“Here ya go, Hon,” she said as she offered it to me. It was a branch. But not just any branch: a clipping from her rosebush.
Terry and her husband take great pride in their yard - and it shows. Other neighbours walk by and compliment her on it: “It’s the nicest garden on the street,” they’ll tell her. The thought has actually occurred to me to nominate her for a “Communities in Bloom” award. The excess of white statues and ironworks isn’t fully my style; nevertheless, her gardens are beautiful, particularly in rose season.
For those who know me and/or have driven by the house, you will know that I am no green thumb. So when she offered me a clipping from her rosebush, I was somewhat taken aback, with feelings between mild panic and unworthiness.
“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “What do I do with it?”
“Easy as pie,” she replied. “Just choose a place where you would like it to grow, and dig a little hole and fill it with soil to this point right here.” She showed me a mark that seemed to be where the dirt had ended in its previous garden home. “It’s the easiest rose you can take care of,” she continued.
I was still hesitant, but figured a free rosebush is at least worth a shot. Going to the backyard, I chose a spot near another rosebush, in dark, rich soil. I dug a hole, loaded the soil firmly and carefully back in, and hoped that it really was as easy as that.
Here is my rosebush:
I may have missed a step.
5 comments:
I feel your pain, as one who has killed plants by zealously and faithfully over-watering them. I should know a lot more about gardening then I do, and this morning I forgot to water the front and back gardens. I don't know much about transplanting roses, but to me it would make more sense to grow a small cutting first indoors in a moist warm covered environment and then when it was stronger move it out into the garden.
At least you planted it in the back yard where your neighbour can't see it!
My plants did much better once my children grew up. In fact, I don't remember having much of a flower garden until then.
It's far better that you remember to regularly feed and water young G. than overlook him in your pursuit of plant happiness.
- MomNettie (Anonymous because I keep forgetting my Google account identity/password...)
Ok, Bec, I've been reading your blog a long time and have never commented yet - but this post made me LAUGH out LOUD. Mostly because my thumb is probably less green than yours.
I hope you and your family are doing well!
Karmyn
Oh dear... I've also been the recipient of a number of garden gifts from our generous neighbours, and so far I've killed three hostas, a fern, and a bleeding heart...
Don't sweat it deary Youve come by it honestly. At least It was in the back yard and who knows miracles do happen on occasion :Dad
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