Rose Buzz: Tropical Lightning

Link | June 26, 2016June 26, 2016 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

One of the roses I was sent this year for testing was Tropical Lightning. I have two and put them in large (approx 10 gal) pots on my sunny deck.

They started growing strong right from the start. Today was bloom day and I was shocked to see how truly beautiful this unique bloom is. I wasn’t sure I would like a rose with a great deal of orange. You’ve seen my garden … there is a ton of pinkness out there. This color actually has a lot of pink in it!

I have to tell you that I actually gasped when I saw the blooms. (#rosenerd) It is so pretty!! I took a ton of pictures, so see what you think….

Weeks says this… “The tropical warmth comes in the form of rich sunset-like orange while the dazzling lightning is generated by bright cream stipes. The effect is accentuated by a layer of purple smoke creating a burnt orange combo, perfect for a stormy sky! If you are still in doubt that such colors exist, don’t wait to be struck by lightning to plant this amazing Climber! “

I agree!

More Details…

Class: Climber
Fragrance: Moderate / fruity
Flower Form: Double and formal
Flower Size: Medium (3-4″ diameter, in small clusters)
Petal Count: 20 – 30
Stem Length: Medium
Growth Habit Climbing and Spreading
Disease Resistance: Good

This rose was a limited release for this year and will be more readily available next year. This is one you just might want to add to your list for 2017.

I did see that Edmunds and Brecks had this rose earlier in the season. So, if you are still adding roses to your garden this season, give them a try.

Confession: Is there a time when you gasped when you saw a rose bloom?

Come on you can tell me!

#rosenerd

Bloom Thyme: A heart and a garden that is overflowing…

Link | June 23, 2016June 24, 2016 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Last night I left California on the red eye with red eyes and a full heart…

A heart so full of gratitude for the 3 weeks I had with my loves there.
A heavy heart that was so sad to leave them.
A heart so excited to see the ones I have missed. My family. My friends. My Garden. My home. My church. My work.
A heart filled with gratitude for all the blessings God has given to me.

Yes, a full heart filled with the good, the great and the sad. For those of you with family and friends far apart, I’m sure you know what I mean.

Bright and early this morning Mr. G was there to bring me home. The look on his face told me I was missed!

The garden had missed me too. It will be a few days before I will have it back in ship shape. All of the rain made the care while I was gone much easier but boy did everything grow and many things exceeded their allotted space. We call this stage the jungle stage! Yes, it will take a little while to get things trimmed up. We will be moving slow this weekend as the temps soar to low 90s with the humidity totally out of control.

The garden welcomed me with many blooms still yet to enjoy while I do the big task of deadheading the ones past their prime.

The rose in front is Dr. Zlesak’s Petit Pink from the OSO Happy Collection from Proven Winners. The white rose behind Petit Pink is Champagne Wishes from Ping Lim’s Easy Elegance Collection. Both are excellent in my garden.

Champagne Wishes from Ping Lim's Easy Elegance Collection. — Champagne Wishes from Ping Lim’s Easy Elegance Collection.

All My Loving ... A new rose from Weeks. Lovely HT with soft but nice fragrance. — All My Loving … A new rose from Weeks. Lovely HT with soft but nice fragrance. Read more here.

We have had 3 rainstorms and a bit of hail in the last week, so it is amazing that any of these blooms hung on! I think it was for my homecoming, don’t you?

These and several others were vased and delivered to the bank for those who helped me through a long distance banking issue.

I have some new visitors too…

Japanese Beetles.

So far I am only seeing a few. Seeing any is way more than I ever want to see. I’ll be dumping them into a bucket of soapy water (peppermint Dr. Bronners) for a sweet smelling demise. My friend, Jack Falker, had a lot to say about Japanese Beetles on his blog this week. You can read his thoughts here.

Here’s a simple recipe for the Dr. Bronner’s soapy magic: Add 2 T of Dr. Bronner’s soap to one gallon of water. Stir … don’t shake! Add to spray bottle. You can buy this soap on Amazon here!

Disgusting, right?

Aphids.

Yes, aphids are coming to munch on the new buds. Dr. Bronner’s soap solution in a spray bottle to the rescue for this critter too.

More new.

I now have blooms on some roses that Proven Winners sent me right before I left. They are doing great! Believe me, the video or pictures do not do them justice!

Take a look…

It is good to be home.

Garden work is a great balm for a heart that is filled with an abundance of love and joy and just a tinge of sadness.

Downton Abbey Rose Contest!

Link | February 7, 2016February 7, 2016 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Downton Abbey, everybody’s favorite British Serial Drama is in it’s 6^th and final season. This show has captured the attention of people around the world in a way that few, if any, shows have ever done!

I am having a very hard time accepting that this is the final season. Mercy, we’ve been through a lot together in these 6 seasons … marriages, war, feuds, funerals, hats, family dinners (some of them quite uncomfortable), kitchen talk and beautiful flowers. I can’t wait from one family dinner to the next to see what flowers will grace the table!

