Unexpected Beauty

I haven't set foot in my garden since before Thanksgiving.

The garden is not that big or elaborate. I figured it would still be there.

I know, I know. It's time to cut back the rose bushes. I'm still not up to snuff, though, and what resources I have I've been pouring into my upcoming flute recital.

Imagine my surprise when I went outside today to discover these:

Who knew such things could spring from such neglect.

Although completely unlooked for and undeserved, what a pleasure it is to stumble on unexpected beauty.

Cutting Back

My roses get a little exuberant in the fall.

Okay, you need a machete to get by them at this time of year.

I go for the cottage garden approach.

In the narrow strip of earth I call my own, I try to cram as much fragrance as possible.

My landlord goes more for the military garden look.

The other day he politely requested that I "spend some time gardening". He had a painter coming to touch up the eaves, and hoped to provide safe passage for him.

It really is good to cut the roses back by a third at this time of year.

Well, they got cut back by more than a third. They were as out of control as a three year old on her third chocolate bar.

So I got my shears out and went to work.

The results?

This beautiful bouquet, newly painted eaves, and garden that, despite being more orderly in appearance, actually seems healthier.

Score!

June Sightings

Here's something you might not see every day:

This is Cinderella's Coach parked at the Disneyland Hotel yesterday.

The horse was the most amazing part of this amazing sight.

He matches the coach.

How did they do that?

This is the view of my garden output:

See if you can identify "Memorial Day", "Double Delight", "Abraham Darby", and "Mr. Lincoln".

Happy June!