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Take Time to Smell the Roses
By Lynn Kirkland-
Springtime is the time that old fashioned
roses put on their best display. Roses
remind us that when life is running at
a busy pace it is wise to take a moment
and stop and smell the roses.
Olde worlde roses have the best fragrance
in my opinion. They are the roses that
have traditionally been used to make rose
oil and rosewater which have been used
for their softening properties in skincare
for generations.
My particular favourite rose family is
the rugosas. The one in the photo is David
Thomson and is an early bloomer, as are
many rugosas.
Rugosa rose bushes have seasonal features
gives them interest in any season.
In winter their distinguishing feature
is the impressive thorns on their stems.
Spring comes along and the first of the
glossy veined leaves appear proclaiming
the health of these rose bushes.
Next the beautifully fragrant blooms in
shades of pink, crimson, red and white
appear contrasting with the deep green
leaves. The flowers appear on the bushes
from spring to the end of summer.
Rugosa Showtime continues with the formation
of the rosehips. These form after the
bees visit and fertilize the flowers.
Hips come in shapes varying from round
to oval and size varies from small to
the size of a small tomato. The glossy
red skin has a luminance to it which is
very eye-catching.
I regard rugosa roses as herbal roses
as both the roses and rosehips have great
benefits for us.
I encourage you to consider rugosas for
your home garden. They never need spraying
and hardly ever need pruning and give
enormous pleasure to those who take the
time to stop and smell the roses.
The
Herb Farm
Grove Road, RD10
Ashhurst
Manawatu
New Zealand
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