WEEKS ROSES BRINGS US A DOWNTON INSPIRED COLLECTION

When I first heard that Weeks Roses was to release a Downton Abbey series of roses, I thought that this couldn’t be more perfect. This show brought us aristocratic beauty, romance, elegance and sass–just perfect for roses!

Have you seen the roses in this collection? They are spectacular… a wonderful and very fitting collection.

ROSE CHAT WANTS TO HELP YOU WIN THE ENTIRE COLLECTION!

Rose Chat has teamed with Weeks roses to offer the entire Downton Abbey collection.

One lucky winner will receive four bare root roses shipped to you during your planting season: Pretty Lady Rose, Edith’s Darling, Anna’s Promise and Violet’s Pride.

Earn bonus entries when you LIKE our Facebook page or SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter.

Listen to our Podcast with Karen Kemp-Docksteader, sales and marketing manager, from Weeks Roses. Karen talks about the show and this wonderful collection of roses. RoseChatPodcast.com

CONTEST DETAILS HERE.

THE COLLECTION…

ANNA’S PROMISE
The first release was to honor Anna Bates, everyone’s favorite lady’s maid. This unique and complex colour combination is a fitting representation of the character Anna Bates. Read more about Anna’s rose here.

PRETTY LADY ROSE
This large English styled fragrant bloom was inspired by Lady Rose, niece and goddaughter of the Dowager Countess Violet. Read more about the rose here .

EDITH’S DARLING
This true old-fashioned soft apricot-gold gem of a flower is a fitting tribute Lady Edith and her beloved daughter, Marigold. Read more about this rose here.

VIOLET’S PRIDE
Last but certainly not least, is Violet’s Pride!

These aristocratic, resilient, sophisticated blooms were inspired by the iconic shades of Lady Violet’s lavender dresses. Read more about this rose here.

GOOD LUCK ON THE CONTEST!

Contest ends midnight on Saturday, Feb 13.

Downton-Abbey

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE?

All this talk about Downton Abbey has me wondering who your favorite character is.

I can tell you mine…

It’s JOHN BATES.

Quiet, cautious, strong, loyal, and that smile he gives to Anna–yes, my fav is Mr. Bates.

Bloom Thyme Friday: Getting Started

April 11, 2014April 11, 2014 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

This has been a week of temps in the 70s and some much needed garden clean up and planting bare root roses. But, before I could plant the new roses, I had to remove the roses that did not make it through our harsh winter. As you probably know, digging out these roses is a tough job. The roots were deep and wide. And, it’s sad to lose them. But, I said my fond farewells and am moving on.

Hope springs eternal for gardeners and I am ready to get the new roses started.

New to my garden this year are 3 lovely roses to test from Week’s Roses ….

Just like her namesake ... sunny and charming. — Just like her namesake … sunny and charming.

Doris Day / Floribunda
Disease Resistant
Old Rose Form
Scent is fruity/spicy
Parentage: Julie Newmar x Julia Child

06607 — I can just hear him singing, “Cracklin Rosey…”

Neil Diamond / Hybrid Tea
Classic Rose Fragrance
Zones: 4 – 10
Size: 4.5 – 5

Take It Easy / Shrub
Parentage: Teeny Bopper x Double Knock Out
Slight tea fragrance
Size: Medium Height

: And, the Queen is….

I also planted three of the Tom Carruth beauties … Moonstone. All year long I have heard …. And, the Queen of the Rose Show is … Moonstone. It is an amazing rose and one that many of my local rose friends are growing, so I feel it will do pretty well in my garden. Fingers crossed. 🙂

I have some David Austins coming but we’ll talk about those next week.

In other exciting news….

I received an invitation this week that set my heart all flutter. I have been invited to serve as a juror at the 2014 Biltmore International Rose Trial Competition! Look at the stunning invitation…

I can’t wait!

How about you — are you getting started in the garden this week or are you one of those southerners who is looking for that first bloom or a Cali rose gardener who is now cutting roses for vases!!

Happy Bloom Thyme Friday!

2014 Rose Introductions: Weeks Roses

October 31, 2013October 31, 2013 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

This week on the Rose Chat Radio podcast, the delightful Karen Kemp-Docksteader, sales and marketing manager for Weeks Roses, joined us to chat about some wonderful new rose introductions for 2014! Podcast link.

Coretta Scott King Grandiflora Rose
Named for the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, this rose is not only lovely but very disease resistant. Chris, (The Redneck Rosarian) had an early release of this rose and it has performed beautifully for him this entire summer!

Good as Gold Hybrid Tea
A very unusual gold color! Karen said it is stunning in the field and she can hardly pass by it without stopping. This rose is known as a blooming machine!

You’re the One Miniature Rose
Karen pointed out to us that “miniature” does not refer to the growth habit of this rose but rather the blooms are miniature. Isn’t it just so cute! Perfect rose show form!

Jump for Joy Floribunda
Like its parent, Julia Child, this rose is known for disease resistance and beautiful foliage. This is another blooming machine that will fit well into any landscape.

Happy Go Lucky Grandiflora
This beauty has the multi-petaled old rose form with a lovely tea fragrance. I find yellow roses hard to resist so this may quickly go on my wish list!

