BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: The winter must have been longer than I thought…

Link | April 4, 2025February 26, 2026 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Seems that often a long winter is paired with a long list of rose orders. I didn’t think I had many on order. Last week when Mr. G asked how many roses were coming this spring, I said oh not too many but then I started to list them – out loud. His response, “ooooo, that sounds like quite a few.” Gotta love him!! I doubt much I would say about the garden would surprise him at this point.

NOTE: Many of these choices were made based on fragrance and rose health! And, of course their beauty!

HIGH COUNTRY ROSES

Summer Romance (Link)
Loves Me, Loves Me Not (Link)
Reine des Violette (Link)

HEIRLOOM ROSES

Amazing Grace (Link)

INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY SALE

Sitting Pretty (Link)
Bright & Shiny (Link)
Honeymoon Arborose (Link)

JACKSON & PERKINS

Oxford Girl (Link)

MENAGERIE

Summer Romance (Link)

PROVEN WINNERS

Reminiscent Coral (Link)

DAVID AUSTIN

The Generous Gardener (Link)

What rose(s) are you adding to your garden?

Now I need to look at my dahlia list. I think it has grown a bit too.

RECENT ROSE CHATS

WHY SPRAY WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE TO?|
Paul Zimmerman and Michael Marriott

LISTEN HERE

On this episode of Rose Chat, host Teresa Byington is joined by the dynamic duo of roses, Paul Zimmerman and Michael Marriott. Paul and Michael will tackle the very important subject of growing roses sustainably. They will walk us through steps to take to have beautiful roses without adding chemicals to your garden.

STRAIGHT FROM THE FARM TO YOU
Tyler Francis & Brian Rhodes / Co-CEO’s of April & Ashley

On this episode, I chat with Tyler Francis and Brian Rhodes of Francis Roses about their new venture as Co-CEO’s of April & Ashley – a new source bringing farm fresh roses straight to your door. Tyler and Brain will take us on the inside track to share about their partnerships, techniques and unique processes to bring the very best.

LISTEN HERE

COMING IN APRIL

BECOMING A BACKYARD ROSE HYBRIDIZER
… Growing Roses from Seed
Jeff Droullard, The Rose Dude

RELEASE DATE: Sun, April 13

On this episode, I’ll chat with Jeff Droullard, known on social media as The Rose Dude who has become a backyard rose hybridizer by growing roses from seed. Jeff is so enthusiastic about his hobby and is eager to inspire others! Growing roses from seeds is extremely popular today and Jeff will take us step by step on how to be successful.

A ROSEY APPROACH TO TRENDS
Rebecca Koraytem, David Austin U. S. Sales Executive

RELEASE DATE: Sun, April 27

On this episode, I’m joined by Rebecca Koraytem of David Austin Roses. Rebecca will share with us how roses fit perfectly into the current home and garden trends. Trends are always a fun and fascinating subject especially anything rosy!

NEW FROM THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY

The Fragrant Rose is an e-newsletter for folks interested in gardening and is chock-full of growing tips and information. Delivered FREE to your inbox!

Get a glimpse of some of the great information from the American Rose Society
Sign up here: https://rose.org/join-renew/#fragrant-rose

I can tell you that as with all things “American Rose Society,” it is a beautiful and informative publication.

POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS

HEAD START ON DAHLIAS

Since our growing season is a bit short and I want dahlias as soon as possible, I start them EARLY! Some are already showing just the tiniest bit of green! 🌱 💚 🌱 💚 🌱

COSMOS

Same as with dahlias. If I don’t start early, we don’t get to enjoy Cosmos for very long and they are Mr. G’s favorites! 🌸 🌸 🌸

BIG PROJECT OF 2025: Front yard…

Removed 10 boxwoods (several had blight) and various others shrubs that were past their prime!
The ugly, hard work is done and now the fun work begins.

SPRING THYME IS JUST THE BEST

A phrase that is heard often in our garden this time of year… “Oh come look at this!”

Every day in the garden I see something new. Sometimes it is something I “need” to do and sometimes it’s something just for my enjoyment! Like the Hellebores or Lenten Roses … Their name reminding us of the miraculous season ahead. A time to focus on the horror of the crucifixion, Christ’s love for us and the glorious joy and hope the resurrection brings. From Good Friday to Easter Sunday, we know a lot can happen in 3 days!

Friends, I hope this season is filled with moments of pure joy for you as we continue to have a front row seat to the many miracles of spring.

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Coming Out of the Fog

Link | March 15, 2025February 26, 2026 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Releasing Bloom Thyme Friday on Saturday is just par for the course around here right now. Almost three weeks ago Mr. G and I headed out for vacation to quickly return when Influenza A took hold. We spent our vacation time alternating the patient/nurse roles. 2 1/2 weeks later we came out of a fog to 70° temps and a garden filled with spring! During those days were a series of cancellations, postponements and running behind in a blur. We are glad to be back on the path to full health. Ms Influenza A is quite a character. She pulled many punches! I hope you manage to avoid her but around here she has been all too common. Be careful!

SIGNS OF SPRING

ASSESSING DAMAGE

Plenty of deer visited the garden this winter …. and I’m seeing some serious damage on many of the roses. Time will tell how the garden will fare as a whole. But, with many days at 70° spring is moving in fast. It’s amazing some of the roses are untouched either by deer or the extreme temps we’ve had.

