Sunday, June 10, 2012

A rose by any other name...

Finally, after seven years the rose my mom gave me bloomed.  I find it very fitting that it bloomed this year.  It is my parent's Fortieth Anniversary.  I love plants with history and this rose has a story.   I believe it is a Harrison's Yellow or the "yellow rose of Texas."  I prefer to call it the prairie rose since you see it by every old prairie homestead.   As Shakespeare said in Romeo & Juliet, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
My Grandmother is a wonderful historian and she sent me the story of how she obtained the yellow rose.  "We (She and her sister, Clara) both went over to the John Gerlt place where Alvin Millard now lives. The yellow rose bush grew by the old house that stood on the creek. I have fond memories of John and Marian Gerlt who lived just over the hill from our place on the creek, and so does Clara. We went over one day with a spade and each got a few shoots from it. The last I heard it was still blooming in the yard where our old house still stands. I don't think it lasted on the Millard place, though and I don't know if there is one where Clara and Bub lived either."
When Mom married Dad, she took a slip from Grandma's plant to put in their front yard.  It must have loved their sandy soil because it became a beautiful thick hedge.   I remember creating a path to a small area in the middle that I could sit and play.  I must have been very little.  It only bloomed once a year, but oh the fragrance.  I also remember us taking photos in front of it while it was blooming profusely with my Grandma Gregg when she graduated from college. 
After Kelly and I built our cabin, mom waited until my gardens were settled and gave me a slip.  I was so excited, but not very informed.  I planted it in a very shady spot.  It came up every year and never got any bigger.   I finally broke down and moved it to the sunny corner of the rose bed.  Still, it needed time to readjust.   It got much bigger, but never bloomed.  Until this year.  This year it is loaded.   I can say it was worth the wait. 

YourSundayBest

15 comments:

  1. What a beautiful story and such a pretty yellow rose . Thanks for sharing and I am glsd it has bloomed for you ! Have a wonderful day !

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  2. I love having flowers (and other things) that have stories! It's a beautiful rose! I have some Lily of the Valley that came from my Great Grandma...to my Grandma...to my Aunt in Colorado...back to my Mom here in PA, and now to me. Hopefully someday my kids will want it too!

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  3. I love a garden that's grows from memories! This yellow rose is one I'd love to do in paper. XOXO

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  4. The yellow roses in front of the folks' house are still blooming, but it appears they are gradually dying out. The whole corner would be almost solid yellow with flowers. Bob and I took mom there on Mother's Day and I think she was saddened to see them like they were.

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  5. I think the rose is just exquisite and I love the story that goes with it--It makes the flowers even more beautiful!

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  6. That is an amazing rose! Very beautiful.

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  7. Yes it was truly worth the wait it is stunning. I love the history of this little beauty. You are a very lucky girl. Happy Fortieth to your parents. Timing is everything.:) B

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  8. What a fun story.I would love to smell these unique blossoms.

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  9. Oh it is just so beautiful and what an awesome color!!

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  10. It's a gorgeous color -- location is so important with any plant.

    Thank you so much for sharing at Your Sunday Best this week. xoxo

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  11. My gosh what a lovely rose and what a wonderful history to go with it. I am enamored with this rose, wish I had some from my Grandma.

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  12. I got one then two when Tyler and I married. Mine was mowed over, I'm sure hit by cows, husband, and inlaws. In that order:| I will have to get a new one next time I'm home to plant on our new place!!!!!!

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  13. I'm glad you shared your story because mine just bloomed after my third year in this house, and I had no idea what it was, but now I do because of you!

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  14. There is a yellow "rambling rose" (as I call it) here on this ranch. It's been here forever at my FIL's home. I intend to transplant a hunk of it this fall. Too bad it only blooms once a year.

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  15. I finally got around to reading this post that you so kindly shared with me in a comment. This is a beautiful GARDEN MEMORY! Thank you... I've added it to my file.. :)

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