Foundling II

We live in a very small community. Everyone knows everyone (and their dirty laundry). I try to stay out of it, but it is hard when you are on top of each other in 'the hood'. I laugh at the "D' class society here, as they act like the Melons, or the Duponts, and on the list of the Boston 500. But, there also are some very nice people here. Which leads me to my next rose 'foundling'.

Sometimes, things just don't work out for married people. The person who gave me this polyantha had to give up her house and fabulous garden due to divorce. She was getting rid of plants and small structures that she had accumulated over the years. We went to her house when she offered us what we wanted. I only took things with the statement that we would hold the plants and structures until a time she could have them back at a new home. Which you know will eventually happen. We couldn't take much as we are crammed already. But everything is here when she is ready.

She told me a story of this polyantha and how it came about being in Hillsborough. Now, history (fact) and lore often intermingle with found or passalong plants. So research is key if at all possible, and sometimes that is not enough.

This polyantha supposedly was brought from the Smithfield area to Hillsborough around 1906 to 1912. Which is very confusing since polyanthas were not really in vogue until the 1920's. However, there were polyanthas dating back to the 1880s. Perle d'Ore, for one, and a series I believe called the Sherbets. Polyanthas are very confusing to me as class itself. Why? Because they sport like crazy and they make you wonder which is the true or original color.

I was lucky enough to devide this rose and each one went its own way color wise. Amazing! I have taken photos through the year to try and catch color variables . It was once believed that this rose was Margo Koster (1920s), or one of the Koster series but I do not see it. That takes me back to the Sherbet series.

Notice the color changes from branch to branch.


Foundling II, polyantha

Done!

Well, it took some time......but I'm done. 200 tulips in the ground. Set back with sore hands from hand digging, waiting for an auger, and the flu. Now, lets see how many are left next Spring after the squirrels find them.

The 'Outback' garden is the only fenced in part of my small yard. That's because of the dogs. So in planting the bulbs, I have to know the dog paths and their chases, and, running around letting off steam patterns. They never vary from their patterns except, when it snows. Then they go nuts creating new paths and trenches. It does make it easier to scoop poop.

While in the 'Outback' garden, I was sizing up (in my mind) all the pruning that need be done to roses. I think I'll play with shapes on a few. Making a more purposeful shape to the shrub instead of being left natural. I go back and forth with this as sometimes I have to do serious pruning to over grown, out of control roses. I have already done everything (well, almost) to the 'Gaudy' garden after the mulch. When I talk about the hybrid perpetuals, I'll show photos.

The 'Outfront' garden still needs to be mulched. More weeding to do. I've been dragging my feet because I'm still undecided about moving roses due to deer. It only takes one night of grazing to ruin everything. But, where do I put them!?

Maria will be very happy. I have started emptying the fridge, in preparation for Thanksgiving. The group is coming. Slowly, I've been pitching stuff making room for the turkey, and other things. I've never been known for my cooking (never wanted to be) , but I like to play in the kitchen every once in a while, and it makes the house smell good. I will probably cook three days ahead to prep for the day. I make big batches of everything, so I can give stuff to those who want to take some with them. After all, its the leftovers that's the best!

The "Foundlings"

I have very few "found" roses (that I haven't identified). And, it is more about the hunt! This rose is a polyantha of some sort. At first, I thought it was The Fairy. But in studying photos (many), I'm inclined to believe it is not. There has been recent chatter about different versions of The Fairy. One, being very floriferous and the other being a shy bloomer. But, it is the bloom itself that I question.

The bloom is about the size of a quarter, with no fragrance. The shrub itself, is about two and half feet wide and tall. I just joined a forum in Europe. It was suggested by my German rose friend.. The folks there are very smart . I may present this rose to them in the Spring and hope to get an answer. Or, if one of you wizards know what this rose is, I would love to know.

I think the flu found me! I've been down about a week. Hope y'all stay well.

Hillsborough Avenue, Found (polyantha ????)

Sadly, to say......

I do NOT have a photo of the last tea. I find that hard to believe since I'm out there all the time with my camera. It is the Nobonnand tea General Galieni. I'll have to wait til Spring ........

As I mentioned earlier in a post, I am honored that an authority on the Nobonnand Teas, follows my blog. On one of my posts, I showed a photo of a Nobonnand tea known to me as Marie d'Orleans. Mr. Janon had doubts that the photo I showed was Marie d'Orleans. This, according to the original discription of the rose in the Nobonnand catalogue.

