The Last of Summer's Roses

I have always thought of roses as delicate, fussy plants- they need generous amount of water, they are susceptible to a wide range of pests and they need winter protection from the extremes of winter weather here in Canada.

In the last few weeks however, I find that I have been impressed with their persistence and their plucky determination in the face of the cold fall weather. 

Mid-summer Fairy roses were more lush

There have not been many blooms and quite frankly, the ones that there has been, are smaller and less spectacular than the generously ruffled blooms of mid-summer.

Yet, with all the other flowers faded or gone, theses late fall jewels seem very special indeed. In the last few weeks, I have been picking them, when I see them, and bringing them into the house, where I have more opportunity to enjoy them.

The Fairy rose covered in frost crystals

Now in late fall, the Fairy blooms are more petite.

Cream Groundcover rose

I love to put the roses in tiny bud vases and set them in a window, where the sunlight illuminates their petals.

the David Austin rose: L D Braithwaite

The cold weather is an unwelcome guest that is planning on an extended stay. 

We have had yet another hard frost this morning- the garden was glittering with all the ice crystals in the early morning light. 

Only a few tiny rose buds remain, shut up tight, waiting for the sun and warmth that will never come on a gray November day. 

I will have to go out later and pick them in hopes that they will open in the warmth of the house.