One of the special pleasures of growing roses comes when I get to cut away the early twiggy growth on an own-root plant which has finally settled into its site, and is putting on healthy new growth. The little Ralph Moore miniature/shrub rose Softee has been a bit slow reaching that point, but recently I noted that this small plant had lots of bloom on it, so I dropped down to check it out. Yep! Time to remove the twiggies. Softee had finally got comfortable and was producing nice new growth.

With two years in the ground, Softee is now 1 1/4 feet tall and 2 1/4 feet wide. The buds open a creamy yellow and age to ivory, lasting quite well on the bush.

Plants like this are a bit like what wildflower people call 'Belly Flowers'. To appreciate the tiny plants and flowers, one needs to get close. You can also think of this as Garden Exercise, a good way to build flexibility and leg strength. The pretty little blooms on Softee make the effort well worthwhile.

~ Photography and comment from Christine, Reno, NV 2009 ~