At the Field of Roses, Bethlehem, N.H, by Littleton View Co.

I'd love to have the whole place swimming in roses. -James Joyce, Ulysses

Roses have always been a ubiquitous plant in many garden styles and many of us associate rose gardens with more formal styles. We often think of great estates or magnificent public gardens that have collections of roses set within boxwood borders, creating a very controlled and defined area to display different rose cultivars. However, roses are far more versatile than assumed and  also work well in informal cottage gardens and mixed borders. Landscape roses lend themselves well to contemporary garden design often used as a small hedge or border. Their dense, short habit is easy to maintain and they respond well to heavy pruning in order to control their shape. Historically, in their romantic mystique, roses have played a traditional role as a form of communication and entertainment in what is commonly referred to as The Language of Flowers.

The Language of Flowers, called floriography, is a means of cryptological  communication through the use or arrangement of flowers. Meaning has been attributed to flowers for thousands of years and it is thought to have had its beginnings in traditional cultures throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East. During the 19th century, the Victorians embraced it and embedded it well into their culture.

The Victoria era obsession in floriography finds its roots in Ottoman Turkey, specifically the court in  Constantinople and the obsession it held with tulips during the first half of the 18th century. The Victorian use of flowers as a means of covert communication bloomed alongside their growing interest in botany and the societal need to be discrete in more intimate forms of communication. Armed with floral dictionaries, Victorians often exchanged small "talking bouquets," called nosegays or tussie-mussies, which could be worn or carried as a fashion accessory.

The Language of Flowers also provided amusement and entertainment at social gatherings as well as convey more serious emotions. A pleasant diversion on a summer evening was achieved by setting aside time for floral conversation. The hostess would scatter large assortments of flowers and plants about as table-top decorations and guests would select the blossom that conveyed their thoughts or feelings.

Of all the flowers in the Victorian lexicon, the rose held particularly special importance. In fact, the Latin expression sub rosa (literally "under the rose") means something told in secret.

The floriography of roses is often expressed through color and number of flowers presented. For example:

• Red: love, respect
• Deep pink: gratitude, appreciation
• Light pink: admiration, sympathy
• White: reverence, humility
• Yellow: joy, gladness
• Orange: enthusiasm, desire
• Red and yellow blends: gaiety, joviality
• Pale blended tones: sociability, friendship
• Black Rose: dark magic, used at funerals 

Paired with the number of roses given further conveys the intended message:

• 1 rose:   love at first sight - you are "the one"
• 2 roses:  mutual love and feelings
• 3 roses:  also says "I Love You"
• 7 roses: together forever (perfect for a married couple)
• 10 roses: represents perfection
• 12 roses: the standard for "be mine" (often given on Valentine's Day)
• 13 roses:  a sign of enduring friendship
• 15 roses:  I'm sorry

So, now that roses are in full bloom, have some fun and create your own tussie-mussie garden, reflecting your sentiments to your loved ones. Which roses speak for you?

Speaking of traditions from antiquity, we are starting a new one with our First Annual Antique Fair at the Schoolhouse on June 21st. Local antique dealers will have quality antiques and collectibles for sale all day in and around our circa 1888 Meadow Schoolhouse and grounds. Live music will set the antiquing mood. Gourmand food vendor, Random Acts of Food will provide sustenance and Queen Bee Espresso will provide the caffeine. Both food vendors will also be at the Rose Festival.

So, I present to all our wonderful customers a tussie-mussie of 10 pale blended and deep pink roses and look forward to seeing you at our great vents this June!

Chihuly: The Rose 'Chihuly Floribunda' with an ever-changing array of flashy colors, was named in honor of America's famous glass artisan, Dale Chihuly. As the sun hits the opening petals, the flowers show off their spectacular colors of subtly-striped apricot yellow to dazzling orange and deep red. This 3-4' rose produces a remarkable display of 4" flowers against the deep dark green leaves and mahogany-red new growth. This rose flower has a mild, tea fragrance.

Gertrude Jekyll:The flowers of this David Austin rose start as perfect little scrolled buds and soon open into the most beautiful, large, rosette-shaped flowers of rich glowing pink. The growth is upright and vigorous and in every way reliable. The most outstanding characteristic of this lovely rose is its beautiful and perfectly-balanced Old Rose scent. This is often described as being the quintessential old rose fragrance.Grows 4-1/2' tall and 3-1/2' wide (6-8' as a climber). Winner of the 'James Mason award' 2002 from the Royal National Rose Society.

Golden Celebration:This is one of the largest-flowered and most magnificent of the David Austin English Roses. Its color is rich golden yellow and the flowers are in the form of a giant, full-petalled cup. It has excellent shapely growth, forming a nicely rounded, slightly arching shrub with ample foliage. It is very reliable and easy to grow. An ideal rose to mark any celebration or important event. The flowers are initially Tea-scented but often develop a wonderful combination of sauterne wine and strawberry. Grows 4-1/2' tall and wide (8-10' as climber) May benefit from summer pruning in most areas. Awarded the National Home Gardening Club Member Tested & Recommended Seal of Approval.