In the cool of the early morning I wandered down The Rose Walk and found that Dart's Dash has put out its first blossom. Rugosas are the first roses to bloom in my garden, but this is especially early. I've been watering which the roses love and temperatures in the 80s and today in the 90s have persuaded the roses that summer might almost be here. Dart's Dash is a low growing rugosa, but has the rugosa's vigor…
Passionate Nymph's Thigh has been delighting gardeners, and possibly lovers, ever since the 15th century. Possibly longer. The color made the French think of a passionate nymph's thigh and called it Cuisse de Nymphe, but the English found that excessive and vulgar. Maiden's Blush was their reading. This is a perfect alba rose, blushing pink, a delicious perfume and slightly blue grey leaves. She has amazing vigor and stamina, having survived under the roof line of our New England…
Applejack was one of Dr. Griffith Buck's first successes at hybridizing hardy roses at Iowa State University. By the time he retired at 70 in 1986 he had created about 90 hybrids, many of which are still available. I planted my Applejack in 1981. Other Buck hybrids I planted did die, but I think it was probably improper planting on my part. Last year I planted Carefree Beauty and it has just bloomed. At first I…