The cool days of October caused my husband’s Sunset rose-bush to thrive in a late-season burst of spontaneous blooms. It is advantageously planted at the front porch entrance, regaling everyone who visits with a showy bouquet. The colors were especially spectacular, ranging from sunny yellow centers to peachy-rose tipped outer leaves. We marveled at the over thirty blossoms with more buds coming on. The display was like a kaleidoscope of sunny apricot to pink tones.
As October turned wet and frost was more frequent, the decision to prune and mulch the plant for winter became inevitable. Butch put it off as long as possible, dreading the moment of official termination. I reasoned we could ease the pain by enjoying the cut blooms inside. He called me when the job was done to come rescue the pruned flowers from a pile of thorny branches. When the firmest blooms were rescued, I filled two vases, feeling lavishly blessed. The heady scent of roses now fills the great room. With any luck, I may be able to dry some of the heads when they begin to wilt…preserving them into yet another dimension.
