Hi folks, Stan the Rose Man here. I promised you more about roses - The World of Roses - Part II, and their beauty. So this time I bring you a few of my favorites from my rose gardens here in my native State of Colorado. As I walk around my rose beds there are some roses that just have an air of happiness to them and to their appearance.
It is nearly impossible to look at them and not smile plus have the feeling of joy in your heart and soul. This is just one of the reasons I call the beautiful blooms on roses their “Bloom Smiles”. The blooms on all blooming plants and shrubs are truly displaying their signature smiles. Letting one know that even in the darkest of moments, there is an assurance that Love will win in the grand scheme of things.
One such rose is named after a famous cartoon character named Betty Boop. The Betty Boop Rose – pictured above right, is so full of spunk, spirit and colorful joy. It is very hard to look at her bloom smiles and not get an urge to smile in appreciation.
Some roses are named after famous actors/actresses, singers, presidents, popes, authors or just famous folks down through time. Others are named after expressions of beauty both felt and seen. The photography I share with you for this and other articles are all just a small example of such roses.
Having roses in ones’ own garden or rose beds adds something special to a morning walk amongst them. Seeing them and their array of beautiful colors is a joy to your sense of sight. However, I can tell you in full truth that there is much to be said about the age old line, “Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.”
The fragrances vary to be sure, but each one is a delight that touches both the brain and the soul at the same moment. Even the rose blooms that do not have much or any noticeable scent have something truly special about them. Much like that of a pretty lady who has lassoed your heart, but plays the hard to get role. You can observe the beauty, but not so fast mister! Her love, grace and elegance demand that we work harder to prove our worthiness to obtain them.
The rose bloom is one that is popular to give as a gift of an expression straight from our hearts. These tokens of affection have won over many of hearts.
My dear mother who has recently passed and gone home to heaven gave me not only the gift of loving roses, but also the gift of a place to gain much needed stress relief in a tough world to be in. Abraham Lincoln had it right when he said, “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”
The rose named Mister Lincoln was my dear Mothers’ favorite rose. His big beautiful deep red blooms and fragrance that can fill a room made him an easy choice for her. In each of those blooms there was an expression of love much akin to the one she always held dear to her heart and for her family.
Even if you have no gardens or room for a garden of your own, seek out public gardens wherever you live. I know you will be glad for having done so. Until next time when I share some more of my ‘Bloom Smiles’ with you, go forth in grace and take the high road as much as you can.
Here are a few more fabulous photographs from ‘Stan the Rose Man’s’ extensive collection.
By Stan V. Griep
American Rose Society Certified Master Consulting Rosarian
Colorado, USA, Native Rosarian
Member; American Rose Society, Denver Rose Society & Loveland Rose Society
Award Winning Floral Photographer & Freelance Gardening Writer
Webmaster: The Colorado Rosarian Website
Author: Stan Griep
Photography & Copyrights Provided: Stan Griep
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Article Layout: Anthony Scopel
Technical Mastering & Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: YMATD
‘This article is dedicated to Stan’s mother ‘Birdie’ who is the sole reason why Stan became a top-notch Rosarian’