Although nothing compares to the excitement I experience when my old roses and rugosas first bloom, seeing the fruit of the rose … the roses hips that come after the blooming season make me happy too. I don’t use rose hips, but have read how important they were to previous generations. Just seeing them…
……Makes me feel closer to the generations that came before us and grew these amazing roses. Rose hips are not only beautiful but contain more vitamin C than citrus fruit. So, you can imagine the value pioneers placed on this fruit.
……Makes me relive stories I’ve heard my dad tell of how thankful he was as a little boy during the depression to have a mother with a green thumb who knew how to use everything she grew or found in the meadows for food or medicine.
……Makes me remember stories I read of pioneer women who counted as prize possessions the old roses that grew long, hooky thorns–used as living fences to protect their gardens against the animals who liked nothing better than fresh veggies from a well-tended garden! These roses also provided wonderfully fragrant flowers for vases and potpourri and after the flowers came the fruit they used in jams, jellies, teas and herbal remedies. Win. Win. Win.
They come in all sizes and shapes!
This is one from my Moje Hammarberg Hybrid Rugosa.
These are from an unidentified rose in a garden in England.
You’ve got some beautiful hips! 😉
I’ve never made tea from mine, but I like to take cuttings and bring them indoors for winter arrangements. They look beautiful when lit up by tiny twinkle lights….but even prettier outdoors when covered with a layer of ice. Roses are beautiful year-round.
I like the birds that eat them. Never used them for me (hips), but I do gather the petals for potpourri.
Love how you included the information about the pioneers’ use of the roses!
Hello! The pioneers were remarkably resourceful and used everything they had. I love their spirit!