Gemini Rose

Every year my rosebushes bloom on June 1st. By the third week of May they're still showing no signs of being ready, but damned if when I stick my head outside on the morning of June 1st, they're not open and resplendent. Almost worth getting snagged by prickly branches all year round, trying to get in and out of the car in my narrow driveway.

Along the fence is a blood-red climber. On the north side of the house is a stubborn little bush which produces exactly one bloom each year. My favorite is this delicate pink beauty. I cut it almost to the ground last year, but you'd never know it.