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17Nov 2019 by RagingAdmin
It’s Licorice… I swear It’s Licorice

It’s Licorice… I swear It’s Licorice

David Austin
Much has been written about the David Austin roses said to smell like "myrrh" -- but as far as I can tell, not as much about what actual myrrh is supposed to smell like. Fair Bianca is one of the myrrh-scented types, but I can say here, at least, it is a licorice lover's delight. There is a surprising replication of old-school black licorice candy. Also, as I have said before, I find the Internet rumors of this variety being "sickly" both unjustified and unfair. I keep mine in a large pot (and tucked away in our detached garage for the winter). From April through November it sits against the south wall of the house, facing the steps to our back deck. Here is one of its late-October blooms...
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15Nov 2019 by RagingAdmin
Combinations and Returns

Combinations and Returns

David Austin, Uncategorized
Let not the paucity of my posts suggest I have abandoned my gardening. It was indeed a tough year for the little green monsters, but the year included some stunning moments. Lots more posts and photos are coming soon! Jude the Obscure with its pet clematis.
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25May 2018 by RagingAdmin
OMG, Eugène!

OMG, Eugène!

Hybrid China, Uncategorized
This is Eugène de Beauharnais. As I explained in the main entry for this variety, it's the oldest living critter on the property, but wow, that age apparently in no way contributes to weak performance. This is Gene starting it's second season here. None of these are large blooms, but they are astonishingly well formed -- all of them -- and in two or three more days this little plant seems likely to take on an almost supernatural appearance. There is broad skepticism on the interwebs about whether this variety truly has much China rose in its ancestry. Until now I tended to agree, but I think I'm starting to see it in the wispy growth and strong repeat. Meanwhile it clearly gets its intense, nose tingling scent from the…
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19May 2018 by RagingAdmin
Late seasons, more anticipation, and lots and lots of rain…

Late seasons, more anticipation, and lots and lots of rain…

Planting
Being halfway or more through May, I would normally expect to see more going on in the garden. This is clearly a weird year. With most of my shrubs preparing for their third year since planting, this should be when the real displays begin. And likely they will, but the oddly late onset of spring (after two weeks of it in February) have much in a state of confusion. I enjoy talk of "berries" because at this point many of the roses really do show their shared ancestry with their fruity cousins. [caption id="attachment_3935" align="alignnone" width="640"] An Abraham Darby bud...[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3936" align="alignnone" width="640"] My cluster planted box... Charles Darwin to the left, Claire Austin in the rear, and Lady Emma Hamilton in front. LEH is especially beautiful even before…
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12May 2018 by RagingAdmin
Introducing Fair Bianca

Introducing Fair Bianca

David Austin
...And fair the critter is so far. The latest addition to my David Austin collection. Since it shipped already in bloom, a few were banged up in transit, and I haven't had time to take some better photos. To see what I have so far, see Fair Bianca. (more…)
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08May 2018 by RagingAdmin
Now this is a happy hybrid tea!

Now this is a happy hybrid tea!

Hybrid Tea
Papa Meilland begins its second year with a big push, climbing past six feet in height, despite being confined to a 17" pot. [caption id="attachment_3891" align="alignnone" width="640"] Papa Meilland. The red tufts mark the tips actively growing -- most of which have well formed buds. [/caption] Again, as was the case last year, I struggle to understand why this cultivar has such a bad reputation. Yes, it's leggy, but certainly not a weak grower here. [caption id="attachment_3892" align="alignnone" width="640"] We have a hint of color![/caption]
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