Skip to main content

Featured

Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini

First rose of the year



This year, that honor goes to 'Madame Alfred Carriere', a sumptuous peachy pink noisette. This is a rose that I just can't live without. Our first major project in the garden was our pergola and this rose graced it beautifully. About five years ago, a terrible thing happened - rose rosette disease. Thankfully, we lost only a few roses but it was sad to see this monstrous beauty succumb.

The new one is planted over a smaller structure that covers the stairs leading to the basement. It can be seen outside the bedroom and bathroom windows. I expect her to really take off this year and start providing a blanket of blooms.

Comments

  1. Hi~~ I had to chuckle as I read your post. I do this too. This sort of crowning of the first rose to bloom each year.

    I used to have a huge AC. I loved the scent. Such a gorgeous rose but the plant was too big for my humble abode. Your photo is breathtaking.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great shot of that rose Phillip. I can't seem to get a good close up of mine because they're too high up! (I've thought of climbing out my bedroom window to get one.) Can't wait to see how your new one does.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I can see why you mourned her demise. It is a gorgeous rose. Hail to the Madame.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a lovely rose. One I haven't grown but read a lot about. I will have to consider it for next year.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I didn't realize MAC was ever peach-colored. Beautiful shot.

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a pretty one! It's such a pretty color. I can't wait to see roses in bloom here.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh my! THAT is stunning!

    Cameron

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beautiful picture! MAC is on my wishlist. I have about 2 more months to go before my roses bloom. I keep track too, last year Captain Samuel Holland was the first in my garden to bloom. Thanks for posting the picture!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Happy First Rose Day! What a luscious rose, too. Our First Rose Day won't be for another 6 or 8 weeks--at least. How I envy you. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  10. She is a beauty, Phillip. Sad to see when your roses go through tough times, but [sigh] it had to be so, I guess. Good to see they're back in your garden and good luck with her growing into a monstrous vine soon.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovely rose, I can't wait to see a photo of the whole bush in bloom.

    Jan
    Always Growing

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a beautiful color! I hadn't heard of rose rosette disease; we get mostly Japanese beetles.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've lost several roses to RRD for the last three years. Between RRD and the Japanese beetles I've given up roses and won't replace any I lose. Madame Alfred Carriere is a lovely one. I hope she does well for many years.
    Marnie

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh, she is so beautiful !, Phillip, thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  15. My dear dont forget to visit my blog. I love nature too.. Ask all of your friends. I really appreciate your support. Thanks.........

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a wonderful antidote to the ridiculous cold earlier in the week. I'm always amazed at how adaptable plants can be!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Phillip, I am sooo jealous! I know how exciting it is to have that first beautiful rose open every year.. something to celebrate for sure. I have a Purple Passion beside my front porch that is just beginning to show a little bud color. Hopefully, it will really start showing off in the next few days!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Phillip, she's a beauty, for sure! I kind of see a similarity between grieving for a lost pet and the illness and loss of your rose that this new one replaced. I know you will cherish this new beauty and I hope she really blooms and glows for you! I love roses...I don't know why I'm afraid to try one in my garden. If I look at yours enough, maybe I'll venture out and be brave:-) [I have carpet/knockout roses that are lovely and are so easy to grow!) Anyway, have a Wonderful Spring, dear Phillip:-)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Phillip...She is lovely! Your roses are always a treat and she is special....Have a good weekend. gail

    ReplyDelete
  20. I nearly bought this rose but after deliberation decided against. Well I live and learn. It's a beauty.

    Another rose I didn't buy, possibly 'cos I read some mildew scare story or such like was Veilchenblau. This was a rose you featured earlier and again left me wondering why I didn't go for it.

    Hay ho, I least I built a pergola. I like yours by the way.

    Rob

    ReplyDelete
  21. Phillip, I've seen this rose on Texas blogs and it looks much paler - do you think it bleaches out more quickly in our weather? I love the pale apricot but have no space for a 20-feet
    'Madame Alfred Carriere', even though she's a beauty!

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

    ReplyDelete
  22. Annie, the color is more intense during cooler weather. When I took that photo, we had several cool days.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts