Mm, that wasn't a very good choice of song, was it ?
This is the first of my David Austin Roses to bloom this year. I bought it over fifteen years ago, along with Graham Thomas and William Shakespeare. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of this particular variety. It's really had a bit of a rough time. Shortly after it was planted, the nearby Ceanothus grew above it, and it has spent most of its life in the shade. The Ceanothus was removed last year, and the rose started to thrive. Strange that. So this year it has been treated to food for the first time ever, and a mulch. Seems to like it.
The photo was taken a few days ago before the wind and rain, or should I say gales and deluge. This particular bloom is now spread around the lawn, but there are plenty of buds to follow. Weather permitting, of course.
Thought you might like to see this. In the centre of the photo is a young blue tit. Now I'm not saying it's Orville. In fact, after watching Springwatch on TV, I realise that it's highly unlikely that he survived. But I do know that it is one of his siblings. And how do I know that, you may ask. Well, one of Orville's parents had very distinct markings, and today I saw it feeding this little one. And there were a few others twittering in the tree. Yes, they are already on Twitter. They'll have their own Facebook page soon, no doubt.
I also had a visit from a squirrel today. I'm thinking of calling him Harry, as in Houdini. He managed to open not one, but two squirrel-proof feeders twice today. Mind you, the blue tits didn't complain. When he'd gone, they sat on top of the seed, and had a banquet. No wonder the youngsters now look bigger than their parents.
And finally, a big thank you to Mary at Muse, who has nominated me for The Sunshine Blog Award. I am truly honoured. Apparently, I have to answer some questions, so thinking cap on, and I'll answer them in my next post.
It certainly is a funny old year weather wise. Before we went on hols everything was just on the verge of opening - we got back and it is all just the same - well almost, some plants are flattened - but the poppies that I thought I would miss flowering still haven't opened - perhaps we'll be able to post at Christmas saying finally everything is flowering.
ReplyDeleteMy plants are all in bud too, very reluctant to open. It's as if they know something, more rain perhaps.
DeleteYour photo's and story are interesting and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant ROSE !!!
Thank you, Lucja
DeleteOoh another gorgeous bloom! I never had much luck with roses and don't grow them at all now but I do like them. My Mother used to grow some beauties and when I was little I used to love making rose petal scent, at least I thought that was what I was doing ;-)
ReplyDeleteWell done in spotting Orville or one of his siblings, some clever working out there!
Rose petal scent ! You could have given Chanel a run for their money with that.
DeleteBeautiful rose......I grow climbers and ramblers, when you have rabbits choices are very limited. Sometimes this garden is like the film set for Watership Down
ReplyDeleteLovely to see your little Blue Tit. I can hear the juveniles twittering in the oaks at the back of the garden.....
When I used to go to work on the tram, it used to pass a strip of wasteland surrounded by fast roads and the tram tracks. The land was full of rabbits, but I haven't seen them there recently.
DeleteThat's a mighty gorgeous rose and those bluetits owe you a BIG thank you for keeping them well fed! (and the pesky squirrel!!) xx
ReplyDeleteThat squirrel is getting very annoying. I found it with its head right inside the bird feeder this morning.
DeleteOnly just discovered your blog and would say you well deserve the award. Great style and some wonderful images. Despite the downpours, the roses know its's summer
ReplyDeleteHi there, thanks for visiting. The roses are threatening to open more flowers at the moment.
DeleteThat is a beautiful rose. I like how gardens look after a nice soaking, not after wind and driving rain. I hope you get some more blooms this summer.
ReplyDeleteAll the roses with are in bud, ready to open, but the forecast is for more rain.
DeleteDobrze, że brzydka pogoda nie zaszkodziła Twojej pięknej róży. Pozdrawiam.
ReplyDeleteWell, that bad weather will not harm your beautiful rose. Yours.
Must admit, the plants themselves do like the rain.
DeleteYour Rose will be so happy to have found the light of day again, well especially when Summer returns. I like the David Austin English Roses which unfortunately are not fond of the cool Aberdeen Summers, just as well a lot of others find it ok.
ReplyDeleteI think summer has gone on its holidays this month, not due to return in the near future either.
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