Don’t the deer seem right at home just munching away on MY plants?! 😩😩😩

NATIONAL GARDEN BUREAU … THE 2025 YEAR OF…

Each year the National Garden Bureau selects one annual, one perennial, one bulb crop, one edible, one houseplant, and one shrub as our “Year of the” crops. Plants are chosen because they are popular, easy-to-grow, widely adaptable, genetically diverse, and versatile. YEAR OF 2025 DETAILS

The one I am most excited about is Calendula. I purchased a couple of new to me varieties that I am really excited about. And I know that a few of the Zeolights from last year will self sow too. For me they are very well behaved self sowers. Just enough. 🌱

From National Garden Bureau website…

Nature’s Sunshine: The Year of the Calendula

Overview and History…

Initially cherished by the Egyptians for its healing properties and beauty, Calendula found its way to Europe through Roman influence, swiftly gaining popularity as both a therapeutic herb and an ornamental gem.

Native to the sun-kissed Mediterranean region, Calendula has transcended borders to become a global favorite among gardeners, thanks to its resilient nature that thrives in diverse environments. Its name, derived from the Latin “calendae,” symbolizes its perpetual blooming cycle, with fresh blossoms unfurling each month in a vibrant display of nature’s artistry.

Calendula petals, beyond their visual splendor, serve as a source of yellow dye, earning the flower the endearing moniker “poor man’s saffron” for its ability to mimic the prized hue of saffron. This versatile plant not only graces gardens with its beauty but also offers practical applications in dyeing and culinary pursuits.

Here are a few fun facts…

GROWING TIPS

Calendula grows easily in full sun in any regular garden soil and thrives in a pH range of 5.5-7.0.
Pinch back young plants to encourage bushy growth.
Occasional feeding is rewarded, but unnecessary.
Keep plants watered but avoid overhead watering as plants are susceptible to mildew.
Deadhead regularly to prevent self-sowing and continual blooms.
It does best in cool weather and may stop blooming in mid-summer heat. It will likely start to bloom again in the cooler weather.

CALENDULA I’M GROWING THIS YEAR

BRONZED BEAUTY and a PACIFIC BEAUTY MIX

The calendulas I’m growing are Bronzed Beauty and Pacific Beauty Mix. One of the reasons I’m excited about growing more calendula is that for some time I’ve been wanting to make some simple recipes that I’ve read about in a wonderful book — A WOMAN’S GARDEN … Grow Beautiful Plants and Make Useful Things by Tanya Anderson, Isle of Man, UK

This book is filled to the brim with inspiration, growing tips, recipes, DIY projects and the dreamy looking products she produces.

I first knew of Tanya when she appeared on Gardener’s World 5 years ago. In the episode we had a tour of her lovely allotment garden and heard about all the wonderful things things she makes with the plants she grows – everything from flavored vinegars to skin care products.

She is easy to find as she is active on Instagram and has a thriving You Tube presence. TAKE A LOOK HERE.

RECENT ROSE CHAT

WHY SPRAY WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE TO?
Paul Zimmerman and Michael Marriott

HC MASTER GARDENERS

What a wonderful group to be a part of. And, thank you for the opportunity to present a program last month. If you are local and want to join Master Gardeners … here is some information on upcoming basic training. DETAILS HERE

INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY ROSE SALE

The Indianapolis Rose Sociey Rose Sale is still on! I’ve seen the list and there are still some wonderful roses left. Several are sold out but there’s still plenty of beauties available – at least today. First Come/First Serve. DETAILS HERE.

DREAMING OF ROSES

As I recuperated I’ve actually been doing more than dreaming … I’ve ordered a few! It was good therapy! But, oh my where will I put them! 😳 I’m working on that too. Let’s talk about that in my next post.

Scripture tells us that “to everything there is a season” and my favorite one is here!

Until next time friends, enjoy the miracles of spring!

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Did someone say Coffee, Chocolate and Comfort?

Link | February 14, 2025February 26, 2026 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Mocha Mousse, a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort. – From Pantone website.

2025 Pantone of the year

Each year Pantone sets the color stage for design whether inside or out. Last year was Peach Fizz and I was a big fan of that especially outside with all the roses with peach hues –especially my newly released rose — Petite Peach. More about her here.

For this year it’s all about… Coffee. Chocolate. Comfort. I’m in.

More about the color of the year HERE.

All this talk about mocha mousse had me thinking about the rose Koko Loco (hybridized by Christian Bedard of Weeks Roses) that has been trending for several years. What a perfect time to jump into that trend with a rose in the same palette. So I ordered one from High Country Roses (LINK)

I don’t know how I have resisted this rose for so long. Beautiful!

Description on High Country’s website.
Koko Loco: The cocoa is creamy like latte. But the latte goes loco to finish all lavender! You just can’t imagine a milky chocolate-colored bud would mature to be a solid soft lavender blossom. Early to bloom, every lovely bud spirals open with impeccable show form. The flowers last long on the plant and in the vase. Beyond its novelty, there lies a great plant….rounded, handsome & bushy…chock full of clean green leaves.

For more info on growth habit, etc or to see if she’s still in stock, read more HERE.

GARDEN TRENDS

Another early season treat is to see the House Beautiful garden trend list and here it is…

Chocolate Brown Tones
Cottagecore
Front Gardens (love it)
Waterwise gardening
Out with bedding traditional plants
Cutting Gardens: bring the outdoors in (YES)
Future floristry
Light-touch gardening
Brownfield gardening
Sustainable power tools
Greenhouse living
Seedling success: growing plants from seed is back in the spotlight (Yippee)
Bulbs in pots (I’m not the best at this.)
Homegrown produce
Edible landscaping

For explanations of each of these categories check out their article HERE.

SPRING ROSE CARE

I’ve recently had several questions about spring rose care and simple rose pruning tips. While it is certainly not one size fits all, here are my general tips. (For reference: I’m in Zone 6a.) Again these are basic tips on what I do.

