A ROSE GROWER
S PETBy Bill George
For almost every year that I have grown roses there has always been at least one rose in each season, that would catch my eye. One rose that becomes something extra special. A rose that vies for my attention every time I am in the garden. I am mysteriously drawn to it and I marvel at its beauty, its fragrance or its delicacy. This year that coveted designation in my garden goes to Veterans Honor.
What a great red rose to be blessed with! It has a light fragrance that will tease the senses. When I ponder its color, red, does not adequately describe its magnificent blooms. It is crimson, with glorious hues that grab your eye no matter where you are standing on the property. The blooms appear with velvet petals that last longer than most other Hybrid Teas in the area. Blooms that are easily five inches across that seem to last forever on the plant.
All this and it appears to be fairly disease resistant as black spot has not reared its ugly appearance once near this queen. Im in my second season with this cultivar, so it has survived at least one Michigan winter out here in South Lyon, where the winters are a little harsher than the Detroit Metropolitan area.
Have you noticed that I have not had one apologetic comment about this rose? Perhaps its because, I have not found a thing to complain about when discussing Veteran s Honor. This year, if I had only one rose that I could grow, it would be this lady, however that is not the case.
Believe it or not, I do grow other roses and some of them have been quite spectacular in the garden this year. I planted Michelangelo in my front garden this year (usually a place of honor) and was quite pleased by the performance and it appearance with its glossy green leaves. I have Melody Parfumee growing between two evergreens and the tall plant is doing well with a fragrance that will knock your socks off. My wife, Sue, is always enamored with Opening Night. It is another red rose, with good plant size, wonderful color and nice foliage. Europeana just keeps blooming its fool head off. If you want lots of red at low level this might be the rose for you. World War Memorial is a tall plant with blooms best described as light mauve with "FRAGRANCE"!!!! New Zealand, Color Magic, Kentucky Derby and Olympiad will always be a favorite in my book. These are only a few of the stars that I grow in my garden. There are many more and Sue and I invite you all to come and visit anytime you may be in the area.
Author
s Note: Although it may sound as though I have been a commercial for Jackson & Perkins re. Veteran s Honor, let me assure you that I have no formal commercial connection with this company. Having said that, I say to J&P, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, for Veterans Honor!"