“Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colours, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night”

Posted on by Di Baker

When I first began growing roses, I was like a child in the lolly shop, unable to decide which ones to choose from all the beautiful colours and styles. My choices were not always suitable, and I could not resist the enticing rose names so I often overplanted. Some didn't survive, but most have flourished, … Continue reading “Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colours, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night”

“You must fail at gardening to master it.”

Posted on by Di Baker

Nature wins this week in the garden. If ever there was a time one needed some inspiration to garden, this is it. Forget the heat and typical summer weather; the number of mosquitoes since our floods and storms are extreme and make being in the garden almost impossible. I usually head out in summer with … Continue reading “You must fail at gardening to master it.”

“Gardening is easy. Stick it in the ground the right way up and most plants will grow perfectly well.” Monty Don

Posted on by Di Baker

I must admit the garden this season has been a humbling experience with unseasonal weather that gave me a false sense of what a garden can be; lush and green, an array of prolific blooms and loads of growth. It was stunning, some days, I even thought that the garden looked like a 'proper garden' … Continue reading “Gardening is easy. Stick it in the ground the right way up and most plants will grow perfectly well.” Monty Don

“Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are.”

Posted on by Di Baker

I have few words left to describe 2021 so instead, I have a collection of my favourite shots of the roses in the garden this Spring and early Summer. The garden has had a fantastic year and the roses are wonderful due to the unseasonal weather. Like the rose and the thorn, life has two … Continue reading “Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are.”

“Flowers don’t tell, they show.”

Posted on by Di Baker

I'm in awe every day in the garden at the exquisite nature of the roses and the surprising array of rose blooms that at times appear so delicate, soft and angelic and yet some are bold, exotic, and majestic whilst others create an eye-catching display that is charming and elegant. The rose never fails to … Continue reading “Flowers don’t tell, they show.”

“I look upon the pleasure we take in a garden as one of the most innocent delights in human life.”

Posted on by Di Baker

The early stages of Spring in the garden this year were magnificent. The full flush of blooms I missed though, as I had to be away for several weeks. As expected, I was greeted by thousands of spent rose blooms ready to deadhead and thriving rampant weeds on my return to the garden last week. … Continue reading “I look upon the pleasure we take in a garden as one of the most innocent delights in human life.”

”The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” 

Posted on by Di Baker

The unpredictable nature of rain has caused a few heartaches lately in rural areas where crops almost ready for harvest have been decimated from excess water. In the garden too, rain has been both a blessing and a curse. After the brilliant start of Spring this year, the roses have been ravaged by wind and … Continue reading ”The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” 

 A Sense Of Place

Posted on by Di Baker

Gardens are a refuge, a solace from the world. We all at some stage, have been awed by a place where the buildings and landscape just seem to feel right, where a sense of harmony exists. In areas like this by simply being or planting a seed, or watching a rose bloom, or glimpsing a … Continue reading  A Sense Of Place

“The fragrance of the rose lingers on the hand that casts it”

Posted on by Di Baker

Walk through the garden on any Spring day and you are immediately taken by the rose fragrance. Not least of all roses bred by Delbards in what I like to call my French garden; Belle Parfume, Dioressence, Belle du Seigneur, Chatreuse de Parm, Grand Siecle, Mitsouko, Sour Emmanuelle, Cote d'Azure, Lousie de Amade, Madame Delbard, … Continue reading “The fragrance of the rose lingers on the hand that casts it”

Just Peachy

Posted on by Di Baker

As I worked in and around the garden last week, the colour of the peach roses took my breath away - they are the best I've seen so far. Crepuscule, Lady Of Shallot and Peach Profusion, are standouts. Roses in this colourway range from softest shell pink to rosé, peach, salmon, apricot and coral or … Continue reading Just Peachy

“Avoid being impatient. Remember time brings roses.”

Posted on by Di Baker

It is official, the roses this year are a triumph, and I could not be happier with the results. The chilly slow start to Spring and natures reluctance to bring out the sun has seen blooms open at a regal and leisurely pace, but now the brakes are off, and full bloom is upon us. … Continue reading “Avoid being impatient. Remember time brings roses.”

“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”

Posted on by Di Baker

Another week into October, and the rain has gone. This week is all about florescence, for everywhere you look, buds are unfolding, and blooms are appearing all in their quiet, natural manner. The distinct seasons in rural life have their charm, but Spring has to be the most enjoyable. It is like a party where … Continue reading “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”

“Life is trying things to see if they work.” 

