When trying to identify rose varieties, it is sometimes useful to study and understand their more significant characteristics. For example, there is an entire, lesser known, subclass of antique roses, which is characterized by grayish foliage, dense thorns, inflexible canes, and a real reluctance to bloom at appropriate times. This subclass is also noted for its unfortunate tendency to demand unceasing care and attention, to say nothing of its demands for feeding. Perhaps the best example of this subclass of antique roses is 'R. machoseniorcitizen', a nearly useless variety, with one redeeming quality -- which I will explain shortly.
When my interest in antique roses was first sparked, I was intrigued by ‘Mrs. Dudley Cross’ because that fine old Tea rose (ca. 1907) actually changes color as the flowers age. It starts out a nice pale yellow, but soon tinges of pink appear. And before you can say "Oh, Wow", it has turned all pink and is headed for a light shade of crimson. What a great rose -- it actually has the ability to change as the blooms age!
Much the same can be said of 'R. machoseniorcitizen'. Although the changes observed in this rose are far less predictable than those in ‘Mrs. Dudley Cross’, they are every bit as dramatic and rewarding. However, since 'R. machoseniorcitizen' is very reluctant to change much of anything about itself, it may take some time, and some rather extraordinary patience, to truly appreciate this variety.
But I digress ...
As in all things, my interest in Antique Roses began suddenly and unexpectedly, and it has persisted with unrelenting fervor and intensity. You might say that it was like the onset of a sudden Texas downpour that appeared without warning from an otherwise clear and peaceful summer sky. One day, I was my normal self, and the next I was an incurable old rose fanatic, filled with an all-consuming zeal. Over the years, I have observed similar symptoms in so many other people, that I have sadly concluded that the "Antique Rose Syndrome" is an incurable and highly contagious disease - an infection readily transmitted through even the slightest casual contact. But unlike so many of the better known incurable maladies that afflict mankind, the "Antique Rose Syndrome" is not entirely debilitating. To the contrary, it has unexpected side effects. In some cases it may actually cause beneficial changes, similar to those occasionally observed in 'R. machoseniorcitizen'.
But I digress ...
As my garden grew from one specimen of ‘Old Blush, CL’, to 10 different varieties, then 50, then 130, then over 500 - (I think you get the picture), I began to notice some subtle changes in myself. These changes were not obvious at first, but over time they were every bit as visible as the increasing incidence of dirt under my fingernails, and the increasingly abundant evidence of unexpected encounters between my fingers and various sized prickles. You see, one day it occurred to me that the joy I was experiencing with my antique roses could be shared.
I am a "Dove" by nature, and my wife, Juanita, tends to be a bit more of a "Night-Owl". Now any right thinking "Dove" just knows instinctively that "Night-Owls" have got it all wrong. "Doves" are utterly and totally convinced in the depths of their beings that the first hint of light in the sky can mean only one thing - it is time to get up. (Parenthetically, "Night-Owls" hold differing views on the matter, with equal fervor). If you have ever wondered whether God has a sense of humor, just look around and see how many "Doves" are married to "Night-Owls". (Strange, but wonderful, are the ways of God!) So, as a right thinking "Dove", I always get up early in the morning, and as a "Night-Owl", Juanita prefers to sleep a bit later. She also likes her coffee -- Hot, Black, and with 3 spoonfuls of sugar.
Early one morning, the first unexpected beneficial symptoms of the "Antique Rose Syndrome" began to appear. As I was deadheading my roses, it occurred to me that Juanita might enjoy a rose bud, or even a bloom, or even several blooms. It also occurred to me that she might enjoy a cup of coffee (Hot, Black, and with 3 spoonfuls of sugar).
Now, if you have not already guessed, this was a pivotal moment for me. 'R. machoseniorcitizen' is not known for having constructive thoughts, let alone two constructive thoughts at the same time. But there it was -- the first indication of an impending change.
Before I fully realized what I was doing, I snipped off a few buds and blooms, put them in a small bottle that would serve as a miniature vase, prepared a tray, made the coffee.
It was simply astonishing how good it felt! It was even more astonishing that the good feeling continued morning, after morning, after morning. In a few months, I actually began to enjoy the fact that Juanita was a "Night-Owl" and I was a "Dove". Strange, but wonderful, are the ways of God!
Conventional wisdom says, "You can’t teach an old dog new tricks".
But then conventional wisdom also says that 'R. machoseniorcitizen' is without redeeming qualities.
But I digress ...
Last updated 10/17/2002