Today’s the last day of the year, and I am in a celebratory mood looking forward to the New Year and a holiday away. As the year closes, I’m a long way from the garden by the harbour in Sydney, celebrating the end of a successful Spring but also reflecting on the past year. Nature delivered in unexpected ways this year; cooler weather and extraordinary amounts of rain, although, for some, far too much. It has been a tremendous year for the roses and the garden, and I am very grateful.
A favourite rose in my Tea Garden
The unprecedented rains of 2022 have seen massive growth in the garden. This has meant I’m more confident that the roses will develop as planned and that, given enough water, rose blooms will be as spectacular as the breeders described. So, I’m enthusiastic about next year and celebrating my small victories. I’m also mindful that others, especially in country areas, have had a devastating and challenging year with repeated floods, and my heart goes out to them. Rural living can be harsh and unpredictable even though nature rewards in many ways.
Stunning Summer Of Love Roses
Hal Borland
Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.
January 2023, will mark the anniversary of 5 years of a rose is a rose is a rose. And although my site is purely for the enjoyment of roses and not a business, I appreciate that so many people regularly take the time to read about my adventures of growing roses on a rural property in Australia.
A bit of black spot after the rain but an extraordinary rose that surprised me when it bloomed nearly all year. I’m unsure of the name though.
Thank you for your support, and I wish you all a Happy New Year. I look forward to sharing more roses with you next year in 2023.
Title quote by Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
Content and images Di Baker 2022