Posted on by Di Baker

My garden has always been an experiment to see if, despite the rural location and tricky climate, creating an inviting, lush and colourful outdoor space was possible. I've tried things out with no certainty that the plants would grow and there have been many setbacks and disappointments. As time went by I've become more informed … Continue reading “Life is trying things to see if they work.” 

Flowers are the music of the earth

Posted on by Di Baker

Around the garden, hundreds of buds appear on the lush, dense foliage of the roses. Each day more blooms pop out, but after the recent rains and cool weather the process has slowed down. The weather is warmer now, and the first Spring flush is almost here. In some ways, it feels like waiting for … Continue reading Flowers are the music of the earth

“How lovely yellow is! It stands for the sun.”  

Posted on by Di Baker

I've always admired the soft yellow flowers of a climbing plant that I see covering archways, fences and pergolas as I drive into our local rural town. They are always a welcome sight at the end of winter. The words in the quote of Vincent Van Gogh above could easily have described this charming climber's … Continue reading “How lovely yellow is! It stands for the sun.”  

“To everything there is a season”

Posted on by Di Baker

The expression ' a watched pot is slow to boil' has been around since Benjamin Franklin first wrote the text in 1785. It has come to mind lately as anticipation of Springs first flush grows ever so slowly each day. A few buds are appearing, and the arrival of the first blooms, but because of … Continue reading “To everything there is a season”

“Je vois la vie en rose”

Posted on by Di Baker

Je vois la vie en rose means: I see life in pink; I am looking at the world through rose coloured glasses. Why not live with an ability to see beauty in everyday life and have a positive and optimistic outlook - a rosy way to see the world? One of the first roses to … Continue reading “Je vois la vie en rose”

“Nature does not hurry yet everything is accomplished”

Posted on by Di Baker

Paul Bocuse Spring is unfolding at a leisurely pace, and almost all the roses are covered with new glossy foliage that looks healthy and fresh. Because I'm at home in lockdown, I'm more aware of the steady renewal of the new season. Apart from the gorgeous lavender spires everywhere Spring appears slow due to the … Continue reading “Nature does not hurry yet everything is accomplished”

“Spring work is going on with joyful enthusiasm.”

Posted on by Di Baker

The energy of preparing for Spring has been going on all winter despite the rain. The garden has undergone a renovation of sorts that has been almost like starting a garden from scratch. Always first to come out in Spring- Snowdrops Suddenly, the weather this week has changed from winter to summer overnight. The winter … Continue reading “Spring work is going on with joyful enthusiasm.”

“I love being in my garden. I don’t plant a lot of exotic flora, but I do spend a lot of time outside doing manual labour. ”

Posted on by Di Baker

Spring is on the way and the tell tale signs add vibrancy to the air but unfortunately, this week I've had to do a bit of a cull in the garden. It is necessary and has freed up space and allowed the best of the roses to have a bit more air and circulation around … Continue reading “I love being in my garden. I don’t plant a lot of exotic flora, but I do spend a lot of time outside doing manual labour. ”

Serenity has to be three-quarters hard work to be worth having.

Posted on by Di Baker

Yes, it's true peace and relaxation are often won by a bit of hard toil most of the time, and I wouldn't want it any other way. There is nothing like relaxing at the end of the day, knowing you have made headway shaping the garden. Recently I've found more surprise roses hidden under some … Continue reading Serenity has to be three-quarters hard work to be worth having.

You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed. You’re responsible for your rose.

Posted on by Di Baker

Contrary to my initial desire to grow roses amongst perennials in a heavily planted garden, I have decided to thin out one particular garden bed this season to be predominately only roses. The idea is a major change in my perspective and requires an enormous amount of work that I am halfway through. I was … Continue reading You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed. You’re responsible for your rose.

“The more I garden the less I know, but the more pleasure I get from it.”

Posted on by Di Baker

The anticipation of Spring is in the air. Back to basics is the motto of the new season, and as it should be, the roses are at the heart of the garden. Taking one day at a time, I’m preparing whenever I can, and I’m noticing a change in my method this year. The initial … Continue reading “The more I garden the less I know, but the more pleasure I get from it.”

“One who plants a garden plants happiness.”

