May 19 2010
On The Path To Crazy Rose Lady
Because the roses are in full bloom here in Virginia, the rose lady, whose garden opens officially May 29th, graciously opened her garden for tours this past Sunday afternoon. I was originally scheduled to do several other things Sunday afternoon. Thankfully, my husband was ever so gracious to handle all those things so that I could walk amongst the roses.
We drove two cars, so Dale and the kids could stay for a short time and I could stay for a long time. As the other garden visitors walked and sat amongst the roses attempting to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful scene, my kids ran around yelling, screaming, and playing a ridiculous game called ninja where they periodically slapped one another. Dale was playing too. He thinks this is a great game.
For a time, Abby actually looked at the roses and Gabe was very helpful in climbing underneath the thorny bushes to unearth the name of the rose from the tag. After a short while, they left to eat crummy food and endure poor service at IHOP. I stayed with the roses and stayed and stayed and stayed. When the tours officially ended, I was still there.
I had brought with me a 28 page list that I printed out from the rose lady’s website which lists the more than 600 roses she owns. As I walked along, I would write down words next to the rose name in an attempt to describe some of them. I wrote words such as massive, healthy, fabulous, breathtaking, huge, full, amazing scent, compact, fat blooms, full of buds, love it, fetching, pretty, giant, bright, beautiful, covered in blooms, tall, and wow.
So many unique and wonderful roses of all types antique and modern. There were many roses I had never seen before and many shapes, sizes, and colors that took me by surprise. My first time through, I read the name of each rose and studied the plant. I looked, considered and pondered my way about. Thinking and considering, planning and scheming. Imagining giant structures my husband could build me in the back yard.
The second time through, I took photos, photos, and more photos. Suddenly, time was up and I should have gone, but I wanted to make sure the rose lady remembered to set aside for me two of the roses she had grown from cuttings. When she looked at the little plants, she said I could take them already and gave me instructions on their care. I opened my wallet to pay and realized to my joyful surprise I had enough money for one more rose. The decision on which rose, of course, could not be made quickly and I found myself getting a tour of the greenhouse.
During my earlier hours of walking about, I happened upon a rose guy who informed me of the progression I would soon follow. First, you start out just buying some rose you see at a home improvement store. Next, you begin ordering roses from far away and hunting for the rose you just have to have. After this, you begin taking cuttings and swapping roses with fellow rose lovers. Finally, you find yourself inundated with roses and you know you must start giving roses away because you have way too many.
Unfortunately, I may be on the path to Crazy Rose Lady. Luckily for me, it is a lovely path indeed.
