The Mystery Rose

"I think [the garden] has been left alone so long, that it has grown all into a lovely tangle. I think the roses have climbed and climbed and climbed until they hang from the branches and walls and creep over the ground, almost like a strange gray mist. Some of them have died but many are alive and when the summer comes there will be curtains and fountains of roses. I think the ground is full of daffodils and snowdrops and lilies and iris working their way out of the dark. Now the spring has begun... perhaps... perhaps...."

The soft drone of her voice was making him stiller and stiller and she saw it and went on.

"Perhaps they are coming up through the grass. Perhaps there are clusters of purple crocuses and gold ones - even now. Perhaps the leaves are beginning to break out and uncurl and, perhaps, the gray is changing and a green gauze veil is creeping and creeping over everything. And the birds are coming to look at it because it is so safe and still. And, perhaps... perhaps... perhaps... " very softly and slowly indeed, "the robin has found a mate and is building a nest."

~ from 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett

I keep thinking that my garden looks like a secret garden. It's rather lovely and tumbling and tangled.... and full of weeds!! I rather think that I seriously need to get over that romantic notion.... and pronto!!!

But what really, really, REALLY keeps making me think of 'The Secret Garden', these days, is a line from the Francis Ford Coppola version of the movie, "there'll be so many roses in there, this summer.... you'll be sick of them."

They promised us when we bought this 'mystery rose', about fifteen years ago, that it was NOT a climber. I guess it volunteered! =) And, I guess it's not 'the mystery rose' anymore. It's name, for, at least ten years now, has been 'my birthday rose'! (Which will be in a week and a half. =)) It blooms and the fireflies come out - right when I celebrate my birthday - all at the same time. How happy is that?! =D

Here's a small bit of one of the monster branches (there are many!) I (quickly) counted 400 buds, yesterday!!!

umm....Wow! =D

xo