New rose leaves...

The rose bushes that are up against the house in a protected location are beginning to show new little leaves. So exciting! Ever since I started growing roses, I have enjoyed seeing them start to leaf out. Here in North Carolina, it means that the warmer weather and beauty of spring are not too far off.

{Rosa 'Marie Daly'}

But with my anticipation comes apprehension. I wonder what spring will bring for my roses. After having to dig out and burn 4 of my favorite bushes last year, I am afraid that more of my roses will show symptoms of Rose Rosette Disease as they start growing. There is nothing I can do except wait and see what happens. And hope that I won't have to destroy any more bushes.

{Rosa 'The Fairy'}

On a more cheerful note, my irises are digging themselves out of the snow. More and more of my plants are starting to grow once more as spring creeps ever closer. This is so encouraging to me as there were days and days when I thought I would never again see green.




And then there are cats. Just this morning, as I was uncovering a Campanula that had been buried by a cat doing its "business," I was thinking that the cats should get their own garden instead of messing in mine. I do, however, have to admit that they make a rather charming addition to the scenery.


Have a beautiful day!