Out of Hibernation & Bare Root Roses

*Stretchhhhhhh* The deep slumber the ground has been under gives way to the song birds and warming days. We are nowhere beyond winter; but, the hope of spring is upon us as snow quickly melts and flowers begin to attempt emergence from rest well deserved after a season of production. Here we've been going in every other direction due to loss of work time and preparing for some big changes that have occurred during the winter: such as preparing for a possible move because of work and the loss of a dear mentor and friend. God has really been working lately and I'm excited to see each month pass on to new possibilities in my life.

I've thought of the blog often, yet winter does not provide much material that is substantial for anyone's enjoyment. Today that changes! After a beautiful and warm day here in the mountains, following two heavy snow fronts, I needed to get motivated for the season ahead. Last summer I ventured more into plant propagation via cuttings; I rooted many hydrangeas, wigelia, and a few roses and other specimens. Earlier in the winter I covered the small cuttings with pine straw for protection and with hopes of them growing back. While working with the cuttings were easy I had little luck with most of the roses. The past few weeks, between snows, stores have begun to stock bare-root roses. Bare-root roses are a great option because of the price being much cheaper than grown stock. One local discount store has a large selection  priced at 2 for $7 and these are grade 1.5, which is not great, but cheap. One draw back with the cheaper rose grade 1.5 is the chance rose mosaic virus which is said to be common with cheaper stock. It's okay to spend less and see what happens, it's more exciting and challenging that way. Home Depot also has a quite a small, but healthy selection of grade 1 roses for less than $10. I'm willing to chance it and see how the 1.5's grow, you know when you've been nearly plant-less for a few months you'll do anything. So here is the rundown of my attempt to grow bare root roses.

'Tropicana' Hybrid Tea Rose

• 4-6 Feet Tall with Bush Shape
• Coral-Orange Double Tea Blooms
• Introduced in 1960 & Non-Patented
• Super Fragrant

Soak in cool water for 12-24 hours. These have more leaf buds because I brought this inside to protect from the 8+ inches of snow and negative temperature.

A few new roots *yay*

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One Week After Planting

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One month after purchase and many nights covered in blankets.

'Lowell Thomas'

'Tropicana"

Beauty unfurling

Oven Roasted Rabbit

Yes, I live in the North Georgia Mountains and rabbit used to be a staple food, along with squirrel and game birds. A store in Western North Carolina sells frozen rabbits which we always passed up until this week. Rabbit meat is leaner than chicken and pork, it also has a bland flavor like the white meat of chicken. It lends its self well to the seasonings and is quite a nice protein. Ready to try?

Roasted Rabbit

• 2.5 to 3 lb Rabbit
• 1/8 Cup Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Chicken Seasoning, (Weber's Beer Can Chicken Seasoning used in this recipe)

1. Thaw in fridge over night if the rabbit is frozen, drain and wash carcass clean. Preheat oven to 325°f. Line baking sheet or dish with parchment paper for easy cleaning. 
2. Coat meat thoroughly with olive oil and seasonings. Bake for twenty minutes then flip and baste with olive oil. Cook an additional twenty to thirty minutes depending on thickness. 
3. Check meat for a temp of 160°f and allow to set before cutting. Cut meat into portions, video below gives an idea on how to butcher the meat. Serve and enjoy.

Good Bye Summer!

I never liked summer, it's way to hot in the south. There is one good thing about summer: flowers! Here are a few of the new mainstays in our garden that I can't wait to see again next year. Tonight is our first cold night and fall has began to really set in; daffodils are in the ground and pansies soon will be, too.

Red: Dahlia & White: Nicotina

Toad Lily given to me by a local greenhouse, the owner had never seen one before and the plant was very root bound. Once I placed it in a three gallon container from a one gallon container this plant exploded and was covered in these unique blooms.

A type of blue rose that is not blue, I have totally blanked on the name.

My new butterfly bushes actually attracted butterflies!!!

The first time I've ever seen a Hen & Chicks plant bloom, I've had this plant for a few years now.

Beautiful mushrooms were abundant this year with all the rain we received.

Passion flowers with tasty fruit to follow.

Double daylilies were a real surprise when I received this unnamed daylily earlier this spring.

Mustang daylilies bloomed for the first time since planting them three years ago.

Yummy Chanterelle mushrooms in the woods

Queen Anne's Lace getting ready to bloom.

Winged Summac

Cosmos which eventually rotted in the rain soaked clay.

Salvia, a very popular plant to the hummingbirds.

Red Asiatic Lily

Beautiful Lantana

White Drift Rose

A wild, strongly scented pale pink rose.

Snow-on-the-Mountain, now if that kind of name doesn't summon ideas of what's ahead.

Happy Fall Y'all!!!