Posted on by Di Baker

Today brings a sense of déjà vu, I'm inside again due to more rain. We've only had a few days of fine weather that lasted long enough to be out gardening recently. Surprisingly, at the end of the day last time I was out in the garden, despite the aches and pains after heavy work, … Continue reading “One who plants a garden plants happiness.”

”The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.”

Posted on by Di Baker

The sun is out like a welcome visitor after heavy fog, cloudy days and rain. Reminiscent of living by the coast, the recurring rain and storms have been a part of almost every day that stands as a stark contrast to, not that long ago, when it never seemed to rain at all. Rain always … Continue reading ”The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.”

”She who loves roses must be patient and not cry out when she is pierced by thorns”

Posted on by Di Baker

Kordes Summer Sun Rose The romance of the rose and its alluring fragrance is momentarily forgotten when a prickle imbeds your leg or fingers as you work in the garden. I say prickle, not thorn, because, despite the popularity of poetic quotes on the rose thorn, they are called prickles. The rose above is Summer … Continue reading ”She who loves roses must be patient and not cry out when she is pierced by thorns”

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

Posted on by Di Baker

Why does the vegetable garden need to be a separate garden rather than part of the total garden landscape? With this at the forefront of my mind I'm planning a new garden in the style of a French kitchen garden known as Potager or Jardin de Curé. An old French-inspired graceful garden of herbs, flowers, … Continue reading “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

“I like solitary pursuits, such as reading or pottering about in the garden. ”

Posted on by Di Baker

Fortunately some of us enjoy solitary pursuits because we sure have spent some time lately secluded. Here we are again at the end of another fourteen-day self-isolation, and more lockdowns for greater Sydney. Farm life is the same anyway; life is isolated with only the necessary grocery trips into town and rare social get-togethers. Otherwise, … Continue reading “I like solitary pursuits, such as reading or pottering about in the garden. ”

“Anyone who has time for drama is not gardening enough.”

Posted on by Di Baker

Gardening brings a sense of balance to life's ups and downs, and a garden to work in is a beautiful way to enjoy being outside in the elements, intimately connecting us to the seasons and the daily weather conditions; the wind, soil, sun, rainfall, frost and heat. It is a simple way to naturally relieve … Continue reading “Anyone who has time for drama is not gardening enough.”

“If you think one day you will get it all done, and then you can relax, you are bound to be disappointed.”

Posted on by Di Baker

Season end and the last of the roses are still blooming because here in the southern hemisphere, June heralds Winter. The onset of early morning frosts, cool nights and even some welcome rain brings a blessed break from weeds, heat, dust and mosquitoes. My garden is in limbo at present, which I guess is okay … Continue reading “If you think one day you will get it all done, and then you can relax, you are bound to be disappointed.”

“A flower is not a flower alone; A thousand thoughts invest it”

Posted on by Di Baker

Flowers are the universal sign of happiness, love, forgiveness and condolence, and a natural way to brighten our decor and mood. They are an integral part of our lives and adored the world over; the perfect table centrepiece, lavish display in a foyer; the wedding bouquet; the remembrance wreath, or admired in beautiful gardens, estates, … Continue reading “A flower is not a flower alone; A thousand thoughts invest it”

“The Peace Rose is the most famous and popular Rose of all time”

Posted on by Di Baker

The Peace Rose has soft yellow flowers that fade to blush-pink at the tips. The blooms are large and double and have a light fragrance. The Peace rose repeat flowers and is disease resistant and very easy to grow being hardy, vigorous and a brilliant performer. 2020 There is peace in the garden. Peace and … Continue reading “The Peace Rose is the most famous and popular Rose of all time”

“I am the lover’s gift; I am the wedding wreath..

Posted on by Di Baker

I adore flowers in the home, particularly roses cut fresh from the garden, but I don't find the act described as 'flower arranging' at all inspiring. History tells us of tight protocols around arranging flowers and set rules that applied to the craft through the decades. The phrase 'Flower arranging' is reminiscent of dusty church … Continue reading “I am the lover’s gift; I am the wedding wreath..

“One Rose is Enough for the Dawn.”

Posted on by Di Baker

Often visitors ask me what my favourite rose is, and I usually can't decide, but in recent weeks and on reflection, I think it is Lady of Shalott. I have written about this rose several times and have at present two in the garden, although in pots. Even though I had shared any information I knew on … Continue reading “One Rose is Enough for the Dawn.”

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”.