SNEAK PEAK…

Karen shared with us that it is confirmed there is to be a new line of Downton Abbey Roses. Starting with the first in the series, Anna’s Promise.

Look at this beauty…

We look forward to having Karen back to talk more about this new line of roses! 🙂

WEEK’S ROSES HARVEST…

Harvest at Weeks Roses begins next week, so follow along with the progress of their work in the fields of roses on their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/WeeksRosesCA

Now back to working on my wish list for 2014. How about you, what’s on your garden wish list?

Rose Parade: The Grande Dame

April 23, 2013April 23, 2013 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

The Grande Dame in my garden Summer 2012

The Grande Dame is a lovely and very fragrant hybrid tea.

Here’s what Weeks Roses has to say about this 2011 release…

Grande Dame… 

Everything old is new again … or is it the other way around?

Here’s a clean mean flowering machine whose big bountiful beauties reek with old rose romance, style & fragrance. Each lovely blossom invites you to bury your nose…to swoon from the perfume of the ‘old time’ roses of your dreams. A big vigorous ‘shrubby’ bush whose nodding clusters, abundant deep-green leaves & low-thorned cutting stems provide a perfect touch to a landscape or bouquet.

Height / Habit: Tall/Upright & bushy
Bloom / Size: Full, old-fashioned, in nodding clusters
Petal count: Over 30 broad petals
Parentage: Meredith x Wild Blue Yonder
Fragrance: Intense old rose
Hybridizer: Carruth – 2011
Comments: A modern antique for all climates.

Mixing old and new is what my garden is all about!

Here is the Grande Dame in my garden last summer. Stunning!

I now have 3 of these lovelies!

Bloom Thyme Friday: Something New … Something Borrowed Too

July 15, 2011April 4, 2014 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

So, you know about my purchase of Weeks Grand Dame … She inspired a whole new bed. We didn’t want to crowd her.

The project started with some double digging (hard work when you have clay soil). Then we moved to the “tiller” phase. Problem # 1, our tiller would not start. Neighbor kindly loaned us his “tiller.” Problem # 2, the neighbor’s tiller is tiny … not up to THIS task. Problem # 2 solved when a friend loaned us his large tiller … definitely up to the task! Thanks David!

Project 007 — Cute … very cute, but not up to this task!

Project 005 — This machine is ready for anything!

What did we “till” in to the Dame’s new home — 3.8 cubic ft of peat moss, 20 bags of top soil, 6 bags of compost and 2 bags of manure. A combination worthy of … “The Dame”!

The Grand Dame was planted with the bud union appropriately 2″ below ground level (Zone 5 precaution), watered in with the amazing Moo Poo and topped with fine mulch. She should be good to go. But we will keep an eye on her. Planting her in the heat of July was not the kindest thing to do. All she needs now is her very own name plate from Harlane!

BLOOM WATCH has officially started!

As grand as I know she will someday be, she sure looks lonely!

I have a feeling that my #gardenchat and #rosechat friends will have several recommendations for some suitable additions.

What rose(s) do you recommend as companions to The Dame in our new bed?

Bloom Thyme: Something Grande

July 8, 2011September 2, 2012 | Teresa / TheGardenDiary.com

Last Sunday, on one of the hottest days of the year, I decided I needed just one more rose to add to our collection this year. Not to be confused with the long list that I already have for roses I want to add NEXT year.

So, hubby and I (He gets extra points for this!) headed out to see what was left at a local garden center (Dammanns).

The roses were definitely “picked over,” but I found one … a beautiful one … a GRANDE one … Grande Dame. I am so excited to have this new addition to my garden and can’t wait to see some beautiful blooms.

Here’s what Weeks Roses has to say about this 2011 release…

Grande Dame
Everything old is new again … or is it the other way around? Here’s a clean mean flowering machine whose big bountiful beauties reek with old rose romance, style & fragrance. Each lovely blossom invites you to bury your nose…to swoon from the perfume of the ‘old time’ roses of your dreams. A big vigorous ‘shrubby’ bush whose nodding clusters, abundant deep-green leaves & low-thorned cutting stems provide a perfect touch to a landscape or bouquet.

Height / Habit: Tall/Upright & bushy

Bloom / Size: Full, old-fashioned, in nodding clusters

Petal count: Over 30 broad petals

Parentage:Meredith x Wild Blue Yonder

Fragrance: Intense old rose

Hybridizer: Carruth – 2011

Comments: A modern antique for all climates.

Mixing old and new is what my garden is all about!

_____________________________________________________________

An Update on The Dame

If you remember, she looked pitiful when I bought her and she was planted in the worst possible conditions … hot hot hot and dry dry dry. Having so many days that exceeded 90 were beginning to get to her … and to me. We gave her lots of lovin’ care and extra Moo Poo tea.

I had decided that I probably wouldn’t see bloom until next year. But, today The Dame presented me with a surprise–her first, very fragrant bloom. Now that things have cooled down a bit, she is showing her stuff…

I guess that is just like life. Sometimes our surroundings are not ideal, but it is best to bloom where we are planted and be thankful along the way especially for unexpected surprises!

Are you getting any late season surprises?

The Garden Diary

Weeks Roses