Garden parties are always something to look forward to. A quiet gathering of friends, an intimate meal or a good ole southern bash, whichever the case you will always find good treats and great entertainment!
I had the privilege of an invitation as a guest to a garden party this past weekend in which a homeowner was showcasing their new garden.
It was not a large party – possibly 20-30 guests, the setting was very warm and intimate. A gentleman and what appeared to be his two daughters sang beautifully as they impressed with their ease of lyrical semblance. The path leading from the parking to the patio left much to be imagined, as a beautifully crafted privacy wall concealed the patio and portions of the garden. Descending the staircase we are met with a hedgerow of rosemary held so tightly within a dbl row of lavender lighting the path to the back pond, what a delight for the senses. Enter the grand garden – breathtaking – time stopping – mesmerizing and surreal in the same token. Gentle waterfall cascades into the floor of the patio disappearing beneath with the ease of a summer day. Garden lights dance from the trees as the light through the tissue paper imitates fireflies on a warm southern night. Eyes are now resting on soft boxwood running throughout the garden holding every rose in perfect cadence with the world of wonder we have just found ourselves lost to. The roses danced in the laughter of the guests, nodded at every smile and blushed at the boundless respects.
It was a wonderland of their own making, an oasis within the chaos, a quiet place to call their own – they graciously opened their garden for us to embrace as well as enjoy for the evening. Host and hostess had planned the evening as a balled and each step brought us closer to the culmination of the party.
The roses were a splendor and each had been hand chosen by one of the other guest with whom I had the great enjoyment to meet. Peter Schneider is a Rose expert in Ohio. He and his wife are a joy to speak with and a wealth of information. Peter has written the book I have been waiting for my entire career in the green industry. With all of the varieties of roses on the market today – some old – some new – some we could do without – who knows what to choose any more. Most people cringe at the thought of caring for a rose – more in need than a newborn baby. I have news for you…. Peter has spent over 30 years whispering to the roses, he and his wife have grown hundreds; I would venture to say thousands. Peter’s book – Right Rose Right Place will make every Northeast Ohio gardener grow roses in confidence. 359 perfect choices with an extensive section on planting, pruning and continued maintenance. Many thanks to the host and hostess for offering the guests a signed copy – mine will be treasured and I will forever more choose my roses in confidence in thankfulness, and respect of Peters lifetime of commitment to learning the rose and all its ways. Many thanks to his wife as well whom I am sure gives Peter a run for his money.
To do List
- Cultivate Mulch
- Treat Azalea, Rhododendron and the like for Lace fly
- Deadhead Rhododendron
- Deadhead hibiscus as the blooms finish up
- Shear Knockout Roses if second flush has finished
- Deadhead Endless summer Hydrangea when needed