WHEN: My rule of thumb for when to prune roses is when the Forsythia Blooms. The blooming Forsythia tells us that the ground temp has warmed to about 50 degrees. Here we can have temps that dip a bit but we usually do well with the Forsythia rule.

HOW: I cut out any dead, damaged or disease-looking canes, any canes that are crossing the center or rubbing against other canes. For height pruning … I prune the shrub about 1/3 of it’s size. You will also want to remove the leaves still clinging to the shurb and any that have fallen on the ground. 📸 GLAMOUR SHOT: To get her ready for glamour shots to come, after I prune I take a step back and look at the overall appearance, and using my creative license I make tweaks to get her looking just right. 😉

EXCEPTIONS…

GROUND COVER ROSES:

For ground cover roses I don’t worry too much about all those pruning details. I just shape it up and take it down a bit for size control. As you experience a season of growth, you’ll know how to prune it to get the shape you want. I have 8 Sweet Drift Roses (groundcovers) making a border. While they appear to have a tangled growth, when they bloom they are show stoppers.

CLIMBING ROSES:

Totally different pruning method. I think the best way to learn about this is to SEE it done. Garden Answer and Heirloom Roses have great videos on pruning climbing roses. Orange text denotes links!

OLD GARDEN ROSE, RAMBLERS (and other one-time bloomers):

No spring pruning! As with other blooming shrubs the rule is PRUNE AFTER BLOOM. Pruning in the spring will eliminate your spring blooms! If you want to shape up your plant do it immediately after blooming. NOTE: OGRs need little to no pruning. Just take out dead and diseased canes. Or the ones that are catching on your husband’s shirt as he mows the grass. Don’t ask me how I know. 🤦🏼‍♀️

NOTE: Don’t be afraid! It isn’t rocket science. I’ve made a million “mistakes’ and the roses always forgive and bloom in spite of the gardener. I remember the first time I saw Steve Hutton, then President of Star Roses, take electric hedge trimmers to Knock Out roses. Now you see many gardeners do that with more than just Knock Outs. I’m not saying I would do it, but I guess you could.

FERTILIZER: At the time of pruning, I fertilize per package recommendations. (RoseTone or Scott’s Rose and Bloom: Both are available at our Lowes and sometimes Walmart). The fertilizer doesn’t kick in until temps raise a bit more but it is convenient for me to do it at this time.

DORMANT SPRAY: Before leaves start developing we use a dormant spray. Through the years we have used several products. (Lime Sulfur, Captain Jack and Bonide products.) Jason from Fraser Valley Rose Farm has an excellent video on using dormant sprays that includes what to use and why you should proceed with caution when doing so.
VIDEO LINK

MULCH: I add 3-4″ of mulch to help with water retention, weed supression and for beauty… mulch makes everything look so fresh and tidy. I know the roses appreciate it as they move to their time to shine!

If you have other specific questions leave me a comment or email me, I am happy to help!

UNINVITED GUESTS

We’ve had some uninvited guests… one tried to get his annual eye exam. Wrong “office” buddy.

ROSE CHAT

Rose Chat 2025 has begun!

THE HERBAL PROPERTIES OF ROSES
Jason Croutch, Fraser Valley Rose Farm

For thousands of years roses have been used for so much more than an ornamental plant. Join us as we take a look at the additional benefits of growing the Queen of Flowers.

NEXT UP is Leon Ginenthal to chat about SOIL & PLANT HEALTH – this one will be posted on Sunday, February 23.

WINTER SOWING

Winter sowing is now complete with 22 jugs! In many of the jugs I did sections to be able to plant more than one variety. I certainly don’t need a “jug full” of everythng I wanted to try this year! 😳

Love in a Mist: Mulberry Rose
Blue & White Alyssum
Calendula: Bronzed Beauty
Onion: Yellow of Parma
Strawflower: Red, Rose and White
Larkspur: Katy’s Picot
Gomphrena: Audray Purple-Red , Raspberry Cream, Lavender Lady and Las Vegas White
Marigolds: Sugar & Spice, Queen Sophia & Savannah
Rudbeckia: Sahara & Caramel Mix
Statice: Seeker Pastel Blue
Coneflowers: White and Mellow Yellow
Snapdragons: Apple Blossom, Royal Bride and Costa Velvet
Sweet Pea: Jewels of Albion
Rose Seeds: Tuscany Supurb
Bachelor Buttons: Cyanus Double
Canterbury Bells: Calyan Mix
Nasturtiums: Cherry Rose Jewel and Tip Top Pink Blush
Dara: Mixed
Columbine: Barlow’s Double Mix
Ageratum: Blue Horizon
Verbascum: Shades of Summer
Phlox: Sugar Stars
Lady’s Mantel

Spring winter sowing

I will begin “winter sowing” again in April to plant Zinnias, Cosmos, Tomatoes and Basil! It worked so well last year!

WHILE WE WAIT

As finish up this post today we are having a wintery mix – rain, ice, snow. Single digit temps. Yuk. BUT to those of you with colder winters, look at these pictures… they were taken the 3rd week of March last year! Our beauties are coming back!

Ignoring the weather outside, with every seed I sow I am giddy with anticipation of the miraculous new life that is to come. As gardeners we get to experience miracles most every day.

To everything there is a season but often it seems Winter tends to be a boundary pusher — we just have to keep the faith in the garden and out.

Until next time, have fun in your garden.

WINTER YOU HAVE OUR ATTENTION!

