Some of you might remember my rose photos from last year as I documented the two or three buds as they bloomed until they reached their prime in a vase. I was so pleased with their beauty and perfect shape. My mother had given me that rose bush a few years ago and it didn’t bloom until last year.

I love flowers but I’m not a gardener. My husband is always joking about my planting intentions yet my lack of care afterward. I’m just the type to expect nature to take care of itself. Earlier this spring I noticed how long and straggly the rose branches had become, where some areas had died and weeds were choking at the bottom of other branches. I decided to do a little pruning and tidying up, not much, just what I knew would not hurt the bush.

I was surprised a couple weeks ago when I noticed about 15 buds. Then last week I counted 20, and today I counted 26. Wow, that is way beyond my expectation. This crazy wild and rambling long stem rose bush is showing us what it can do with a little care. Here’s a couple pics I snapped with my phone:

As I drive around town I have noticed that it is an especially lush spring. Everything is in full bloom right now, trees, bushes, flowers, with a wide range of colors. We had an early season, a lot of rain, and just enough sunny days to give growth a boost. I’d like to think this lovely spring is an omen for a prolific year in other ways. I’ll call that Mother Nature’s encouragement to believe in possibilities.

My Mom had an amazing garden, it was her pride and joy. She passed away last year but I’d like to think that she’s watching this rose bush grow (and ignoring the rest of my yard). I hope it’s giving her as much happiness as it’s giving me.