Hello Emil,

In the DNA. That is the only explanation.
My great-grandmother lived in Scotland
and her place was nothing if not covered
with roses and heathers both of which I
loved when we went to visit.

One set of grandparents lived in Provence,
nothing but lavender and roses there as well.
Another set of grandparents lived in Tuscany,
olives and roses there. In 1971 I moved to
Portland and many a trip later to their homes
my old garden had some of the most beautiful
roses -to me- that could be found anywhere.
Almost all, just like now in our new garden,
old garden roses.

After selling the house because of health reasons
and moving to a condo by the river I realized that
all the views in this world can not rival that of
a rose garden in bloom, so in July of 2000 we
bought this house and began all over again.
With over 170 roses and counting, I can tell you
that I am convinced a rose lover is born. It may
take some time and detours to become a roseholic,
but if it is in your DNA, there is no hope for you.

Allegra
who still thinks that a life without a rose garden
is not worth living ;)