You could write a book about the mythology of roses, and literature abounds with references to roses.
Have you heard the Latin term "sub rosa?" It means a strict confidence, or private conversation. According to myth, Cupid used the rose to bribe Harpocrates (the god of silence, bless his heart!) into keeping quiet about Aphrodite's love affairs. Harpocrates is depicted holding a rose in one hand with a finger at his lips. From that myth came the saying "under the rose" which was used to mark secrets.
Our roses are beautiful this year, as they are every June. They don't seem to mind the cool, damp weather we've had, but I expect the leaves will start to drop from black spot soon. Some will bloom through the entire summer, but nothing matches that first June bloom, when they are covered with flowers.
Last May, John gave me "Just Joey" for mother's day, after I dropped heavy hints for years. I love this rose, it's one of my favorite colors...
This is "Brother Cadfael," a David Austin rose and John's favorite. This is the rose in the blog's top banner picture.
And another of our David Austin beauties called L.D. Braithwaite.It was not in the Winter
Our loving lot was cast;
It was the time of roses-
We plucked them as we pass'd.
Thomas Hood
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