The Holler is rural and rustic, so when I first moved here, almost seven years ago now, I first planted roses.
It was an act of faith. Roses are civil, and I wasn’t sure this place was.
Somehow I knew from the very beginning to encase their roots in chicken wire to repel the gophers who turned out to be legion.
This first day of spring, The Holler roses are in wild, exuberant bloom!
At night I hoot in communion with the owls, in the morning I wake up to be greeted by the hawks.
This is the most civil place I have ever lived.
Cheers to you and Happy Spring from The Holler’s Bloominng roses~
Stunning! The Holler sounds like a wonderful place.
When I first moved here I had nightmares about the rattlers and black widow spiders. Now I take their fotos! 😉
I love roses. I might have to wait a little bit longer, since we are suppose to have SNOW (really) next week, but I am ready for spring and cant wait to see blooms on my roses.
Eeeks more snow! Spring needs to hurry on in……
It was a rainy day, in the high 40’s and I heard an ice cream truck outside LOL. Only in Ohio 🙂
Oh my, maybe you should start a hot chocolate concession!
Cindy, these are absolutely stunning!!! Cher xo
So pleased you enjoyed them and Happy first day of spring!
Thank you, Cindy! Happy first day of spring to you, too!!
<3
Forever civil, never civilized.
That is a true statement if ever I read one!
Reblogged this on Life of an EP Woman and commented:
Beautiful!
Wonderful to meet and I love your blog! Looks like you are new to blogging, so welcome! Thank you for your thoughfulness and for stopping by. Cheers to you~
Love the bigger than life roses, beautiful!
Thank you kindly and Happy Spring!
Such exquisite and robust blooms – you’ve done yourself proud! 🙂
Actually, don’t tell anyone but the roses did all the work. I just took their pics….. 😉
How humble of you… How can I believe that you don’t mulch, feed or water them? 😉
Well, yeah, but consider what they have done in return! 😉
Soooooo beautiful!
You are so kind. Happy Friday my friend~
These are beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
Awwww, so are you my friend~
The roses are gorgeous, Cindy!
Pleased you enjoyed them & happy Friday!
They are stunning 🙂 have a fantastic weekend!
<3
So lovely!
Mil grazi and Happy Friday to you!
Beautiful roses! They bloom early there.
And late! I prune them back in January~
You have a green thumb, Cindy. These are beautiful. Happy Holler Spring. 🙂
Happy spring to you too Lynne!
Wow, what gorgeous photos and roses!!! Hugs, N 🙂 <3
Hugs & happy spring Natalie! <3
Sensational! <3
Awww, thanks Bette! Hope it’s warming up in Maine……
Oh Cindy, your roses look wonderful! Are they really out already? Do they have a scent?
Leslie
Oh yes, lots of scent, each type different! Can’t believe how many blooms. I should have taken a pano of the bushes……..
Some people might turn up their noses
And think it too rustic for roses,
But they would be truly surprised—
For Cindy’s a hoot,
Every photo she shoots
Shows the holler is quite civilized!
Laughing, love it! I think I should make it into a garden sign by the bench in the midst of the roses. I think I will and cite the poet. How lovely Cynthia my soul sister!
Beautiful pictures, Cindy – I bet the scent is just as wonderful. The Holler seems like some kind of Nirvana… 🙂 Cheers to you x
That is just because I only post photos of the pretty stuff! Laughing. Wonderful to hear from you! I will head over to your blog to see what you’re up too. I am going to be in your country very soon~
I have been rather dormant blog-wise for a while because I have been a bit poorly in recent months. But on the mend now, I am pleased to say 🙂 When and where will you be visiting in the UK? Are you coming to Scotland?
On the mend, is good, poorly is not. I am so sorry. You are such an awesome person, with such musical talent. I learn from you and I missed you. That is one problem with blogging, you can’t really follow up on your friends without being intrusive. I am super pleased you are on the mend now. We pop into London for a day, and then head off to self drive Africa for around 10 days. Then we return to London for a week of TLC. I have no idea how much energy we will have at this point, or where we will feel up to going. Jim might possibly just be motivated to go to the local pub. Poor guy has to do the driving. I’m pretty sure I told you my maternal grandmother was a very proud Scot. We are going to Scotland in 2016 if all goes according to plan. Where are you in Scotland?
