Friday, August 28, 2020

All Because of Neil Diamond by Connie Vines

Perhaps it's because of the never-ending-heat-wave here in southern California, 103 - 107 degrees (39 - 41 Celsius), or because my two pups (Chanel and Gavin) are following me around and continually begging to go outside so that they can experience sun-stroke first hand--but I find myself mentally designing my new and improved garden throughout  the evening.

My front yard has a huge mimosa tree, a small (stunted) mimosa tree, a southern magnolia tree and a grass lawn.  There is an area at the front of my patio which would make a lovely rose garden.  It's the perfect place for my roses.  Full-sun, facing west, and the area is nothing but dirt.

I've grown roses in the past, when my children were very young. During that time, I selected  the run-of-the-mill-generic varieties you find at you local garden--on sale and then discounted.  And, if I recall correctly, my rose bushes were particularly thorny.

Well, this time I was intent on finding  the perfect rose for my 'imaginary' garden's focal point.

Do you know how many 'new' varieties of roses are posted on the garden sites and Pinterest?
Do you realize how many photos there are to gawk over?

Too many to count, that's for certain.

These are three varieties of roses which caught and held my attention:


File:Rosa Ingrid Bergman (7376469430).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
The Ingrid Bergman rose is so beautiful. 
.

rosa new orleans – Flowersense
The New Orleans rose would be perfect
This is the rose I should select as it goes along with my New Orleans/Cajun theme of my next release: Gumbo Ya Ya.


However, this is the rose bush I will be searching for during planting season:


Neil Diamond Rose | Spring Hill Nurseries
The Neil Diamond rose is my favorite!

 Do you have a favorite rose or type of flower is a 'must' for your garden?  Do your have any gardening tips you'd like to share?

Well, now that I've selected my first rose bush of the planting season, I can get back to my novel.

🌹Thank you, 🎤Neil Diamond!


I always try to add something new for my readers to enjoy 😋

Rose Petal Tea

 

Ingredients

2 cups fresh fragrant rose petals  (about 15 large roses)*
3 cups water
Honey or granulated sugar to taste
Instructions
Clip and discard bitter white bases from the rose petals; rinse petals thoroughly and pat dry.

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, place the prepared rose petals.  Cover with water and bring just to a simmer; let simmer for approximately 5 minutes or until the petals become discolored (darkened).

Remove from heat and strain the hot rose petal liquid into teacups. Add honey or sugar to taste.

Makes 4 servings.

Recipe Notes
* All roses that you intend to consume must be free of pesticides.  Do not use or eat flowers from florists, nurseries, or garden centers. In many cases these flowers have been treated with pesticides not labeled for food crops. The tastiest roses are usually the most fragrant. 

Happy Reading!

Connie 




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6 comments:

  1. I have a rose garden and the one along the side of the house - climbing roses. So far, a red and a white. Looking for a blue. Along the front of the house are many in all shades. Next year will tackle the other side of the porch with climbers. Not sure of the scheme yet. Keep writing

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    Replies
    1. Janet, your garden sounds lovely. I've always envied those who can manage climbing roses :-). I have enough of a challenge with my tangle of jasmine vines. I was looking a 'blue' roses on line, please send a picture if you select a variety. Yes, Janet, I will keep writing.

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  2. Enjoyed this post, Connie! Best of luck with your roses! I have a special place in my heart for Neil Diamond...my beloved brother-in-law, to cope with his grief after my sister's death, became a "nearly Neil" entertainer singing his heart out. Neil Diamond is great and encouraging about his nearly neils and their antics..what a mensch! The man deserves a beautiful rose in his honor!

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    Replies
    1. Eileen, I agree Neil Diamond has earned his own 'rose'. My husband and I attended his concert several years ago in town at the Citizen's Bank Arena. He always had his finger on the pulse of humanity. Good for your brother-in-law--grief is such a difficult journey.

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  3. I love roses but all I can manage at my apartment is a pot of geraniums! Thanks for the cheerful post. I love your books.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Barbara, Thank you for reading and enjoying my books :-). I like the Martha Washington variety of geraniums.

    ReplyDelete

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