Link | January 24, 2025February 26, 2026 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Hello Winter, you have certainly decided to be record-breaking this year. This week I’ve heard from friends in southern states with record breaking snowfall and plummeting temps! The pictures don’t even look real! My big question now is how long will it last. Probably not too long in the southern states but up here — might be another thing! 😳🥶 This is that time of year that I tell Mr. G that it’s not coming back. Things are too cold and and too dead, it’s not coming back. He hands me a cup of coffee and says, “don’t worry, it always come back.” He’s the best. ……..Ahh spring, oh the miracle you are!! And you’ll be back in about 55 days.

You know who IS enjoying this weather? The birds. G has been keeping them well fed and they have rewarded us by their presence and thier song! SOOOO MANY. Look at this handsome guy…

Bluebirds routinely play in my Potting Shed window box. They are so precious! I hope they nest close by! Take a look…

WINTER SOWING 2025

During this kind of season I hear Mr. Rogers in my ear singing, 🎶”Let’s think of something to do while we’re waiting.”🎶 Anyone remember that one??

One super fun thing we get to do while we are waiting on spring is Winter Sowing!! 🥳

And, winter Sowing is happening here but honestly I was almost afraid to put anything outside. How cold is toooo cold!

Winter sowing truly is one of my favorite gardeny things. So little investment in time and material. It allows me to experiment more too! Each year I plant some seeds I’ve never tried before. If you are new to winter sowing or want to know what I have done in the past… check out another post here.

NEW TO ME THIS YEAR…

(Links to companies provided.)

I’m trying some new colors of Nasturtiums – Tip Top Pink Blush and Cherry Rose Jewel.

Love Coneflowers and want a yellow one, so I’m trying a new variety to me Mellow Yellow.

Phlox Sugar Stars – such sweet colors

Onion: Yellow of Parma – Over the moon about this one! Confession, I have a thing about onions and they seem to be hard for me to grow. Thank’s Stef from Hooked and Rooted for the inspiration. Find her here. https://www.youtube.com/@HookedandRooted

One of my favorites is Gomphrena and I’m trying some new colors: Lavender Lady, Raspberry Cream, Audray Purple Red, and Audray White. SO MANY. I may have to call this garden season the “Year of the Gomphrena”! Last year it did so well!!! This is a no fuss plant going strong from early summer to frost! I used them in so many arrangements and they dry beautifully.

Globosa Purple & a “pink” I don’t remember the name.

Trying a new variety of Larkspur: Katy’s Picot Larkspur.

Trying a new Sweet Pea that someone recommended as fragrant and has loads of blooms but I can’t remember who – Jewels of Albion This is a custom blend esclusive to Renee’s Gardens! Here’s what Renees has to say about it… “EXCLUSIVE – Our custom blended color palette of especially fragrant antique varieties offers both beautiful cool shades and plants with significantly more heat tolerance than other sweet pea varieties. You’ll have a succession in bloom with “Flora Norton” (pastel blue), “Lord Nelson” (deep blue), “Mrs. Collier” (creamy-white), “Lady Grisel Hamilton” (pastel lavender) and “Captain of the Blues” (mauve-blue). This lovely perfumed mix blooms on strong climbing vines that easily cover a trellis or fence.”

And finally, I am super excited about a new, exclusive Zinnia from Johnnys Seeds… Ballerina!! Have you seen it? Soooo pretty!

I’m sure there will be more to come. Do you have a recommendation for me?

GETTING TO KNOW YOU WALL

This week I started the 3rd annual GETTING TO KNOW YOU WALL.

I started doing this “wall” in my potting shed with info about new plants I’m adding to the garden or plants I added last year that I want to keep an eye out for. Since I have a very established garden, this is such a great help in determining just where I want to plant them in the garden. And, not to miss the ones I planted last year!

ROSE CHAT

It is almost time for ROSE CHAT 2025 and I am super excited! The lineup is stellar. So many wonderful rosy people will join me! If you missed it, here’s the ad from New Years. Newley added to this list is Dee Nash of Red Dirt Rambling. Looking forward to a wonderfully rosy year!

The February guests are Jason Croutch of Fraser Valley Rose Farm and Leon Ginenthal the owner of Der Rosenmeister Rose Nursery in New York.

Last year Jason joined me to talk about growing roses in containers. He had so many tips and tricks. LISTEN HERE

The last time Leon was with me we chatted about rambling roses, his garden is filled to the brim with these beauties and he had a great deal of advice and insight! LISTEN HERE

If you have cabin fever, there is a gorgeous video on YouTube of Leon’s amazing garden… check it out here. You can almost smell the roses!

UNTIL NEXT TIME…

Friends, I hope you are safe and staying warm and have plenty of time to dream and plan! I know dreaming and planning is keeping me going! I’ve even found a new place for another arbor with roses!!! 🎉 Can you believe it!! More about that later.

Until next time, sending warm wishes from the Potting Shed where everything is quite crowded but cozy and warm! Outside – not so much!

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: Before We Dive In…

Link | January 3, 2025February 26, 2026 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Don’t judge me, it’s January and I don’t have a word of the year. None seem “just the thing.” I do, however, have a phrase. During the Christmas season we watched “I HEARD THE BELLS “movie and while there were many phrases that caught my attention, there was one I wrote down … “Let’s be up and doing…”

Note: The full phrase, “Let us, then, be up and doing,” comes from the poem “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

I loved the movie! If you are not familiar with the movie it is about the origins of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow writing the Christmas carol, I HEARD THE BELLS.

SIDE NOTE: I learned of this movie when Danielle of Northlawn Flower Farm on YouTube said her husband had a role in this movie! If you don’t follow Danielle (link), I think you would enjoy her garden adventures… and I think you would enjoy the movie.

