Every year, in the third week of June, my rose and perennials gardens reach the peak bloom time, and we invite neighbours and friends to a Garden Party/Open Garden. The refreshments are lemony--a punchbowl filled with French 75 cocktail, lemonade, and lemon cookies. But my attire is as rosy as I can make it--and this year, I appeared in what seems to be the rosy-est dress in existence! Our guests also wear summery florals, and many come in summer hats.
My gardens contain 185 rose bushes of various types, many ancient and historic varieties as well as modern hybrids by David Austin's company and other breeders. Only a few haven't yet blossomed.
On the day of the party, the weather was perfect and the flowers spectacular:
A refreshments table--with rosy cloth, of course!
I made an ice ring for the punchbowl with lemon slices and violas.
And Rosa Mundi is also a 16th century variety.
