I bought myself a new rosebush recently – a peace rose. We had one in Florida, at the house where I did most of my growing up. Mom loved it. She wasn’t much of a gardener: the rose didn’t get a lot of attention and bloomed rarely. But when it did, she was ecstatic. I remember. I will never forget.
The 17th anniversary of my mother’s death is September 1. That year, 1997, it was also the Labor Day holiday – which meant exactly nothing to me at the time but makes it worse for me when they coincide again.
This post is for you, mom. I know you’d be thrilled with all of my beautiful flowers. But these roses are just for you, and I will think of you and smile with every new bloom.
heretherebespiders 
Peace roses remind me of my dad. He had several bushes planted here when I was a kid. My mom was not thrilled at the amount of work they required in our growing zone, so they eventually came out. But those were his favorites. He passed a few years ago.
*hugs*
Hugs back, dear. I’m glad we both share a good memory connected to these. I’m not a fan of yellow or pink, but I had to get one for her.
Solid yellow or solid pink – nope. But these with the edges so lightly pink, like they’re blushing, that’s perfection. 🙂
Exactly. They are so dark when just a bud, too! I never know what surprise will be waiting when it opens.
Those are extraordinarily beautiful roses. This world could use all the peace it can get, too.
Yes. She was that kind of woman too – used to say she’d enjoy working the cash register in the grocery store because she’d get to have a laugh with so many people. Never any thought of how terrible people are – just…peaceful.
Wow. Utterly glorious. And what a coincidence — my dear father died on September 1st too. In the year 2000. Hugs to us both. What a wonderful memorial this post is. Thank you so very much for it.
So sorry, A. It doesn’t get any easier, does it? I’m weepy all over the place tonight. Did your dad have a favourite plant or flower?
Ahhh dear Spidey . . . . this pain in the heart, I take it as a measure of how much we love them . . . . I always think of my dad when the redbuds bloom. They are so stupendous here in AR, and he was a patron saint of the redbud — but in Michigan, where redbuds do not do well. He nursed one for years, only the tiniest little straggly buds — where, here, they positively foam with magnificence. So of course redbuds bloom in the early spring, not now – but fortunately, right around his birthday. So I remember him that way then. Thank you so, so much for bringing back this memory. Let me dig up a post from that time of year. But do keep in mind that the photo is absolutely no indication of how beautiful these darling trees really are – they plant nitrogen in the soil, they have some weird kind of bean thingy they produce. They are positively neon pink. Did you have them in FL? I somehow think not? Here’s a link: http://catself.wordpress.com/2011/03/23/redbud-for-my-dad/
Lovely! No, not something I remember from Florida at all. But I think – I think! they grow here! I’ll look into it – I can imagine a redbud would look spectacular with a peace rose.
Oh wouldn’t that be marvelous.
I’ll see what I can do 🙂 X
What a beautiful flower to capture the essence of your mother. ((hugs))
She was pretty awesome.
I can’t grow baby alligators in her honour, so the rose will have to do! Yes, I come by my oddness genetically 🙂
Perhaps find a nice ceramic or statuary one to put next to the bush as it blooms 🙂
That’s a great idea!
Happy rose day Spider’s Mom and what a glorious rose to celebrate it with.
They are one of a kind, and so was she!
Blooming lovely! A fine tribute to your mother and a great way to remember her!
I think so, too – I’m very much into my plants and this one will be a particular favourite for years to come, I know!
What beautiful flowers and touching tribute to your mother.
Hello, and welcome! Thank you very much. Plants and flowers have so many meanings to us, don’t they?
I can’t imagine life without them!
Beautiful words for your mum and a beautiful rose…I have peace roses lining the footpath and I am glad winters frost has been kind to them….sending hugs Fozziemum xx
I look forward to when yours are in bloom!
I do too…a while away yet 🙂
*hug*
Thanks, dear 🙂
We’re all here for you!
Thanks. It is harder on me the day before the first of September, and the day before her birthday, too. Work helped, too busy to be sad.
You know where to find me if you want/need to talk/vent.
They’re beautiful. Just like your feelings for your mother. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I miss her. So many things I never got to ask about. Questions I never knew I’d ever have.
She was a redhead, too – maybe that’s why I have a particular fondness for redhead bloggers! Heehee!
If could reach across the ocean I would give you the biggest hug ever. 🙂
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bless you and your mom… i love the peace rose and it’s my favorite rose as well, tho it is one difficult lady! your photos do it justice! i’ve been going to capture mine and just might go do it now. 🙂
I just love the iPhone camera – as evidenced by my little contest, no one could tell which day’s pictures were with the good camera!
I love my lavender rose best, for me – but the peace rose has much more meaning.
That’s a beautiful rose, the colours are amazing. If your Mum was anything like you I’d say she was pretty awesome (hugs).
Your rose is stunning! I love the Peace Roses their blooms are huge and so is the smell!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Lovely pictures, lovely thoughts.
Reblogged this on heretherebespiders and commented:
Reblogging my own post – a first – because today would have been my mother’s 74th birthday.