What an awesome trip that sounds – like all your adventures! And Jim is awesome too!! 🙂 We are in Edinburgh, but Scotland is a village, as they say, so if you happened to be coming anywhere near by, it would be so super to meet up if you had time – plenty of time to think about that one though!! Meanwhile, I hope to get back to music, which I have missed – thank you for your kind words. Your lovely posts have been a joy to look at even if I have not felt up to commenting 🙂 xx
I am so glad we are back in touch and you are improving. Sounds like you had a rough time of it and I I send you my healing thoughts and prayers, as well as sincere empathy. I will drop you a line when we return to London if we are feeling up for the train ride to beautiful Edinburough. Take good care my friend. <3
Cindy, what exuberance! Magnificent roses, you have done well! I love the ones with the different colour on the reverse of the petal especially! 🙂
They are so pretty. I handpicked every bush, so I have only colors I love! So glad you like them too~
Yes, rural places are quite civil and peaceful for sure! And on top of their civility, I’ll bet the roses also give off a sweet scent that is divine! 🙂
They do indeed smell divine and I know you would not be surprised Lynn to hear that wild animals make the most civil neighbors of them all! 😉
What a display of beautiful roses dear Cindy! They are all bright thanks to your loving care my dear friend ! ~ Happy Spring to yoy too ~ 🙂
Happy spring to you Doda and I hope you are doing well my friend!
They are so perfect in every way and the detail in the photos show them well.
I love seeing the detail that the zoom lense picks up. It’s a whole other world, under our noses! So pleased you enjoyed my friend and cheers to you~
And to you, Cindy. Enjoy a new spring.
<3
Beautiful roses, and stunning pictures! Thanks for sharing them. We are still under snow here! ~Rita
It is strange isn’t it? One coast deluged with epic snow and the other epic drought. Fire and Ice. Scary really…..
Yes, it is strange. Hopefully the weather issues resolve for all of us soon. In the meantime it was wonderful to see your so full of life roses. I really enjoyed them.
I am so glad you did and have a wonderful weekend~
Ooooooo Ahhhhhh
Laughing……Be well my friend~
Your roses are beautiful! I should plant some in my yard too! Have a wonderful weekend, hugz Lisa and Bear
Well don’t should on yourself, only if you really want too, and there are so many other flowers one can grow! Happy Friday Lisa~
Nice. Our roses are only thinking about leafing out.
Ahhhh, but the thought is everything! 😉
Wow, beautiful roses.
😀
Very pleased you enjoyed them and have a wonderful weekend!
Reblogged this on Higher Density Blog.
So kind of you and so appreciated too! Thank you~
\(♥‿♥)/
I want to learn how you do these awesome graphicons! Let me try,
/(<3 <3)/
I looked and it didn’t work at all. You rock~
Just copy and paste from mine! (°̀‿°́)✌
And be a copy Cat! Never! 😉
The flowers look almost paper like…
I love that quality in flowers! thanks for noticing~
Me too! Papery
Beautiful flowers and it is beautiful country that you live in, I am quite sure that your personality also brightens up the landscape for those who share surroundings.
I fit in most well with all the wild animals! 😉
Stunning!
Mil grazi~
Uniquely beautiful roses posted on the first day of spring. Starting today, bunch of us in the world are celebrating our new year! Yahoo!!! 🙂
Yes the Bahai New Year! Happy New Year my dear friend Fae and happy Saturday too~
The holler sounds wonderful. Especially now with the roses and the animals. Thank you for sharing.
Plants and animals make the most congenial neighbors! 😉
Yes, I agree.
Ah and I only have one rose at present and a lot of wild!
Wild roses are spectacular! I see them only rarely~
The roses are very pretty, Cindy.
Awwww, thank you Ranu and be well~
They are so beautiful!!!
Very happy you enjoyed them~
Your own beautiful addition to the wildness of your special Holler…you must take good care of them for them to look this perfect! Spring is still just an occasionally less cruel wind here so thanks for sharing.
