Climbing Rose Season

Last autumn, I decided not to clip back the Zephirine Drouhin roses totally. These roses are climbing roses, and in years past, I'd clipped them down to about 12" each fall. This year, however, I left them somewhat tied into the slats of the deck to see what they'd do.

I'm really glad I did! The roses have never looked better, and are hugely prolific this year! And just opening the door to the deck, you are knocked over by the sweet scent of these wonderful roses. (And pug.)

I like to think that I'm making Grandpa G.--the consummate rose man--proud.