2024 HIGHLIGHTS

Before we move fully into 2025, let’s talk about some standouts from the 2024 season.

TRAVEL

Our travels often take us to New England and England and we love that. But we added a destination this year… Italy. And we are so glad we did. A year of travel highlights indeed!

FIRST YEAR ROSES…

BOLERO

Such a gorgeous and healthy rose. For a first year rose it just bloomed and bloomed and the booms were beautiful and the fragrance so yummy. I read one review that called the fragrance “romantic”. I would agree. Bolero was also very healthy. This rose would work in most any size garden as it only grows to about 3.5 H x 3 W. I suspect it would be fantastic in a container too. I can’t wait to see all the blooms that will come with the second season. One more thing …. outstanding cut flower!

ELIZABETH (David Austin)

This David Austin rose just wowed me with every bloom and her growth habit. She is a large rose and I am so glad I gave her plenty of room — she needed it and will need it even more as she gets established. David Austin voted her Best for Health, Best for Fragrance and Best for Flowering. I would agree. She performed so well. When I saw the picture of her online I thought she would have very delicate, easy to shatter blooms. She does not. Size is about 4.5′ W X 4.5′ H. She had several blooms throughout the season but I know it was just a tease to her production for the second year! Great cut flower.

ESTABLISHED ROSE STANDOUTS

PLUM PERFECT (Kordes)

Oh my word. She would not stop blooming – even in the drought. She held on to those incredible blooms forever! A truly wonderful rose. I am so glad I have two! This year she grew about 3’ H and 2.5’ W. Healthy, beautiful but only a light fragrance for me. I enjoyed her so much in the garden that I didn’t cut very many for vases. Just enjoyed her immensely in the garden.

REMINISCENT PINK (Proven Winners)

This rose has grown into a large easy care shrub and deserves some space in the garden. Size is 3.5′ x 3.5′. She sometimes sends out long arching canes in that old fashioned romantic way. If you love old fashioned blooms in form and fragrance, you’re gonna love this one! When I see her from the window I can’t believe she is not an “old garden rose”. She was covered with blooms off and on throughout the season. Great in a vase too. Simply outstanding.

PETITE PEACH

Petite Peach had another fantastic year proving to be an almost bullet proof power bloomer! So proud of this rose. I hear great reports from people all over the country. Those blooms last forever in a vase and dry well too. You can purchase at High Country Roses here.

OUTSTANDING COMPANION PLANTS

GOMPHRENA (Globe Amaranth)

I started two colors of Gomphrena from seed via the Winter Sowing method (link). Couldn’t have been easier. Once these little plants were in the ground, they exploded and bloom literally all summer long. I used them in so many arrangements! And they dry perfectly too! This year I am growing 3 colors.

Planted in jug late January and planted in the ground in early May. Starting blooming in mid June and bloomed until frost!

BOXWOOD BASIL

Linda Vater on her You Tube Channel (link) was all about boxwood basil so I had to try it. This too was planted by seed using the winter sowing method and it was a huge success. I think every seed germinated and I had little boxwood balls all over the garden. Visitors couldn’t believe it wasn’t boxwood! Look at the pictures. Hard to tell! And the fragrance was fantastic. What a great return on investment! Planted in jug on April 9, planted in garden mid May and these plants were going strong all summer. From a small seedling came these amazing “boxwood” basils.

LISIANTHUS

What an outstanding addition to a cut flower garden! Started from seed in January, planted out in late May, blooming from June to October! So beautiful and wonderful in arrangements. Literally lasts forever as a cut flower. Downside… in my growing zone (6a) she has to be “babysat” in seed trays for so so long!

OUTSTANDING SHRUB

Fire Light Tidbit Hydrangea

I have so many hydrangeas – my notes say I have 40 / 10 different varieties. But the Fire Light Tidbit is such a standout. She is a good size to pair with roses too. Growing about 3.5 W X 3’H.

Here she is hugging up to Pomponella rose! (An outstanding rose I might add.) What a combination! I now have 6 Fire Light Tidbits and plan to add 2 more in 2025.

FAVORITE BOKAY

This is a bokay I made for myself when I couldn’t be out gardening. I had hand surgery in early August and it certainly slowed me down for a few weeks. But these beauties sure cheered me up!

INDIANAPOLIS ROSE SOCIETY

The Indianapolis Rose Society is Zooming into the new year with special guest Robin Jennings of Heirloom Roses… Additional Details here.

ROSE CHAT

Rose Chat 2025 kicks off in February and there are so many guests already on the calendar to join me! Some are repeat favorites and many are brand new to the conversation. We are going to cover subjects like… the importance of soil, moving from a spray garden to a no spray garden, growing roses from seed, new rose releases, miniature roses, Earth Kind rose releases, the herbal properties of roses, climbing roses, and on and on!!! Whew! I can’t wait!

If you have extra time and want to catch up on last year’s chats… there are so many good ones here….

HAPPY 2025

Happy New Year friends. If you are like me you are looking back AND planning for what’s to come while cleaning out closets, making list and going through garden catalogs!

So, “let’s be up and doing,” adding loveliness to the world around us. Our world sure needs it.

Until next time, happy garden planning.

Bloom Thyme Friday: Lists

Link | December 20, 2024February 26, 2026 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

This time of year we hear a lot about lists …

The words… “He’s making a list, checking it twice gonna find out who’s naughty and nice” can send shivers up the spines of small boys and girls!

Soon gardeners will be making their own lists… What to plant, seeds to buy, supplies needed and on and on!

