2023 – Ever-Blooming Roses

Throughout this glorious Spring, which recently transitioned to Summer, I have enjoyed designing a garden full of flourishing blooms at my new home in Maryland, Zone 7b. I’ve added a few flower beds that several roses call home while fuzzy lamb’s ears and purple bursts of lavender are nestled nearby. One said rose, a floribunda, known as ‘Intrigue’ boasts wine colored velvet petals. Her intriguing beauty and delightful fragrance keeps me coming back for more! She briefly displayed slight blackspot, but her foliage appears to be quite disease resistant thus far. Intrigue’s prolific blooms, stunning color, delectable fragrance, and vibrant, healthy leaves has me intrigued. This impulse, Mother’s Day purchase made at Stauffer’s Kissel nursery in York, PA has been a joy. An ever-blooming rose indeed!

–Carrie Renee Turner

In 2022, inspired by my sons, I went back to college. I never finished because life happened. My oldest son graduated college this year and my youngest son entered college this year. As for me, I took 12 credits while working full-time. My major is Legal Studies, which is appropriate since I work at a law firm. Unlike in my younger years, I am enjoying learning and am getting straight A’s! 🙂 Over the span of this year, in addition to college classes and working, I finished writing my first novel, which I am still editing but hope to self-publish soon. Also, towards the latter part of this year, I bought a cute home in Maryland (with a water view and garden)!

Though some tears were shed, overall, I feel 2022 was a productive, blossoming year. In 2023, I hope to plant roses and more seeds of hope! What are your gardening goals or other goals for 2023? Leave a comment — I’d love to encourage you.

Bloom where you are planted, but also don’t be afraid to be transplanted.

ps-my next class starts mid-January!!