“Roses on Mother's Day”

Two years ago today, Shane gave Corinne a miniature rose bush, which I then planted in the front yard next to the cement walk leading to the front door. It suffered some damage this winter, but appears to be recovering.

Last week, we planted a miniature rose bush on Shane's gravesite in Lancaster, PA. I took pictures, but the roses weren't open yet and so the pictures are really stupid looking. We'll go back sometime in the next couple months to get better shots, and the roses should be in full bloom (all summer, in fact).

Yesterday, to remind her that I still see her as a mother no matter what, and that I love her, and in honor of Shane, I gave Corinne another miniature rose bush, and planted it right next to the one Shane gave her. This has the makings of a new tradition.

I also bought one for my Mom, and drove up to Mom and Dad's house this afternoon to plant it, also in their front yard, right next to their cement walk (just a coincidence).

Miniature roses are small (duh), and look a little lonely by themselves. They're not large enough to be stand-alone "specimen" plantings. Still, I like the effect... they're hard to miss, with the bright green leaves and brightly colored flowers contrasting the black planting soil.

Moms love saying, "my son (or daughter) planted that for me on Mother's Day...," so it's good that they stand out.