But for now, it’s 2 am and I have jet lag and am wondering about Mary. Did she have a list of things she “needed” or “wanted” for her new baby? If so, I doubt it included a long distance donkey ride, an animal trough, scratchy hay, smelly sheep, shepherds or even angels. Her actual list we will never know, but we do know she heard from God, listened, trusted, obeyed and treasured. Joseph did too. May we always do the same.

The Birth of Jesus

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Friends, Mr. G and I have recently had the pleasure of spending very special time with all our children and grandchlldren. We even had them all in the same country at the same time! Time to cook together, decorate, stay up too late, attend children’s Christmas programs and all the things families who live in different places never take for granted. I can tell you that WAS on our list AND we felt the blessing and joy making this season oh so special.

I hope this season finds you filled with joy as we celebrate the greatest gift, given to all — the baby in the manger.

Merry Christmas friends. So grateful for you.

PS: Speaking of Joseph …

For King and Country has a wonderful song about what Joseph might be thinking through all this, things on his list, questions he had. The song is called The Carol of Joseph. Mr. G and I LOVE it. Listen / watch here.

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: SAYING GOODBYE AND STARTING AGAIN

Link | October 25, 2024February 26, 2026 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

The current weather is sunny, warm and very dry! All week it has been in the 70s or high 60s. I’m not complaining but we do desperately need rain. Has it been dryer or wetter than normal where you are?

No matter how warm, we know the weather can change in a heartbeat! We sneaked past our newish “first frost date” of October 17 with only a few cold nights. For many years the first frost date was October 10. But with the new zoning comes a new frost date. I am so hesitant to adopt or trust those new dates/zones as we’ve certainly been surprised in the past!

A few days ago there were just so many pretty roses that I made a bokay. It’s hard to follow the rules and not cut them this time of year. I know they need to go to sleep but they still have plenty of time — right!?!

My harvest…

Arrangement…

POTTING SHED PUTTERINGS

GERANIUMS

Many of my geraniums are coming in. Some will be rooted in water. Do you get as excited as I do when you see roots form!!!

And some come in as small plants to live under lights and give me their delicate pretty blooms all winter. I look forward to every bloom! They sure make those dark days much brighter!

TOPIARIES

My “much neglected all summer” topiaries are coming in to the Potting Shed also to get a much needed trim and some transitional care until I take them in the house for a semi dormant winter. Look who also came in and made his presence known with a very unexpected jump from plant to the window shelf! There were squeals! Mr. G came out and saved the day for both of us. 😳 🐸

SEED SAVING

Time to finish up harvesting seeds and getting them stored for next year. The garden keeps me so aware of how creative our Creator is. Take one dried up seed head, remove spent petals and there you have in many cases hundreds of seeds. Those tiny seeds hold new life and hope! Before long many of them will be going into milk/water jugs and take home containers to start their growing process for the new year! (Winter Sowing “How To” link below.)

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: WINTER SOWING

GETTING TO KNOW YOU WALL

This week I started the 3rd annual GETTING TO KNOW YOU WALL.

I started doing this to keep the next year’s seeds, plants, bulbs and garden planning sketches in front of me all winter as I work in the potting shed. It was such a great help in determining just where I wanted all these lovelies in the garden based on their neighbors, color, size and growing needs. Confession, I don’t always have a plan when I purchase something. I just know I like it!!! How about you????

On the 2025 Wall all I have now are seed packets and allium bulbs – more to come. The actual packets will not stay there as they will go into my seed bins where they will be more protected. On the wall I will hang the pictures I took of them with notes on all the basics.

ROSE CHAT

The most recent release of Rose Chat was with a great rose friend – Anita Clevenger. Anita has spent 20 years traveling and learning all she can about the amazing roses from our past. The background pictures for the ad below is of Anita’s lovely garden!

Old Roses for Modern Gardens
Anita Clevenger

Anita Clevenger, Heritage Rose Advocate, shares why heritage roses have a place in modern gardens! We’ll take a look at the attributes of these survivors that have stood the test of time … bringing to the garden beauty, romance and fragrance for generations. On the show home page I have pictures of Anita’s lovely garden!

LISTEN HERE.

THE LIFE & ROSES OF ANNE BELOVICH
Teddie Mower, Caretaker of Anne’s Garden

COMING SUNDAY, OCT 27

On this episode of Rose Chat, I’m joined by Teddie Mower, Anne Belovich’s Daughter-in-Law and the Caretaker of Anne’s rose garden which includes over 1,000 mostly heritage roses. Anne Belovich was a rose collector Rock Star and Teddie works to ensure that her rare and imported roses are conserved through propagation efforts for future generations to enjoy. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear some of the fascinating stories about this remarkable woman who was the author of 6 books – all written when she was in her 90s. And, that’s just a small part of her story!

Teddie is so delightful – a special gift to Anne and to us. She is the perfect person to go back to the beginning and tell Anne’s story.

On the podcast show page there are many links to additional information and pictures of Anne’s roses.

PS… Mr. G just gifted me a copy of Anne’s book on Ramblers!!! I love it! (link)

BLOOM THYME HAPPENING NOW

This season the garden is filled with a different kind of beauty. Some of the summer blooms are holding on but the brighter colors of fall foliage are taking center stage.

WHAT YOU HAVEN’T SEEN

What you haven’t seen much from me this growing season are tons of Dahlia blooms. There just hasn’t been as many as in year’s past. There’s a number of reasons – first is that I didn’t grow as many (mistake) and the weather was so off for dahlias. Very wet at the beginning of the season and VERY dry at the end. I must confess I did not give them the water they needed when the rains stopped.

One bag of Dahlia tubers (2) I bought in a bag at a box store was mismarked and the “substitutions” were not ones I cared for. Although they bloomed more than any of the others. 🙄

Two dahlias I bought in bags at the box stores that did quite well – Seattle and Motto.

