom coloring and form never resembled photographs, the edges browned quickly during damp weather and blooms wilted and died within hours of cutting for vases. It was also a blackspot magnet the second season with weak growth after three years.

01/29/09
I still am enamored with what this rose could be (see the photo at Heirloom Roses) and have yet to shovel prune it, though I’ve been threatening to. This year I decided to move it somewhere out of the way and maybe it will do better. Sweetpeas are destined for this obelisk!

Floating like an island amid a carpet of creeping thyme, the peony patch showcases showy peonies that were planted over 20 years ago. Ageratum, red ‘Flower Carpet’ roses and blue salvia compliment the display in mid June.

Unfortunately, peonies have such a short bloom season. But all is not lost because they are replaced by bee balm, lilies, Joe Pyeweed and anise hyssop that will take over in midsummer followed by a grand finale of Japanese anemones in the fall.

‘The Impressionist’ is a gorgeous and vigorous climbing rose. As it begins to bloom, every shade of violet, rose, pink, apricot, yellow and orange show in the petals. Once it’s fully open it transforms into a luscious golden sunflower yellow with a hint of orange. It is supposed to be strongly fragrant, but the blooms so far have only be mildly so. This is the first year this rose has bloomed and was started from a purchased cutting last summer. The colors are supposed to become richer and mature more towards pumpkin colored during the autumn bloom.

10/07/07 Update: This is an excellent rose! Even growing where it gets light afternoon shade from an apple tree, it has good growth, good spring bloom and no signs of blackspot. So far fall rebloom has not been prolific with smaller than normal flowers, but good form, color and fragrance. This is the third year and first year with a good spring flush and a repeat bloom.