What is June without a rose?

Now, many are in full bloom, scenting the air (My sympathy to those who have seasonal rose fever) and lifting spirits.

From Asia, Europe, North America and the northwest area of Africa they’ve come, appealing to different people. I believe, however, the rest of the world enjoyed red, pink and white roses for a long time before yellow kinds were brought from China.

Roses come in various sizes, to be used in different ways. Miniatures may become house plants, for example. These little plants are sometimes used as highlights in front-of-the-border flower beds. (Some growers suggest a hedge of mini-roses beside a walkway. I would, if people wouldn’t cross it as a short cut across the yard, if the snowplow didn’t run next to it and the lawnmower had a broad edging against the hedge-path.)

Miniature roses are deceptively tough. As a rule, these bushes are hardier than they appear and snow can help insulate them from extra-cold weather.

Slightly larger are roses like "The Fairy," whose short branches lift a summer-long pink cloud of bloom. I haven’t noticed any scent, though.

The "KnockOut" roses have their own story, which I may deal with later. They are low-growing and almost ever-producing in delightful colors.

Old roses are likely to put on a gorgeous show right now, and sometimes (because of summer daylight patterns) will rebloom after their great season of color, later in the summer.

David Austin roses are newly-released, in the size and habit of old roses; their scent is a huge plus.

Don’t forget the climbers, rambliners and twiners, whose wandering arms may be trained over arbors or doorways or used against ugly walls.

This is a hasty reminder of the incredible range of roses. Use it to notice what you see blooming, especially on July’s Garden tours.

Diane reminded me of an heirloom rose to be found in front yards or by old-fashioned farmsteads.

“Have you found the Seven Sisters rose?” she asked. Do you know it? Flowers start out as rosy. As more open, each loses some color, until a whole branch sports ivory, long-lasting flowers.

Look for it, especially in old gardens or where once there would have been a bygone settler’s garden.