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Friday, May 21, 2010

Roses

Surf Rider, 1968

When Sarah Owens, the rosarian in charge of the Rose Garden at the BBG, asked what I hoped to learn while volunteering there (one day a week, flexible hours), I think I looked a bit blank. There I was, thinking I could contribute, and I was being asked what I would like to be taught...

Now, every additional hour I spend pulling out a weed or raking some mulch, glancing over my shoulder at yet another rose, or mulling over a question a visitor asked me that I could not quite answer (what exactly is a moss rose?) - I realize that I know less and less. Which is great! There is so much to learn.

One of the unexpected benefits for me is talking to visitors, because everyone stops to ask questions. Happily, there are many I am able to answer. And it also struck me that every person I saw that day wanted to be there. Almost every person I saw bent down to smell the roses.

I can't wait to weed some more.

It's nice being a pupil, in a way. I am used to being in charge, making big decisions, painting with broad botanical sweeps. Sarah is a wonderful teacher, and I am looking forward to Asking Questions.

Variegata di Bologna Rouge, 1984

Suzanne, 1950

Golden Wings, 1956

Autumn Damask, 1819

If you have questions about the volunteer program at the Garden, please contact Lou Cesario, Director of Visitor Services and Volunteers at 718-623-7260 or loucesario(at)bbg(dot)org.
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11 comments:

  1. dianasfaria.comMay 21, 2010 at 9:18 AM

    these roses are amazing! & you sound like you are having fun learning.

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  2. rachelMay 21, 2010 at 9:25 AM

    I'd never heard that word 'rosarian' before. Sounds awfully Catholic.....

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  3. MarieMay 21, 2010 at 10:47 AM

    Lily H - yes, I am :-)

    Rachel - very proper.

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  4. HenMay 21, 2010 at 11:54 AM

    Lucky you - my idea of heaven, being surrounded by roses

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  5. MarieMay 21, 2010 at 12:06 PM

    Hen, well, it's All Your Fault. You surrounded me with roses! xxx

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  6. AnyesMay 21, 2010 at 3:48 PM

    Don't you love being a student? In such a beautiful classroom too, the learning must be fun...:-)

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  7. AnonymousMay 21, 2010 at 4:49 PM

    Fantastic opportunity! I'm enjoying the vicarious visits to some dear favourites ;-)

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  8. IkaikaMay 22, 2010 at 3:32 AM

    Beautiful pictures, Marie! When I was working for our local newspaper, I wrote a feature article on our local Rosarian ... fascinating lady.

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  9. GreenguruMay 22, 2010 at 8:09 AM

    Thank you Marie for such gorgeous photos of the roses! It is such a pleasure to have you at the Cranford!

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  10. MarieMay 22, 2010 at 10:52 AM

    Anyes - yes, it a depends on the subject and the teacher, doesn't it?

    MIT - remind me where you grew roses, again?

    Ikaika - you are an eentersteen' wooman :-)

    S -! Well, thank for vising here :-)

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  11. dinahmowMay 22, 2010 at 11:16 PM

    I've been off-line all week!
    Where I grrew roses...well, in London, on the roof of a connecting building, I had a Pauls Scarlet in a big tub.
    Before I moved to the tropics I lived south of Brisbane and was severely bitten by the Heritage bug.Perhaps I should write a post...

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