More Roses

Yesterday there was an enormous thunderstorm and then a truely epic downpour which has cleared the last of the heatwave away. We're now back to more typical Scottish weather i.e. overcast and cool with an occasional shower.

But fortunately I have managed to capture the spirit of warmth before it disappeared. This is our wall of roses, which is located along the side of our garden. On the outside of the fence is the path down to the old railway line, where I walk the dogs so you can enjoy the roses from both inside and outside the garden.
The roses are a mixture of two very vigorous ramblers. You really need a large garden to do these giants justice. The two are now almost totally intermingled and are also finding their way into the trees planted alongside them.

The one with the white flowers is called Rambling Rector and the pink one Paul's Himalyan Musk.

John has had to re-inforce the fence as it was in danger of collapsing under the weight of roses and he did a wonderful job. Helas, you can't actually see this when the roses are in flower, as they cover everything in their wake!

And here is another rose poem to read as you're watching the pictures:

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,

Old Time is still a-flying:

And this same flower that smiles today,

Tomorrow will be dying.

(Robert Herrick, 1591 - 1674)

Notice the date! I always love the idea that people have enjoyed roses for such a long time. They are one of the oldest flowers known to man and came to us via China, the Mughals and the Roman Empire and have been refined by the Dutch and the French (specially thanks to the empress Josephine).

Although I have not been gathering rosebuds, I'm preserving their memory in pictures!