What an incredible spring this has been! Good, that I have been quite busy in the stores…bad, that I have spent so little time in my own garden. We have had lots of rain and cooler temperatures. Some plants look like they are on steroids. Others have bloomed like they never have before. A couple of weeks ago, the garden was a riot of color. It has quieted down for a bit as warmer weather plants get ready to put on their own show.

My favorite orange rose, as you may know, has had an interesting history. First of all, I have no idea what it is (if someone can tell me, I would be so happy). I planted it about five or six years ago. Two years ago, it had reached eight feet in height. The thorns are formidable, but it makes a great cut rose that lasts for days. It is a favorite of my husband - he loves to cut flowers from our garden and place them by the kitchen sink. Disaster (in the form of beavers) struck. The rose bush was cut down overnight to about two feet in height. It has never looked as good as it did this year. Neighbors across the lake were even impressed and I had lots of flowers in the kitchen.