Here are some of the beauties that did show up!

Dahlias I ordered from online suppliers were the correct ones but bloomed very late with fewer blooms and smaller blooms too!

I have heard from gardeners around the US and the UK and many say about the same thing. Dahlias were very late. And, in many cases with fewer blooms.

Next year will be better! I’ve already started a list of tubers I want! I may try some seeds too. In a gardener’s heart HOPE springs eternal.

THE POND

25+ years ago early one morning, a swift wind took down our beautiful Bradford Pear that was in full bloom – a familiar story. (Reason #1014 why you shouldn’t grow them.) When the tree came down I was working right beside it! The Bradford Pear not only scared me to death, it fell in to a Tulip Poplar tree creating all kinds of damage. When the trees were removed and we were left with a bit of a “hole” in front of the Potting Shed, Mr. G decided he would fulfill his dream of having a small pond. We have enjoyed the pond through the years. EnjoyED is the operative word ending – past tense. Three years ago it started having issues – leaking & excessive algae. The enjoyment dimmed. Then, we started noticing fountains everywhere we go. This year the fountain idea took root. A few weeks ago the pond was removed and now we have a perfect place for a smaller water feature. We are on the lookout. We thought there was a possibility we would have regrets but neither of us do. So much to look forward to. Yes, to everything there is a season.

CHALLENGES

This year there have certainly been garden challenges. With so little rain, I am truly concerned for some of our large trees and shrubs. It pales in comparison to what some of our friends in the south are dealing with. One thing I know, regardless of the scary state of our world and things happening around us … Our God still reigns. I have read that 365 times the phrase FEAR NOT appears in the Bible. How perfect — one for each day. He’s got us!

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Until next time, enjoy this beautiful season in your garden.

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: SOFT FALL

Link | September 13, 2024February 26, 2026 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

It’s that time again.🍂 .🍂 .🍂 If you have been following for a while you know that Fall is not my favorite. (Spring 💐) Getting closer to the long, dark, cold winter does take a bit of getting used too. Mr. G loves all things fall so his euphoria is rubbing off. He even has me totally excited for snow days!

For many of my gardening years I lived in a sea of variations of pink, white, purple and the palest yellow! I tried many reds, yellows & oranges but they didn’t last very long.

PEACHY THINGS

Peach was my gateway color — when I planted my first Mother of Pearl Rose. Mother of Pearl can go from pink to peach. In my garden she is more peach. So, I now have 9 of them. Then in 2019 I found a “sport” on a Petite Pink rose that became Petite Peach! What a wonderful ride that has been!

ADDING MORE FALL

For the last few years I have been on a journey to add more fall into my life in the form of fall colored blooms. I have been successful with having dahlias that blend summer and fall and now I’m moving to Rudbeckias. A bad experience with a rudbeckia pass-along plant given to me 25+ years ago has me very skittish. Regardless of my efforts, that plant keeps popping up and trying to take over!

Have you seen all the rudbeckias out now. There are some beauties out there! Many are annuals in my zone and maybe that’s for the best! 😉 I started the Sahara blend using the winter sowing method and they are just now beginning to bloom. They are gorgeous but I believe I have them planted where they aren’t getting enough sun – so they are blooming later than expected. (They were planted safely tucked out of main sight in case they proved to be too garish!😄) I love them. Next year I will bring them out into the light of day!

While researching rudbeckias on You Tube I came across the Hello Garden account and a particular video on rudbeckias. While Kate was showing some of the beautiful rudbeckias she was planting she used the terms SOFT FALL and GENTLE FALL and talked about easing into the fall with your color palette. PERFECT. I keep thinking of those words and have decided it is my new fall mantra! I want Soft Fall colors in my garden and I want a soft, gentle fall attitude.

Thank you Kate for a new perspective and all the great garden information on the Hello Garden site. You can link to Hello Garden here. She’s also on IG here.

MORE TO COME

I know my journey into fall colors is not over. My friend Dee of RedDirtRamblings has me getting very excited about Marigolds. Marigolds! I have never been excited about marigolds before. Well except when I heard the story about how roses became the national floral emblem and the fact that marigolds were a part of that story. Read here.

Back to marigolds… Dee’s right, there are some super pretty ones out there. Mercy, is there no end! Of course there isn’t! 🎉🎉 While the oranges and reds will probably never work their way into the main borders & beds around here, I can find places where they can work their particular kind of magic!

Do you have a favorite rudbeckia or marigold I need to know about???

Other plants in my garden that are giving me a SOFT, GENTLE FALL vibe …

Hydrangeas as they fade to deeper rose and rust colors

Dahlias … so many beautiful colors of dahlias that go from summer to fall beautifully.

Winterthur Viburnum berries

Grasses

And Zinnias!

ON THE OTHER HAND

Three weeks ago I had hand surgery (right hand 😏) that has certainly curtailed any “real” gardening. On the other hand, it has not even slowed down my planning for next year, my seed, dahlia tuber, and plant research or endless list making! And, I’m finding out how important that little microphone by the text box on my iPhone truly is! Voice to text! A winner – if you proof read!! 😳

Since I couldn’t be out among the flowers as much, I filled my window with vases of cut blooms. We loved it so much that I continue to refill the vases!

This project has certainly given me the opportunity to observe how each of these perform in a vase! Something I have been wanting to do! So far big winners are Plum Perfect, Petite Peach, Quietness and Bolero.

Here is Bolero proving what a winner she is. I do love this rose. So glad I added two of them this year. So fragrant too.

