This morning between the showers I indulged in a little dead-heading. Along the terrace I encountered the delightful Moss Rose 'William Lobb'. He is affectionately nicknamed 'Jack' here; a reflection of his tendency to shoot up like a beanstalk. Whilst young the Mosses are extremely tactile with soft thorns around the new flowerheads, the thorns on the previous year's growth are viscious & will shred your fingers in a flash!
Moss Roses are fascinating to look at & invoke an air of nostalgia in the garden. The sticky moss on the flowerheads creates a shabby-chic aura with a hint of the carefree summers of yester-year. William's floppy, arching growth is enchanting & to gain maximum benefit from his fragrant, deep crimson blooms we have trained him along the walkway. When in flower I love to visit him often & sit awhile in his fragrant company. Like Paul's Himalayan Musk he only flowers once, so I like to make the most of their company while they're here!
