Rosa 'Susan Williams- Ellis' 2 October 2025

 

The White Rose - John Boyle O'Reilly 1844 –1890

The red rose whispers of passion,

And the white rose breathes of love;

O, the red rose is a falcon,

And the white rose is a dove.

But I send you a cream-white rosebud

With a flush on its petal tips;

For the love that is purest and sweetest

Has a kiss of desire on the lips.

This English Rose, like many of my roses, reminds me of my Rosemary. She was gentle and tiny. Sometimes, in spite of her many strengths, I thought she was fragile. I would now correct that to – she was dainty and delicate.And strong.

Winter is almost upon us and I look at my waning garden wondering if I will be around next year for spring. There is some hope when a white, dainty and delicate rose blooms. It proves that I figured out my Rosemary correctly.