Mr. Lincoln was the first – a classic, statuesque beauty with dark green leaves and deep scarlet petals. He showered me with gifts every time a new bloom emerged. It was akin to a shopping rush and quickly turned into a binge; I needed more and more, so along came Tropicana and Gold Medal. Then I needed Peace and wanted to Strike it Rich. I became designer obsessed, buying Lagerfeld and Tiffany. I went for scent when bringing home a double order of Perfume Delight. They swept me off my feet. I’d never gardened before, but those roses tapped into my ancestral roots. Gardening is a family tradition; my mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all found joy in their gardens and I feel the joy in mine. I am a gardener. I love the solitude and peace that comes with running my fingers through the dirt – some say boring; I say exhilarating. Bring on the weeds! There’s nothing better to clear a crazed head. The breeze, the sun, the occasional butterfly – they’re blissful. Roses were just the beginning…welcome to my garden!