Posted on by Di Baker

Hamilton Island My love of travel and exploring the world is quite a contradiction to that of growing a rose garden. So how can I bring them together in my life and enjoy both to the fullest? As you know, I love my rose garden and want to see all the roses in full bloom … Continue reading “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”.

Then Spring Came

Posted on by Di Baker

Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.Pablo Neruda Spring, the gorgeous season of the year, has arrived in the garden. The garden suddenly a happy place full of activity and new beginnings. The lavender buzzing with thousands of bees, blossoms like fairy dust here one day and blown away on … Continue reading Then Spring Came

The Perfumed Garden

Posted on by Di Baker

Today is about the perfume and scent of roses.... It is a golden maxim to cultivate the garden for the nose, and the eyes will take care of themselves. Robert Louis Stevenson Did you know that rose perfume is at its most intense very early in the morning and the scent will gradually become less … Continue reading The Perfumed Garden

La Rosa Paul Cezanne

Posted on by Di Baker

Art is a harmony parallel with nature. Paul Cezanne The beautiful rose, Paul Cezanne- JACdeli, is part of the Delbard Painters Collection. Bred in France in 1992 and named to honour Paul Cézanne, one of the French Post Impressionists painters who lived and died in Aix-en-Provence France. We live in a rainbow of chaos. Paul … Continue reading La Rosa Paul Cezanne

“At the heart of gardening there is a belief in the miraculous.”

Posted on by Di Baker

Miracles do happen as Mirabel Osler once said in the quote above and my garden is testament to this. When I first glimpsed the destruction from the ravage of January this year, I thought I'd never have a bloom on a rose again. I described in my last post " There is no gardening without humility".  … Continue reading “At the heart of gardening there is a belief in the miraculous.”

“I’ve always felt that having a garden is like having a good and loyal friend. ”

Posted on by Di Baker

I love inspiring quotes. At times I'll come across a quote that rings so true to me, and is exactly the sentiment I had thought of but not quite been able to express. The quote above by garden author C Z Guest says it all, and in a similar vein to columnist and landscape designer … Continue reading “I’ve always felt that having a garden is like having a good and loyal friend. ”

When I first began with roses, moving into that vast territory of scent, form and colour. I knew nothing.

Posted on by Di Baker

The title quote by Mirabel Osler rings true to me as I knew nothing at all about roses when I began. Now three seasons on and three hundred roses later, give or take a few, I am none the wiser. There are so many unanswered questions that race through my mind every day of what … Continue reading When I first began with roses, moving into that vast territory of scent, form and colour. I knew nothing.

The Joy of a Well Designed Garden

Posted on by Di Baker
Gardens of the Architect

To design gardens that look and feel appealing and are a joy to visit think like an artist and use the basic design elements such as colour, line, texture, form and scale.By using the basic design elements and their combinations will provide the tools to create balance, unity, harmony, transition, repetition, accent and proportion for … Continue reading The Joy of a Well Designed Garden

“In search of my mother’s garden, I found my own.”

Posted on by Di Baker

I love the quote above from Alice Walker, the American writer and author of 'The Colour Purple'. It resonates with me and encapsulates so much in just a few words. Although I never set out in search of my mothers garden, her gardens were magnificent and memorable. When you grow up playing in a beautiful … Continue reading “In search of my mother’s garden, I found my own.”

Delbard Painters Collection

Posted on by Di Baker

“What I need most of all are flowers, always, always.”Claude Monet, 1840-1926 Impressionist painter and life-long gardener The great Impressionists painters emerged in 1870's France. Known for rejecting the strict rules of fine art and looking at the world through their art in new ways. Instead of realistic portraits in a studio, these painters thought … Continue reading Delbard Painters Collection

The Name of a Rose

Posted on by Di Baker

Princess Monaco What's in a name? That which we call a rose, By any other name would smell as sweet. An added bonus of loving roses is learning the history, names and parentage of roses.  Rose names have wonderful stories of  life-long achievements in the dedication to rose breeding and the work done in perfecting new … Continue reading The Name of a Rose

Gardens by the Bay

Posted on by Di Baker

Singapore is a destination well worth a visit just to see The Gardens By The Bay. The gardens showcase plants and flowers from across the world. Singaporeans are proud of their gardens which are a fantastic drawcard for tourism but also for education and aim to be a model for sustainable development and conservation. Their … Continue reading Gardens by the Bay