Angel Face Rose

Angel Face Rose, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This is the first rose to bloom in my garden this Spring. In California, we cut our roses back in January and don't fertilize them for that month. They get a nice rest, and fertilizer in February. Our weather has been good "rose weather." The right amount of rain, sunshine, and cloudy days. All of my roses are about to explode! I'm sure more photos will come soon.

Meanwhile, I ripped out some old roses back in January, and replaced them with bareroot roses. The first time I saw Angel Face, I nearly fainted! This is my favorite rose... a) for it's beauty, and b) for it's fragrance. I planted 5 of these beauties!

I also found a "Sterling Silver Hybrid Tea." It was the last one in the store, and had gimpy roots. I talk to it everyday. It's having a hard time, but I keep sending it positive vibrations. If that one survives, you will definitely see it too!

Peace and Serenity

How do you meditate? I personally walk, garden, and spend time outside. I found this beautiful rose while walking along a peaceful horse trail.

I wish you a relaxing weekend, and a lucky Friday the 13th!

Take time to smell the roses

"You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in a spirit of love." ~ Henry Drummond

As the symbol of love and romance, the red rose is certainly a beautiful flower for the recent holiday. Roses say "I love you," along with hearts and boxes of chocolate. I hope you enjoyed your Valentine's weekend. Tomorrow is "President's Day." I'm so happy that we have holidays nearly every month. Life is more fun when it's being celebrated.

Simple Gifts

Simple Gifts, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This title was inspired by the music at today's historic inauguration.

The rose is layered with an oil texture, and was found in the Descanso Gardens, rose garden.

Here's the Inaugural performance of "Simple Gifts" on youtube, or you can click the title above and it will take you directly there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02Ao9jyq5Vk

Perfectly Imperfect

Perfectly Imperfect, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

“They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they'd make up their minds.” ~ Winston Churchill (Happy Birthday - November 30, 1874)

Out for a walk along the horse trail, I found my favorite rose, "Pierre de Ronsard," having a restful Thanksgiving.

God gave us memories so we might have roses in December. ~ J.M. Barrie

God gave us memories so we might have roses in December. ~ J.M. Barrie, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

My brandy hybrid tea rose is blooming again.



In January, I will trim all of my roses carefully, and leave them with no fertilizer for the month. This dormant spell lets them rest and prepare for spring.



I also plan to change out my less productive roses. I'm in the mood for showier roses this year. This rose will stay in my garden. I'll keep you updated on my rose choices.

Pink Roses

Rose with Texture, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Okay, I'll admit it. I can't stop taking photos of pretty pink roses. They are my all time favorite thing to photograph. I'm also in love with the color pink. I've been told that my signature color must be pink. If that's true, then the pink rose is my signature flower!



According to this article (linked to the title above) their primary meaning is appreciation, gratitude and love.
http://www.proflowers.com/flowerguide/rosemeanings/pinkrose-meanings.aspx



In the spirit of Thanksgiving, which is rapidly approaching, I do appreciate pink roses.



I am grateful for my the gift of sight...



And I do love pretty pink roses! I hope you do too, enjoy! Happy almost Thanksgiving!

Costco Roses

Nothing says romance quite like roses, and in today's economy, you can pinch pennies and please your sweetheart.

Costco has the most stunning rose bouquets, and they come in assorted sizes.

The Costco florist told me she loves her job, and it's a pleasure to spend her day with flowers. 

If you really want to impress your sweetheart, come home with one of their wonderfully chef prepared meals and a DVD. Romance is in the air.