A Rose for my Nose

I am rather overjoyed at finding tea roses on markdown for only $3 each at the local garden center.

And the most exciting part is they smell DIVINE! 

A couple of years ago, I had a beautiful coral colored tropical rose, but it didn't have much of a fragrance.  I don't have any experience growing roses in the subtropics, so this was my first try.  Unfortunately, I didn't give it the best conditions and I lost it during the winter.

When we lived up north several years ago, I enjoyed a yard full of different color roses.  I selected them for their fragrance and their beauty was just an extra bonus as far as I was concerned.  I must have given them what they needed as they all flourished and I always hope the new owners appreciate the treasures they inherited.

Well, anyway, I have read up on roses in the subtopics and I hope I can keep these alive this time and they'll keep on producing beautiful perfumed blooms!

While I was at the garden center I had fun getting some other new flowers for the garden at $1 each.  Here are some of the African Daisies in White and Purple.  I also got several geraniums, but there wasn't any buds, so it will be a surprise what color they will be.

I must be getting a bit absent-minded as I found this pot full of pink Petunias that I had forgotten about sitting behind some of the plantings in one of the front flower beds.

They must have received water from the sprinkler system as it looks to be in pretty good shape and is blooming quite profusely.

I think I stuck it back there as I didn't think it was doing well and forgot about it.  Nice surprise and I'm so glad it has recovered!

And this is my goofy pink Plumeria.  It's lost all of its leaves during the winter, but lately it has had flower buds forming on several branches. This is its third year in the garden and each year it has acted differently.  

I won't complain as somebody else mentioned their Plumeria was doing the same thing.  I just go with the flow as long as they are looking healthy and thriving.

Here's a shot when the Plumeria is blooming and when it has leaves.  It might look a little silly if it blooms without foliage, but the weather has warmed up dramatically and maybe the leaves will fill out quite quickly.

I hope you are enjoying your garden.  No matter if it's just a few containers indoors or out, a garden is worth every effort being put into it.  And even when there's not a lot of effort put forth - it's still a joy and I hope you're experiencing the comfort and happiness of tending to our plant friends!