Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Bloom Where You're Planted

You've probably heard this quote before. 


Several years ago, I mistakenly planted two Knockout Roses under a small tree in our backyard.  I thought the tree would continue to grow taller and the roses stay relatively small.  Unfortunately neither of these happened and what we ended up with was a mess.  Prior to planting those knockouts, I had also planted a tea rose and a miniature rose in the same bed. 
 
 
After two or three years, the knockouts had completely taken over, crowding my pretty pink tea rose so much, it barely bloomed and you could only see it's "little efforts" from the back of the bed. 
I actually forgot about the miniature rose bush. 


(This photo shows the knockouts (dark pink) crowding the small tree.  The miniature rose is to the right.  Good luck finding the tea rose!)
 
When rose pruning season arrived this February, Wonderful Hubby and I decided to take out those knockouts.  I planned to add some colorful annuals under the little tree.  After I trimmed and he dug, we removed the overgrown bushes and were happily surprised to find both of the original rose bushes still hanging on! 
 
 
I fertilized and watered and encouraged those little bushes until recently, IN FULL GLORY, my little tea rose bloomed again.  This time, those lovely blooms could be see from our kitchen window, not from an odd angle.  It was almost like that little rose was saying, "Ah, now that's more like it!"
 
 
Don't get me wrong, Knockout Roses are wonderful - in the right place.  And they really need to be managed yearly to stay the appropriate size.  It was my mistake to place them where I did.  Live and learn.  I'm just glad my little roses stayed the coarse and continued to survive. 
 
Sometimes, we have to do the same.  The circumstances we're experiencing may be unexpected or unpleasant.  But if we just continue to 'bloom' our best, God leads us through it, helps us learn from it and lets us shine in our way. 
 
I just love lessons from the garden!




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13 comments:

My Garden Diaries said...

One of my favorite quotes for sure! And how wonderful that your stunning rose stayed strong! The blooms of that rose are just gorgeous! And your words really inspired me today! Thank you for this post friend! Wishing you a week full of pretty blooms! Nicole xoxo

Charla said...

Such beautiful flowers and beautiful writing on your blog this morning. Thanks for sharing.

Creations By Cindy said...

Love your roses! One of my daughters gave me two knockout roses and we planted them close to my fishing pond. I had been warned already not to plant them too close to other plants as they did tend to take over. So glad I listened. Love the tea rose! Yes, I too love that phrase....Bloom where you are planted. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Draffin Bears said...

Yes, that is a beautiful quote - love your pretty pink tea roses.
So glad that you found the rose again and uncovered her.

Happy day
Carolyn

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Not only did it bloom; it bloomed beautifully. What a wonderful surprise to find them still growing. laurie

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Your rose garden is gorgeous, I love roses! I also love dthe beautiful writing. Thank you for sharing and for the wonderful party. I do have a flower-plant on this table!
FABBY

MaysaAndSunshine said...

I appreciate the ease and low maintenance of the knock out roses but like you said as long as they are in the right spot. I have a few in the front. It must be like finding a hidden gem when you found the tea roses again. So pretty. I don't have much luck with roses unfortunately.

Thank you for your kind comment.

orchid0324 said...

Oh; yes, wonderfulquotes♡♡♡ And your knockouts are REALLY beautiful with sweet pink flowers!

Thank you very much for stopping by♪
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Poppy said...

Beautiful images to complement beautiful words. So lovely that you can truly enjoy your roses where they have bloomed in their newly planted place!

Poppy

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

Knockout is such an apt name for these beauties and how awesome that they are so hearty as well. Great quote!

Rowena @ rolala loves

trishie said...

What a beautiful tea rose! And obviously so hardy. Love that quote too.

Midnight Cowgirl said...

What a wonderful lesson from the garden!

Christine @ Rustic-Refined said...

Wow, your knock outs are huge, you are so right. I wish mine was doing that well...lol I am going to have to move it this Fall and give the 3 branches a pruning. I am loving your tea rose as well!