A man walking to the lake today stopped as I was taking these pictures. He asked, “How do you pick a favourite?” then he continued, "I guess one can’t.”
Garlic, mingled with the roses, keeps the aphids off. This is the second year I have planted my herb garden at the edge of the rose garden. Next year I may intermingle the herbs with the roses as I have the garlic. There is something about herbs that is repellant to most insect pests. Bees however, love rosemary, thyme, and mint. In the past, beekeepers would rub a handful of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) inside the hive after hiving a new swarm, in order to help the swarm settle and to encourage them not to leave the hive. Rubbing hands with the leaves is also claimed to help prevent bee stings.
Passersby stop to admire the roses, and many are effusive in their appreciation. With that sharing of my roses by the roadside, my delight in my beauties is most certainly is doubled.
Double Delight
Honey Dijon
Stainless Steel
Cinco de Mayo
Scentsational
Queen Elizabeth
The Garden by the side of the road
