" At Christmas I no more desire a rose
Than wish a snow in May’s new-fangled shows,
But like of each thing that in season grows"
Although I agree with William Shakespeare's sentiment I felt obliged to rescue this bloom before winter could cruelly nip it in the bud. Just a solitary bloom from me this Monday - a stem of the David Austin rose 'Lady Of Shalott'. I picked the last remaining bud on Christmas Eve thinking that it would stand more likelihood of flowering in the warmth of the house. Here on the kitchen windowsill it has indeed opened and escaped two heavy frosts which might have well been enough to do it fatal injury. It's a rose that was given to me as a birthday present and which has slowly grown on me. Apologies for the poor quality of the photo but it has been a lights on all day scenario today.
Thanks to Cathy over at 'Rambling In The Garden' as always for her gracious hosting. Now that the pre-seasonal Christmas rush is over there has been time to get out and spend a bit of time in the garden. One or two tasks have been accomplished including bringing some of my potted snowdrops under cover. A last minute decision. Indoors I'm mid-way through sorting the seed box out which is always a most enjoyable task. The next few days are promising to be bitterly cold with possibly the first snow of the winter so there will no doubt be time to finish that task and then to order any seeds needed to fill the gaps. I've also got a new gardening book to read - hopefully more on that soon. I hope that you find some gardening enjoyment in your week whatever you're up to.
Lady of Shallot is such a pretty colour, Anna, such a soft apricot. I acquired her just in April and she is not really established yet, but hopefully next year she will do better. I am amazed you had such a perfect rose in December, even if you did have to pick her and bring her inside. I have pruned all my shrub roses today so there is definitely no chance of any more roses till next season! Good luck with your hyacinth whch I really hope does flower for you. I peeked at mine (potted) in their dark cupboard yesterday, and they are nowhere near ready to be brought into the light. Well done for your last minute bringing-in of snowdrops! And for preparing to sort your seeds!
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