Jacques, Mary, Geoff, Constance, William and Gertrude...

( I created these collage grids using BeFunky )

I love roses. When I was little, I remember there was a lovely 'Albertine' rose in the garden.  That love has stayed with me and over the years, I have amassed a collection in my small back garden.  Some have come and gone, but others have stayed. Some are in the border, but most are in large pots.  With the uncharacteristically hot May weather we have been having in the UK over the last week, they have rushed to bloom. (While they may enjoy the sun and heat, I am struggling!)

Above, top line, left to right: Jacques Cartier; Mary Rose; Eyes for You.

Middle line, left to right: Cottage Rose; Olivia Rose Austin; Dannahue.

Bottom line, left to right: Geoff Hamilton; For Your Eye Only; Constance Spry.

Above, top left, going clockwise: William Shakespeare 2000; Gertrude Jekyll; Roald Dahl; Susan Williams-Ellis (the white one, bottom left corner) and Desdemona (my newest purchase, earlier this year.)

They are doing well and I am enjoying their perfumes.  This isn't the whole collection, as there are a few more yet to flower (Bring Me Sunshine; Ferdinand Pichard; Emily Bronte; Blush Noisette and New Dawn), so hopefully there will be more for us to enjoy.