Hand is healing very well, big bandage is long gone and now I just have to protect and do the hand exercises. No “real” gardening for a few more weeks. I’ll ease back in!

ROSE CHAT PODCAST

This week on the podcast I chatted with Gaye Hammond about US Rose Trials. Boy did she bring some interesting facts and behind the scene stories!

U.S. ROSE TRIALS PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE
Gaye Hammond, Master Rosarian

Gaye has been an integral part of several U.S. Rose Trials and has much to share with us regarding rose trials of the past, the present, and will take a peek into the future. Gaye will guide us into how they are conducted and the valuable role they play in bringing beautiful and healthy roses to our gardens. Get ready to learn and laugh as Gaye educates and entertains us!

You can LISTEN HERE.

UNTIL NEXT TIME…

Yes, fall is coming fast and aren’t we fortunate that God’s creation gives us much beauty in every season. Let’s take our time and enjoy it slowly.

🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂

BLOOM THYME FRIDAY: THE FRAGRANCE FACTOR

Link | August 2, 2024February 26, 2026 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Michael Marriott said in his beautiful book simply titled ROSES… A deliciously fragrant rose has the wonderful ability to both calm us down and raise our spirits. (Book info here.)

Roses are beloved and have stood the test of time for many reasons but there’s one reason that stands out among the rest – her fragrance. Seems everyone knows what to do when you hand them a rose – put the rose to their nose! I always hope they find at least a bit of fragrance to enjoy. But sometimes their beauty gets to shine on it’s own and it can!

One of my earliest memories is a fragrance in my great grandmothers hedgerow. I didn’t identify that fragrant memory until I started growing Rugosa roses. Her hedge was thick with many things but I’m quite sure there were Rugosas or a similar rose in the mix!

Roseraie de l’Hay in my garden.
Oh the fragrance!

TYPES OF ROSE FRAGRANCE

The are many variations of rose fragrance. I’ve always thought I was a basic Old Rose fragrance lover but I’m finding I really like those with the more fruity notes – like in the case of Eustacia Vye! She is considered “strong fruity.” Michael Marriott, one of the world’s leading rose experts – especially when it comes to rose fragrance has a wonderful article that breaks down the different rose fragrances. Read here.

FALLING IN LOVE WITH ROSES

It’s easy to fall in love with roses. I fall in love with roses for many reasons … sometimes it’s her story. Many roses have fascinating stories/legends surrounding them. And then there’s her beauty – few can resist. I also look for health, bloomability and vase life. I so appreciate a healthy power bloomer in the garden!

CURRENT QUEST…

The past couple of years I have been on a quest to specifically add roses with scent to my garden. And each year I find there are more and more options!! I am so grateful for the hard work of all our hybridizers. They are bringing healthy, power bloomers with fragrance our way! 🎉 Breeding a fragrant rose is a tricky process so it’s indeed time to celebrate when all the attributes of our beloved flower are together in one beautiful package! 🎉

FACEBOOK GROUP WEIGHS IN

I asked members of the Rose Chat Facebook group to list their most fragrant roses. Here are some of the top responses…

Double Delight
Fragrant Cloud
Quietness
Gertrude Jekyll
Beverly
Savannah
Summer Romance
Bolero
Pope John Paul II
Perfume Delight
Hansa
Scentuous
Rose de Rescht

THE MOST FRAGRANT ROSES IN MY GARDEN

Savannah (Kordes/Star)
Eustacia Vye (DA)
Quietness (Dr. Buck)
Scentuous (Tantau/Certified)
Reminiscent Pink (PW)
Bliss Parfuma (PW)
Apricot Flavorette (PW)
Gabriel Oak (DA)
Lady of Shallot (DA)
Bathsheba (DA/Climber)
Vanessa Bell (DA)
Moonlight Romantica
Sweet Fragrance (Easy Elegance/Ping Lim)
Music Box (Easy Elegance/PingLim)
Crown Princess Margareta (DA)
RUGOSAS:
- Roseraie De’l Hay
- Hansa
- Therese Bugnet
OLD GARDEN ROSES:
- Kazanlik (Damask)
- Ispahan (Damask)
- Madam Hardy (Damask)
- Celsiana (Damask)

NEW ROSES I ADDED THIS YEAR FOR FRAGRANCE

Kiss Me Kate (Climber)
Bolero
Chantilly Cream
Top Cream
Cream Veranda
Sweet Mademoiselle

All have proven to be quite fragrant and to be good growers! I’m very, very pleased!

If there is a standout in this group for the moment, it is Chantilly Cream (Link). The fragrance is outstanding and it is a blooming machine in it’s first year! I’ve also noticed she lasts and lasts in a vase! Well done Christian Bedard of Weeks Roses on this one!

SOURCES FOR BUYING ROSES

High Country Roses and Heirloom Roses are good sources for many of these roses and they ship most of the year. Here is a blog post I wrote that lists other sources….

Where to buy roses…

ROSE CHAT PODCASTS ON FRAGRANCE

FRAGRANT ROSES with Matt Douglas: High Country Roses

LISTEN HERE

THE FRAGRANCE OF ROSES With Rebecca Koraytem: David Austin Roses

LISTEN HERE

ON THE ROAD

The last month has taken me far far from my garden to spend some glorious time with family and friends.

In my absence I had a wonderful team who took great care to see the garden was well watered. I have the best friends!! It helped that we had one of the wettest Julys on record – so that they weren’t tooooo overworked!!

England was cold and rainy for most of our trip. The cool spring contributed to roses blooming later than normal. YAY for me. I was able to enjoy the end of the first bloom cycle while I was there. However, there was a flower that was sharing in the seasonal glory though … the Hollyhocks. Oh my. I love them too!