The Last Rose of "Summer"

One of the surprises awaiting us when John and I drove home as newlyweds for the first time was a rosebush.  Near it was a card--it was a wedding gift from John's realtor!  I like this realtor.  :-)  The name of the rose is "Double Delight," fitting for a wedding gift, and very fragrant and lovely.  There were a couple of buds on the bush when it came to us, and as they opened it became apparent that its name comes from its color.  While the bud is a vibrant pink, when it bursts forth into full bloom, the dominant color is a creamy white, with its first pink petals singing back-up vocals along the outside. 

Besides dumping water on it occasionally and moving it to the sun, I neglected the rosebush for the first couple of weeks in favor of more pressing house-matters.  Finally, when things were somewhat settled and I discovered that we did indeed have a digging-type-of-shovel, I had no more excuses.  Without realizing it, John even pushed me toward action by some reverse psychology . . .

"We probably don't even need to plant it.  We can just enjoy it the way it is."

"But it will eventually die!  And it would be sad to lose a rosebush." 

I listened to my own voice of reason, picked up some bone meal and potting soil and started digging, hoping it would "take" to its new home in our little backyard. 

It did. 

And now, though it seemed to be done for a season, the third of a recent series is in full array, her head drooping with her own weight on this rainy day. 

I think it will be a good day for baked beans and sweet potatoes.  I hope the beans get soft this time.

My little herbs are still growing, too!  The cilantro is growing several frilly, characteristic leaves, and the parsley is starting a few of its own.