So you must get an almost abrupt beginning of summer. One of the most interesting surprises about blogging to me is talking to bloggers from all over the world whose climate is so entirely different from place to place. Cultural differences are nothing compared to me trying to contemplate what a winter like you have experienced is like. People deluged in excess precipitation can’t really get their heads around year after year of drought. Never expected this and it is most interesting. People have fundamental similarities. Climate doesn’t.
Absolutely stunning as always like your other posts.
Awwwww, so nice & so appreciated~
How beautiful! I cannot wait to see roses again. Having just had yet more snow and then freezing fog last night, I’m desperately hungry for any signs of spring or summer. Thanks for ‘gifting’ me with such a lovely photographic bouquet just when I most needed one!
I cannot believe how tough the winter has been for so many. I am going to recopy my reply from above regarding climate and blogging. I hope spring comes for you very soon my friend. Winter must be getting quite tiresome. Here is the recopy:
“So you must get an almost abrupt beginning of summer. One of the most interesting surprises about blogging to me is talking to bloggers from all over the world whose climate is so entirely different from place to place. Cultural differences are nothing compared to me trying to contemplate what a winter like you have experienced is like. People deluged in excess precipitation can’t really get their heads around year after year of drought. Never expected this and it is most interesting. People have fundamental similarities. Climate doesn’t.”
Climate varies greatly throughout the US. You’re right about the views of those being deluged with precip versus those experiencing drought.
Liebe Cindy das sind ja Rosenfotos eine schöner als die andere sei ganz lieb gegrüßt in Freundschaft Klaus und ein super Wochenende
Guten Morgen Klaus! Danke fur Ihre sehr freundlichen Worte und Frohliches Sonntag, Ihnen mein Freund~
super wunderschön, schönes Wochenende, Klaus
Vielen Dank und Frohliches Sonntag bis du mein Freund Klaus~ .
danke sehr
Beautiful colors in your roses – I love pretty and also with a lovely scent 🙂 Happy spring to you 🙂
Yes floral scents are transporting to me too! Happy weekend~
Tolle Rosen wünsche ein schönes Wochenende liebe Grüße Gislinde
Danke Gislinde und Frohliches Sonntag, Ihnen mein lieber Freund! <3
Gorgeous roses Cindy!
Merci beaucoup~
Beauties all…
So happy you enjoyed……
Lovely!!! All of them…but I really adore that Sterling Silver. 🙂
Yes, a long time favorite of mine too and I have two! 😉
Oooo lucky you!
Cindy, thank you for these lovely rose pictures. Hugs! Veraiconica
Hugs back to you Veraiconica and Happy Weekend my friend~
Those are spectacular! We finally planted our first rose bush last year. We have a ton of ravenous deer out here and knew they’d mow the rose bushes down in no time but a nasty patch of multi-flora rosa is dying in our fenced chicken area – we kept it as a place for the chickens to hide in – so we put in a rose bush hoping we’ll have something pretty and not as invasive for chicken protection and my enjoyment. 🙂
Oooooh, let me know how it works out. Who knows if one bush works, you might plant another and then everything will be coming up roses for you! 😉
Beautiful roses from you garden, Cindy! The droplet on the 4th one is remarkable, Wow!!!
Thank you Amy.I thought it was quite nice of the water droplet to pose so perfectly for the shot! 😉
Hi Cindy. They were my Mums favourite flower mint as well. Thank you so much for liking my poem Crop Circles! Take Care. The Foureyed Poet.
You take care too my friend and have a lovely weekend~
Great photos <3 a smile
Mi grazi! <3
Exquisite blooms, Cindy. 🙂
Thank you my friend & cheers too!
Cindy, they are a wonderful sight. Your photos, lovely as always, a true gift on such a grey day with the river filling and several more days of rain forecasted. Thank you! 🙂
Thank you Lea, and rain or not it is still Francais! 🙂 Soon your village will be covered in blooms! Be well my friend~ <3
True Cindy, it is France and magical! However your lovely flowers are appreciated and we would happily send you some of this rain!
Cindy, thank you sooo much for a real day-brightener! That lilac-hued one is spectacular (not that the others aren’t, of course, but I just happen to LOVE unusual colored roses!!). What a beautiful spot you’ve got — and I’m most impressed at your knowledge to protect the roots from gophers! I didn’t know that (of course, we don’t have the little fur-balls, ha!)
