The first roses

The roses have begun to open in the garden, and it felt wonderful to see them. Like an old friend returning.

Bathsheba, a David Austin English climbing rose, was the first to arrive with her blooms. Her petals are soft and beautifully ruffled, but it’s the scent that makes me stop. Strong and unmistakably rose — that lovely, old-world fragrance.

I love the way she climbs and rambles through the garden. There is such a soft, romantic feel to her, and I’ve been so looking forward to seeing that carry through into the bouquets.

Gathered with sweet peas, foxgloves and the other flowers ready in the Patch, those first roses brought something extra to this bunch. A little more softness, a little more scent, and that feeling I’m always hoping for: the garden gathered into paper and tied with string.

It’s one of the things I love about working with the seasons. A flower begins to open, and suddenly there is something new to gather, something that changes the feel of a bouquet.

For now, it’s the first roses. And I’m very happy they’re here.