I’m trying to figure out how to steal a few beach roses from the State Park Beach we are lucky enough to have just down the road a piece. How much trouble would you get in if you were caught in the act?.. hmm…
I took Ben for a walk yesterday as the clouds starting rolling in due to Tropical Storm Andrea way down in Florida.
If I could bottle that smell of Rosa Rugosa, a species of rose native to Asia, I would send you all a little…it’s the most heavenly scent if you’re not familiar with it. As we walked down the sandy lane, the smell lifted and swirled with the sea breeze and I thought.. even a troubled soul would feel tranquility here.
The roses come in several shades from white to deep fuchsia..
and I noticed they were vibrant and abundant this year.
Hurricane Sandy sandblasted them and
I figured they were decimated.. but it turns out they were rejuvenated.
Nature has its ways and means, you know.
Unfortunately for us, dogs aren’t allowed on the beach from May through September.
We took a peek anyway…
…sat on this beautiful piece of driftwood..wish I could lug it home
to my seaside real estate garden.
…and I thought of how I could do the stealing… of just one plant or two.
Ben took a drink at the dog spicket ( I just love that.)
There is a spicket for people and dogs on a road to Gay Head (Aquinnah)
on Marthas Vineyard .. a warm extension to people passing by.
This gesture always warms my heart when I see it in a public place.
Ben is now five years old… mid-middle age for a Great Dane.
Due to their size, their life span is relatively short.
Eight years is old for a Dane.
This makes me very sad.
I see him beginning to slow down and I rue the day…..
not even going there.
This is my buddy right here…
If I could give every person the comfort and companionship of a good dog,
the world would be a better place for sure.
Let’s go home, Ben. We’ve got some leftover steak in the fridge
and it has your name on it.
I love him. That is a great photo of you!
My George (AmStaff dog) is seven now. I can't even think about that. I won't today!
Karen, you don't need to steal a whole plant or two. Take a few cuttings and root your own. Be aware, though, that Rosa rugosa is so good at holding those dunes because it suckers like mad. One plant will be a thicket in a few years, as it matures and sends out underground runners … this is not a bad thing, just plan accordingly.
You and beautiful Ben stay safe!
I love your buddy! What great pics… and I still can't believe YOU have to pick him up to get him in your jeep! LOL
Awww….Ben has such a gentle face…what a good friend! I know what you mean. I have two more elderly dogs right now,and after having lost two this past year…I can hardly bear the thought that two more may pass in the somewhat near future. Dogs make better friends than people…I hate to say! Dogs love unconditionally and are never in a bad mood. They give us so much more than we give them!
Have a great soggy day!!
Bev
Gorgeous! Oh that blissful fragrance. Could you take a cutting and try to propagate from that? I would imagine since they're wild they would propagate much easier than a fussy garden rose. Are they technically considered "invasive"? Also you could contact your local master gardener association through university extension…they'll be able to help you get a few. I'm sure for every person like you or I who adores them, there are others who think they're weeds! Can't even go there with doggie age. He looks great in his middle age 🙂 hope he doesn't feel the need to pierce his ear and buy a convertible.
Love the picture of you and your buddy. What a pretty place to go for a walk.
What a beautiful walk. Love the picture of the two of you and the roses of course. Our honeysuckle and berry vines are in full bloom and smell divine!
What a lovely day for you and your best friend.
I love that you take us with you on your walks! I still treasure the 1/2 hr we spent on Narraganset when we were down in RI…
he is a good boy… and those roses are gorgeous!
I could sure use some tranquility, a beach and definitely a loving doggie companion!
Lovely photos… LOVELY!
I love rugosas! And yes, they do sucker, but hey, you have a large enough property I don't think it matters! Plus they are "deer resistant" if that is a problem for you. Thanks for all the pictures! Ben is a sweetie!
That is a great picture of you and Ben 🙂
I love Ben such a awesome dog ! Steak is mama spoiling him ?
Good gravy, Karen…don't do it!!! I don't think you'd be able to blog from jail! …:)JP
Karen, they are beautiful roses with a beautiful scent but they are also terribly invasive. a huge problem in our valley as they spread like wildfire and it takes a lot of work to contain/restrain them.
Hi Karen that photo of you and Ben is beautiful.The love of a dog is like no other.I had to give my little pug dog away recently due to the wounds on my legs she kept jumping up on me or knocking me and as she was a house dog it was unfair to keep her outside.I miss her terribly so does my boy but she is being totally spoilt and is very happy.when I get better that is the first thing I am doing 'getting a new dog"hey just wondering do you have cats?I cant remember ever hearing you talk about them-love dee x
Great pictures. How true that the company of a good dog softens the soul. What a great world this would be!
Our GSDs are 5 and 6 now and I realize they are likely at middle age. How did that happen?
We have those roses here too, just not as large. They grow alongside the gravel roads and along the lane. So pretty.
I remember the first time I got out of the car in Owl's Head, Me. while visiting friends's parents – the Ruba Ragosa fragrance could knock you flat.
It is an enduring memory – we went back many times until their parents passed away.
We cannot grow these down here in the heat – too bad – they are heaven.