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The Gardens of Mien Ruys - a book review

I don't know how I missed her, but I was totally unfamiliar with Mien Ruys. A beautiful new book The Gardens of Mien Ruys details her life and work. Born in the Netherlands in 1904, she was the daughter of Bonne Ruys, who founded Moerheim Nursery in 1888. She grew up in a liberal atmosphere and encouraged to learn and study. She found great comfort in the natural world around her and learned all the plants in her father's nursery at a young age. After leaving school at the age of 19, she knew that she wanted to work in the garden center. The Moerheim Nursery, in addition to selling plants, had an on-site design studio where they published a detailed catalog and sold landscape design plans to customers. It was in the design studio where Ruys first began to work and she was soon encouraged to venture beyond her country and study abroad. Her father's connections helped her secure a traineeship with Wallace & Sons Nursery in Tunbridge Wells in England. There, she met Gertr...
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Rose Inventory A-Z - The "A's"

So here goes with the rose inventory. I didn't realize how much work this was going to be. Of course, getting photos is the hard part. I'm sure I will miss some along the way but hopefully I can catch them in the end.

Roses A

Altissimo - This poor rose is squeezed into a tight spot - in between a Colorado Blue Spruce and a red maple tree along the front fence. It blooms every year and I really should consider moving it - where, I'm not sure. This is one of the deepest reds I've seen in roses. It is a climber although the canes are very stiff. They stand straight up in the air and I think they would be hard to work with.


Altissimo 
Aloha - I planted this rose a few years ago so it is one of the newer ones in the garden. It is classified as a climbing hybrid tea. The blooms are full, pink and very lovely. It is planted in one of the lower borders among other roses and perennials.


Aloha  
Close-up of Aloha bloom
Abraham Darby - One of David Austin's exquisite English roses. They are simply stunning but I've had mixed results growing them. They are prone to blackspot and are not as carefree as the older roses. I've learned that some Austin roses do very well in our hot and humid climate and others simply sit and mope. 'Abraham Darby' is kind of in the middle. It is a strong grower and needs a support to grow on.


Abraham Darby



Alba Meidiland - We planted these roses on the bank in front of our house the first year we moved in (1992). We also have 'Scarlet Meidiland' which is just as good. I recommend the Meidiland roses highly. They are great shrub roses an do well as a hedge or covering banks. There was a Rose Rosette episode in the garden a few years ago and a few of these were affected. I managed to destroy the infected ones and the rest are fine. 'Alba' easily makes more plants when the long canes fall on the ground.

Close-up of Alba Meidiland bloom
(the pink bloom in the bottom left corner is Climbing Fairy)
Alba Meidiland on the bank in front of the house
Another view of the Alba Meidiland roses, looking up the street

 Stay tuned for the B's!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Rosedale GardenMay 2, 2012 at 5:01 PM

    Make your map in an Excel spreadsheet map so you keep up with them. Very pretty, wish I had the patience for roses. Mary

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  2. JenMay 2, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    looking forward to the rest of your alphabetizing! You have the most amazing collection and I love the way you work them into your landscaping

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  3. Rose Petals NurseryMay 2, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    What a great post! I love this whole angle on posting your collection! I will stay tuned....

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  4. sherryocalaMay 2, 2012 at 8:13 PM

    Great idea! Sadly, my Aloha and White Meideland (not the same as Alba, I guess) never looked so beautiful. I'm going to enjoy your alphabet. Do you mind copycats?!!

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  5. JessMay 2, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    This is fun, I'm glad that you are taking the time, I can't wait to see the rest.

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  6. PhillipMay 2, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    Not at all Sherry - that would be fun!

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  7. AnonymousMay 3, 2012 at 5:19 AM

    You have the most amazing yard for being 'in the city'. Especially love your selection and growing areas for your roses. I can only imagine what your yard looks like, why not draw a picture of your yard and put it on your blog?
    Thank you for sharing all your wonderful ideas!

    Sable - AK

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  8. spurgeMay 3, 2012 at 10:47 AM

    Wow, and that's just "A"! Can't wait to see the rest of the alphabet... what an amazing collection of roses you must have. That Alba meidiland looks so lush.

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  9. Lisa at GreenbowMay 3, 2012 at 12:59 PM

    Amazing As.

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  10. The Redneck RosarianMay 4, 2012 at 6:09 AM

    Beautiful roses! Hope y'all are doing well. Come to the rose show May 12 & 13 in Bham at the Gardens...

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  11. Annie in AustinMay 4, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    The Rose Records may be work for you, Phillip, but they're going to be Awesome from our side!
    I left a pair of Alba Meidiland roses behind in the Illinois garden - now wish I'd cloned a piece & brought it along to see if it would live in Texas.
    I wonder how many people change their walking routes just so they can pass down your street!

    Annie at the Transplantable Rose

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  12. MashaMay 9, 2012 at 7:48 PM

    The rose hedge in front of your house is just breathtaking! I wish I had so much space to plant.... You have an amazing rose collection, I can't wait for the rest of the alphabet.

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  13. CarolMay 15, 2012 at 5:44 AM

    You must have folks driving by at 5 mph Phillip! Beautiful!!

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