I was seeing all these gopher digs around and knew the roses would be toast in no time. So I rimmed the root ball on all side with chicken wire. Now I do it with every plant. Poor gophers have to go somewhere else to dine!
You have a wonderful resiliency, a joyful expectation in all that you do. Planting roses is an act of faith, of hope, of love. These are the very things that make our world beautiful and our community strong and ready to embrace their individual journeys.
Awwww, such lovely sentiment, so beautifully expressed. But then this is you Rebecca and a reflection of your heart. <3 <3
beautiful set of roses
Thank you kindly!
You did amazingly well with the roses! I love them but do not even attempt them any more. What a way to welcome spring. I have been missing your posts but always enjoy them – as do so many more! Cheers! Thank you for your recent visit to my humble blog.
I love your blog and am so glad you stopped by! Roses are definitely more labor intensive when grown by the coast. So glad you enjoyed them and cheeers to you!
Fabulous roses. These would send me into seventh heaven, I croon over every bloom in my garden.
Yes, being surrounded by flowers is heaven for me too! We are flower children~
You really capture me with your posts, beautiful pictures and elegant writing.
Awwwwww, so wonderfully kind! Thank you and cheers to you~
<3 You are welcome Cindy, cheers to you too
Interesting light, and of course, pretty flowers.
I wanted to add (too hasty!) that I always like the effect you get with a black background–like you took the photo a night with a bright light on the rose.
Yes, I goof around with this, photograph the flowers outside, with no flash inside against a black background, and with flash inside against a black background. This post has a mix of the first two. Thank you for noticing!
Reblogged this on Voices and Visions.
You are so thoughtful! Thank you my friend and be well~ <3
Very civil and proper roses, Cindy. But I would bet big bucks that wild roses also have a hallowed place in the Holler. But on to hooting. I think we have talked about your Dr. Doolittle tendencies before— and the fact that we share this little bit of strangeness. Lately I have been gobbling with our wild tom turkeys who stroll around in pairs. They immediately fluff up, stick their necks out, and gobble back at me in unison. It’s quite hilarious, actually. –Curt
It is just plain fact that birds appreciate humanoids taking the time to learn their language and can be quite chatty in response. Sometimes I feel like the Great Horned Owls get annoyed with me when I draw a close to the duet. What can I say? I get tired. What do they think I am? A night owl?
🙂 Laughing.
So beautiful Cindy! I can practically smell them from here. 😀
So glad you enjoyed them Jackie, and I was just admiring your new blog. Gorgeous pics!
Thank you so much for visiting (and following) my new blog and your kind words! I appreciate it very much. 🙂
Following your blog is my pleasure~ <3
These roses are exquisite! I can “feel” their fragrance just looking at the pictures! Add the birds…definitely a civil place 🙂
I wish the computer could transmit scent! Wild animals definitely make for the most civil neighbors. 😉
Oh mine, they are magnificent! I didn’t know about this place.
I see, it’s how you named it. You definitely have a green thumb! I appreciate what you’re doing to save the gophers. I’m sure they are grateful also.
Plants are definitely my compadres. I love to grow them and watch them take off and be around them. I am so glad you enjoyed Maria and cheers to you my friend~
Cindy – I love your floral pics and this post flowed so well – but I find that I kept going back to that very first one – at least three times – the veins and the color there – it is my fav of the series for sure – 🙂 and I can see why the plants are your companions – they must love you back
I think of plants are the most benign living things on this planet. They take in C02 and respire out pure oxygen, they provide food, shelter, heat, flowers and natural perfume. I love them and love taking care of them. Thank you for your thoughtful words~
de nada and I like the way you describe flowers! and one of my favorite unexpected beauties was when i bought an eggplant starter ons ale – when it bloomed – oh those flowers took my breathe away 🙂 have a nice day Cindy
I have never seen an eggplant flower. I will google it now. I may just want to plant some……;)
Lovely photos Cindy… wow
If I am really lucky, I might get a capture of you very soon captioned, “Species humanoid, location South Africa.” Laughing……..;) 😉 Thanks my friend for the nice compliment.
Those roses are magnificent.
