I love the way this Gardenia rose decided to grow up the tree known around here as The Sacrificial Nectarine. Gardenia is a once bloomer, and not my favorite rose, but I do like the way it has decided to make a scene here!

So why do I call this tree The Sacrificial Nectarine? 

Stay tuned for pictures in an upcoming post and I’ll show you!

Heirloom Alchymist Rose

I thought I would share some pictures of my lovely Alchymist Rose.  I wish you could see it!

This variety dates from the 1950′s, it is a once bloomer, and I really, really LOVE this rose.

The colors are amazing and these photos do not do it justice. The blooms change color every day from pale peaches, to golds, to salmon shades… Wow!  The only drawback to this rose are the positively evil prickles, but it’s worth the occasional harpooning and subsequent surgical removal to see this beauty in all her glory.

I grow several varieties of roses- including antique and heirlooms- here on the little ol’  farm, but the old ones have always been my very favorite roses.

Besides the joy of seeing them bloom and unceremoniously snorting their heavenly fragrances when I think no one is looking… I actually use them!

The petals go in to potpourri and sachets, and I use the rose hips for jams, teas, and potpourris.

In the last 5 years many of my roses have been brought down by Rose Rosette disease.

It is caused by a rotten little mite, 20 of which can fit on a pinhead.  Not only are these mites microscopic, but they blow around in the wind where they land on your poor unsuspecting roses. The little monsters then have the nerve to hang out and dine on your roses! The feeding of the mites introduces a ‘causal agent’ ( a virus-like disease) which causes -among other things- distortion of leaves and stems, a bizarre growth called a “Witches Broom” and finally plant death.

Rose Rosette is a death sentence for roses, and sadly there is no cure.  I have sworn to take LOTS of pictures of my 10 or so remaining roses since I know they will be gone in a few years.

For more information on Rose Rosette, including symptoms, pictures, and areas of infection,go here for a few reference pages I’ve collected for you.

More Alchymist beauties on the Fence

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