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!