Awwww, so nice Rachel! <3
liebe Cindy, schönen Sonntag, Klaus
Vielen danke mein Freund Klaus~
gerne
Fabulous roses – do they have a nice odor. So many of the ones we buy have none!
The scent is almost hypnotizing for me. They are best blooming outdoors in this profusion of blended color and scent! Cheers to you & thanks too~
Ah, my favorite rose, showing off her roses. Are they all in bloom now, Cindy. They are just beautiful. Here they are still inside insulating cones, protecting them from late frosts and freeze for a few more weeks…, but the crocus are starting to bloom !!!
Hugs, Cuz. 🙂
Yay for crocus! Spring is coming to you cuz! And yes they are all blooming including the coco locos!
Pure silk and magic Cindy – have a beautiful week!
You too my friend & cheers!
I do particularly like the multi-coloured. They always seem to be most vibrant. I hope you enjoy your garden.
http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/love/love0003.gif
Yes, I agree and I love your clever emoticon , she is all heart!
Beautiful!
Mil grazi!
Do you cut them and bring them indoors?
The ones with the dark backgrounds I did. I’m not sure which way I like most……
Those are some seriously spectacular varieties of roses you have there! I wonder if the lavender-ish one with the ruffles is Angel Face. An old favorite of mine. But wow, those bicolored beauties are incredible!! 😀
Thanks much and I think they are sterlings but not certain. It’s impossible for me to have a favorite. I love them all!
Ah, Sterling. Yep, bet you’re right! And yes, it’d be tough to pick just one (or even ten) favorite/s. So many roses, so little time. 😀
Good think we don’t have to choose! 😉
oh my gosh I can hardly wait for my bulbs to come up. Snow is almost gone.
Nothing better than spring bulbs! I can’t wait for you~
sumptuous. I can practically smell their aroma!
Wish I could send you a boquet!
Holler seems to be a good place for roses, Cindi, they look wonderful. Amazing that the roses are out already, we have to wait two months. Did you choose roses with a fragrance? I can’t think of a better start in the day than to bend over the roses in the morning and inhale their sweet fragrance, each rose with a different tune to it.
Wishing you a good start in the new week,
Dina
Yes indeed. The scented have a pronounced positive effect on my psyche too. I selected roses for color and scent. When your roses do bloom, they will more than make up for the harsh winter!
Oh, I do agree. The right place to rejuvenate and feel good. 🙂
Works for us both! <3
Der Rose einen lieben Gruß, beste Grüße, Klaus
Guten Tag und vielen, vielen dank Klaus! <3
ich danke dir
Simply beautiful!
Merco beaucoup!
ahaha it’s Merci Beaucoup. De rien 😀
Yep! I am the queen of the typo! Merci beaucoup mon ami~
I had no idea your have to protect roses from gophers. The little devils. 🙂
I had no idea about gophers either until I moved in amongst hordes of them. One actually had the temerity to come up to my boot tip to scold me for inadvertantly flooding her den. Cheeky, toothy little mama. I was totally impressed with her courage. She came to confront Goliath for placing her babies in harms way. I backed up and apologized!
What a great story! I guess moms of any species are forces to be reckoned with. 🙂
So very beautiful!
Awwww, so glad you enjoyed!
You have provided a stunning start to spring.
Well that is so nice to say! Happy spring to you~
These roses are very luxurious.
So pleased you think so & cheers to you~
Unbelievably beautiful Cindy. Your garden must smell yumshish! I love pinks the most but the bottom ones are insane, Omgosh! Do you feed them with anything?
I do feed them three times a year with bayer 3 in 1. I wish I could give you a new pink rose to hold in your teeth! 😉
O-lay! (aqua sneakers just did a stomp stomp, while I clapped my hands over my head) A rose in my teeth and fire in my soul, LOL. Well, maybe just a wee tickle in my soul, kind of like butterflies. Bayer ! I’ve never heard that before, WOW !
Laughing…….You are one witty, creative chica! I can see you stomping in your aqua sneakers and clapping, with (my rose) in your teeth and your tickle in your soul. Some people add good, and joy, to the world. You are one such. <3 <3 <3
Stunning shots. I love roses … wish I could smell them 🙂
I wish I could send you some!
wünsche einen guten Tag, Klaus
Danke und haben Sie einen guten Abend Klaus!
ich danke dir sehr
<3 <3
I’ve never seen such perfect roses, even in an English garden!
