Visiting the Roses

 

As the light fades a band of pale yellow streaked with dark wispy clouds stretches across the horizon. The trees in my neighbour's garden are black silhouettes. It's 9:45 and the longest day of the year is soon approaching. Earlier in the evening, I go out to visit my roses and compliment them on their beauty. My neighbours would think me daft to be talking to them, but oh, how beautiful they are just now. Gertrude Jekyll above bloomed early this year. 

In early spring I prune my roses, taking down their height to 1/2 or 1/3. This year, my Secret rose, above, has shot up to about seven feet, and is full of blooms. I can't think why she decided to grow so very tall. She is very fragrant.

Last summer we transplanted Boscobel to another site where she, along with Falstaff, are much happier. Tim was in the front garden when one of our new neighbours walked by and told him she stops there while walking her dog because she can smell the fragrance from the street. 

In the evening, indoors, slanting light creates strong shadows in the southwest facing rooms. I am a summer person, loving the long days filled with light and the warmth that coaxes plants to grow. 

Our daughter's major surgery went very well and she is already recovering at home. I took some meals over this afternoon and was surprised to see her sitting on the couch (feet up), with good colour and energy. Her recovery will be about six weeks, during which time she is not to lift anything "heavier than a dinner plate." I didn't think to ask if the dinner plate was full or empty. 

Tim's brother and his wife will be staying with us for a few days. I've planned the meals and will do a quick grocery shop tomorrow and some final tidying up. 

What does your weekend hold?