With autumn’s stride lengthening as the days shorten, and the waning of the year well underway, this post might be most untimely. But here, sunlight still bathes the trees and lawns, the maples have only the merest touch of color and the roses are bursting with abundant blooms. The forecast calls for summer warmth – nearly 70 degrees – and although I have plenty of autumnal images I could include from years past (just to appear in the swing of things), I think I’ll take my cue from the billowing petals of the rose bushes and savor a few last days of the garden’s lush offerings before they have faded away.
Recent thoughts on my favorite rose, Lady Emma Hamilton, caused me some slight feelings of guilt and worry that I may have been premature in my absolute declaration. Alas, another beauty has emerged in delicious profusion from the lower front garden and now I am torn.
The Shepherdess, a David Austin rose named for a character in Philip Sidney’s Arcadia, and the star in all these images, covers her graceful stems with voluptuous blooms of cream and blush. Extravagantly fragrant, they exude the scent of myrrh, vanilla and almond and hold their scalloped petals for luxurious days on end – a marvel of perfect form!
And so, I am as yet undecided as to my favorite and feel this needs a resolution! After all, these things are important, aren’t they? Knowing unequivocally one’s favorite color, or season, or rose?
Perhaps it is too early to decide. The garden may yet have even more lovely inhabitants to reveal before winter’s mantle tucks them away from sight.
Absolutely stunning…smiles.
Thank you so much, Ellen! Great to see you here! – g
Very eloquently written, makes me feel like I am there too. And your photos are picture perfect in the truest sense. Sadly, I don't know much about all the fascinating types of roses found around the world but I certainly appreciate their beauty and fragrance. I definitely don't mind autumn delaying just a little bit if there is beauty like this to behold still.
Thank you very much, Thorsten! I'm so glad you enjoyed your "visit" to the garden. I had never grown much of anything before we purchased this property but I knew I wanted roses and they were the first flower I planted. So it's gratifying to be able to share them with my friends in far places and especially if you are willing to postpone your beloved autumn just a bit!
Beautiful roses! I can never pick a favourite although I'm slightly more partial to my David Austin's than my other roses. I'm hoping mine will bloom for another month although the blooms are becoming fewer.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!
xo,
Lynda
Thanks, Lynda! Well, perhaps not picking a favorite is the wiser course! I hope yours continue to bloom and thanks so much for visiting! – g ♥
Hi lovely G
what a gorgeously written and illustrated post so glad I came by today to see you and have a visit, seeing the lovely Sheperdess. You are so organised to remember all their names. I am not certain I can have a favourite D Austen rose it would be like having a favourite Austen novel (also impossible to choose)they each have their own unique characteristics and things that I love for differing reasons.
However I think now I have a favourite photo of yours.. yes the butterfly on lavender had been knocked off no.1 by this pink jug above. I will v much have to consider asking you for a print.
Love n butterflies Kathryn x
oh these are so very beautiful, your garden must be gorgeous! i love the pale peaches and honey colours, it's so very dreamy. sorry i haven't replyed to your message on flickr yet, i simply haven't had time, but i will soon :)
Hi Eadaoin! thank you so much! Don´t worry about the message – we´re all busy. Will be in touch soon! -g xo
Thank you very much, Kat! I have to keep the tags on to remember the names, otherwise it would be a muddle for sure. I´d love to make a print for you of whatever you like. Thank you again. l, g x0
Your work continually takes me breath away, returns it to me in a gasp of awe, and sweeps it out to sea again. These sun-kissed rose photos are too lovely for words, thank you deeply for sharing your beauteous work with us, darling soul!
Wishing you stellar month of October,
♥ Jessica
Dearest Jessica, Thank you so much for your sweet words! I'm so sorry for the delay here but I am slowly making my way back to blogland and look forward to seeing you on a daily basis again! – g xoxoxo ♥