My first response was, is this a 'clone', or 'version' issue? In researching photos from the website "helpmefind", there does appear (TO MY EYE) to be a difference from photos taken in the states compared to those of europe. You can see for yourself.

Mr. Janon said he would look into this. I have yet to hear back from him. This is Spring for him in New Zealand and I'm sure there are lots going on.

This has been MOST educational for me and feeds my passion for old roses. It makes me wonder how many 'versions' or 'sports' could be out there from mass producing mail order sites. Not only in roses, but in other flora.

To me,..........Very Fascinating!

Ooopps!

Well, I finally did it! I repeated a rose I posted. It was Maman Cochet. It is just so hard to keep track of all I have/ and have written about.

Anyways, moving on.........

I have mentioned this rose before. But, for her balling in cool, damp, or humid climates. She is petal packed!. So I usually don't even look at this rose until second flush. And, she is worth it.

I was told years ago, by a Texas Rose Rustler, that this rose is a small rose, BUT, in time, all teas get big. Words worth remembering.

Mlle Francesca Kruger, is affectionately called Freddie Kruger, dubbed the name from a very funny and clever cajun in Louisiana, who used to post on the GW. Our 'Freddie' is eight years old and and is about 5'x5' and when in full bloom is a show stopper. A very care free grower here at Frogview, and clean. If you can put up with some balling, she is worth making room in the garden.

In checking references on this rose, I've noticed spelling errors. Please ignore the misspelling on the last two photos. Taken, 2008. The first two, are 2009.

Mlle Francesca Kruger, Tea
Nobonnand, 1879

Answered Questions

I would like to respond to comments left a couple of days ago in one post. It might just be, that the information will be useful to others. That being said......what I do and say is NOT written in stone and adjustments might need to be made for YOUR particular area or clime.

There is a very well known and respected rosarian on the west coast who is very generous with her knowledge. The only thing is, her writing style made me crazy! It took me years (and I mean years) to decipher what this woman was saying. And, what she was saying was brilliant. I should email this lady and apologize for being what some would consider rude, as I would dismiss her because of MY lack of ability to interpret her down to earth (though antidotal) style of writing.

For spraying, I get my chemicals from the website www.primaryproducts.com . I use their formula and regime. Other spraying and fertilizing stuff, I get from www.rosmainia.com .

Purchasing the chemicals can be pricey for the initial investment. But if stored properly, will last for years.

I do use supplements. Both foliar and through root. One that I use is SuperThrive. It is a multiple hormone complex that gives a kick start to spring growth AND, I have never lost a plant using this stuff when transplanting. I also use Response. A fish derivative (I believe), that you have to be careful with. Too much is not a 'good thing'. Another I use, is Messenger. It speeds chemical exchange to leaf absorption.

I think the main thing with the chemical sprays...is consistency. It ain't gonna work if it ain't used. By the middle of summer, it is difficult to continue after the once bloomers are done. And, it has to be below 85f to spray, or you could burn the foliage. Plus, the shrubs should be well hydrated prior to spraying.

On a final note.....Roses are easy and care free to grow, IF, you find the rose that is suited for YOUR area, or clime. It is collectors like me that grow plants that aren't suited for an area, just to have a certain shrub in the collection. That equates work!

BTW......Ola! from Frogview Cottage. I hope you like Latin music. I love the Latin culture and people. Hard working, hard partying, and enjoying life! Always happy!

Maman Cochet

I have a love/hate relationship with this rose. Ilove the huge shell pink blooms that cover the shrub. But, She is a BIG girl!. Maman Cochet is the largest tea we have. She is eight foot plus, and I struggle to keep her there. She has shaded out grass and left the ground bare. Other rose growers that have this rose say she is a shy rebloomer. Not so , here at Frogview Cottage. She blooms from Spring til Fall.


These photos are 2008 and 2009.

This first photo is of her in bud at the top of the stump that is cut at eight foot.

Maman Cochet, Tea
Cochet, 1892







I am still waiting for my auger (sp) to arrive. They said Wednesday........They lie!

And finally........Betty819; you must be exhausted from reading my blog from start to finish in one night! I posted ALL your comments but I lack the time and energy to to go back and hunt them out to respond appropriately. I hope you enjoyed yourself , and thanks. I hope you continue to follow.