THE MERRY…
What a wonder-filled season this has been. We’ve been traveling, and our time with family has been so very special. While we are grateful for all the gifts of modern communication, this was a year we had all the in-person hugging!
From the English Countryside to the foot of the White Mountians in New England … we have been with wonderful people and have seen some amazing places.
THE BRIGHT…
Is it cold where you are? Are you snow-covered? My word! This week we woke up to -4 degrees after a day with 5″ of snow! Yes, December has been quite a jolt. If it’s going to be winter, snow sure helps! It sure makes the winter garden look beautiful and bright!
Looking for the bright inside, we went with loads of pine cones, twinkle lights, candles and gardeny ornaments we bought in England.
GARDENING…
My biggest tasks these days are potting up bulbs. I decided to plant some of my amaryllis and paper whites in glass containers with pebbles and water. First time to try this. These join my orchid and a few other things in my most sunny window! If all goes well we should have blooms for a good long while.
POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS…
My time in the Potting Shed now mostly consists of cleaning, organizing, and the glorious task of going through my seeds. Awww seeds. I’ve already placed a few orders but my plan is to be more judicious about how many seeds I buy and start this year. Sounds like a good plan, we’ll see how that goes! 😉 The longer winter goes – the longer my wish list gets.
I’ll report back in January when the first seeds are sown. I’ll start with Lisianthus. It takes a long, long time for them. If you want to grow them – buy seeds now! I have always bought mine from Johnny’s. They have a nice selection. (Check them out here.)
RECENt ROSE CHAT PODCASTS…
A BLOOMING FUTURE FOR ARS & ARC
Carrie Bergs, American Rose Society Vice President
Marilyn Wellan, American Rose Center Committee Chairman
There was much to chat about on this one! We talked about the upcoming separation of the American Rose Society and the American Rose Center and the vision to ensure a strong foundation for both. If you’ve heard bits and pieces of what’s going on and have questions, this will provide the answers.
LISTEN HERE
LANDSCAPING WITH ANTIQUE ROSES
Mike Shoup
LISTEN HERE
PLANT HYBRIDIZATION: ROSES & MORE
Dr. David Zlesak (What an impressive career!)
LISTEN HERE
Rose Chat is on holiday / planning break. I am happy to report I have several guests ready to go. Some are repeat favorites and some are brand new. It is shaping up to be a very rosy year! So stay tuned. While you’re waiting, there are so many great ones recorded and just waiting for you on our website… RoseChatPodcast.com.
Merry Christmas Friends
I pray that this season you are surrounded by those you love and filled with joy as we celebrate the birth of the child that came to “fit us for heaven”.
“Fit us for Heaven” is taken from one of my favorite Christmas Carols – “Away in a Manger”. I think of all the times I’ve heard young children sing this song at their nativity programs. Is there anything more precious than a child’s nativity program?
This song’s Biblical basis is Luke 2:4-7 and is often considered a lullaby. It is sure soothing to me.
Lyrics…
Away in a manger, No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus, Laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky, Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus, Asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing, The Baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus, No crying He makes
l love You, Lord Jesus, Look down from the sky
And stay by my side, Until morning is nigh
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask You to stay
Close by me forever, And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children, In Your tender care
And fit us for heaven, To live with You there
