Roses have captivated both the gardener and the general public for hundreds of years.

And for good reason—roses are beautiful in appearance, intoxicating in scent and hardy in nearly any climate. They’re truly the MVP—most valuable plant—in the garden

Today we’re diving into the art of the rose.

By any other name

Roses are extremely versatile. You can find them in almost every color, with several types of scents and growing habits.

The flowers are categorized by common characteristics. The most popular types at the garden center include:

• Hybrid tea roses

• Floribundas

• Shrub roses

• Climbing roses

If you’re looking for your first ever rose, or just a reliable shrub to add to your garden, I suggest picking up a Knockout rose (also one of the first shrubs I recommend to any new gardener). They’re super hardy, disease-resistant and steady bloomers!

Bloom and bloom some more

One thing to be aware of when purchasing a rose is bloom frequency.

Not all roses will bloom throughout the summer. Here are the three types you’ll come across:

• Continuous bloomers: Bloom from spring through fall

• Repeat bloomers: Bloom in one, two, or more flushes, with breaks in between

• One-time bloomers: Bloom once for a period of weeks

Working with roses in the garden

Roses can be used in mixed borders, hedges—even in pots!

When planting with other flowers, blues and purples are a strong complement—they’re the only hues not included in the rose color range!

When planting roses, find a sunny spot (at least 6 hours) near a pathway or seating area. The rose will thrive in the sunshine, and you’ll be able to enjoy their scent whenever you pass by!

🌸 Flower I’m admiring

Not a flower, actually—but a fruit!

My blueberry bushes are at my very favorite stage: just before the berries ripen, when they shimmer in iridescent shades of turquoise, pink, jade and the early hints of indigo.

I grow the varieties ‘Silver Dollar’ and ‘Peach Sorbet’ for their delicious berries and their beautiful peach and eucalyptus-colored foliage.

📺 What I’m watching

I’m a little late to this party but I watched Everything, Everywhere, All At Once on a recent plane ride. When I landed I bought the movie and have already re-watched it several times.

I thought the filmmaking—and the storytelling, the cast, art direction, costume design, every part of it—was dazzling.

👩🏻‍🌾 Seeds I’m sowing

My trip to Provence put me a bit behind, so I’m late on sowing my pumpkin seeds.

They’re going in the ground this weekend… I swear!

If you want to grow some pumpkins too, it’s not too late! You can even do it in a large pot—just sow two seeds and snip one if both come up. They grow SO big, I always make the mistake of overcrowding!

What do you want to know about roses? I have over 20 varieties growing in the garden, and have plenty of success and failures along the way. Feel free to reply and let me know!

xx,

Courtney