Oh I am truly honored!
Oh my goodness, Cindy! Those roses are a feast for my eyes. Gorgeous! It’s just another day in paradise for you. 😀
So happy you feasted and cheers to you!
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Just what I needed today after a wet week.. these beautiful images of roses from Cindy Knoke.. brilliant.
So pleased they gave you a lift and so appreciate your thoughtfulness my friend. Have a happy rest of your week~
Thank you for sharing these blooms. Still cold in New York so it’s balm to the soul.
If this provided some balm to your soul, then I am glad I posted! <3
Beautiful roses, Cindy. What a privilege to live in the Holler 🙂 Pawkisses 🙂 <3
Of course you might not say this if almost stepped on a rattlesnake! 😉 😉
The closeups are astonishing. The roses are stunning. <3 <3
Awwww, so kind and sooo appreciated!
You are more than welcome.
Those hawks mean business!
They do, and they are my good friends out here!
My FAVORITE flower captured so beautifully!
I should so grow some in my yard. I wonder how they would hold up.
Well, if you’re serious, tell me about your yard and maybe I could help…….
Well – it’s a dream.
This summer will be two years ago that I got a patio.
Here’s basically what my backyard looks like now:
sharingmemyselfandi.wordpress.com/2013/07/09/rosys-summer-hangout/
The yard faces east. So- I get a harsh morning sun in the summer.
Cindy ~ The photo of the pale, dusty-lavender rose is so beautiful. Do you happen to know if that rose is called “Sterling Silver?” ~ Gerean/The Animal Spirits
Yes it is you clever one! <3
Cindy~
I have always loved this rose. I remember someone long ago, telling me the name of it was “Sterling Silver.” I thought …..what a beautiful, unique name for a rose that is so beautiful and unique. I never forget the look or the name, but often wondered if there were other roses similar in color, but named differently. Thanks for clarifying. Also thank you for your consistency in encouraging my writing. I spend very little time on the WordPress reader, but your recognition of my posts does not go unnoticed. Grateful.
Your photography is beautiful.
MANY Blessings! ~ Gerean
I love you blog and writing, and yes the Sterling Rose has been a favorite of mine for a long time too. I have never seen them grow as productively as they do at The Holler though. I love their color and their scent. Cheers to you my friend and have a great hump day~ <3
Amazing!! The Holler is gorgeous!
Hey Resa, it grows on you! Hope all is well with you my friend~ <3 <3
<3 <3
What gorgeous velvety roses! I especially loved the lavender one.
The lavender has the most ethereal scent too! Wish you could smell it~
Reblogged this on WHOLE.
You are so thoughtful and very much appreciated! Thank you & cheers to you~ <3 <3
Cheers to you too 🙂
<3
Mr. Pink? Perfect!
Such beauty surrounds us! Cheers & thank you my friend~ <3
Beautiful roses !!!
So pleased you like them & cheers to you!
Such beauty!…It’s just dawn in this part of the world and your pictures just made it so blissful for me….:-) Thanks a lot…
Awwww, this comment makes blogging so worthwhile for me. Thank you and happy day! <3
🙂
Simply beautiful and inspiring. 🙂
So thoughtful my friend and so appreciated!
Beautiful photos. Lavender roses are my favorite!!
Yes, they are so delicate, yet carry such a lovely scent. Definitely one of my favorites too!
Have some in my garden and they do smell beautiful but you have to get really close to catch the fragrance. I love your blog!!!!
<3
are beautiful <3
Muchas gracias mi amiga y tiene un feliz fin de semana! <3 <3
Fantastic roses! Yes…very civilised indeed ☺
I am hoping it will rub off on me……
😉
Oh, how I love and adore roses! This was lovely and a bouquet of knowledge sent our ways. You informed us to protect our roses with chicken wire from the groundhogs and other critters, along with your feeling roses are part of being civilized. I had not thought of either of these before! Smiles, Robin
Comments from you my friend, brighten my day! Cheers to you and thank you Robin~
Superb 🙂 I tweeted it.
Awwww, so kind! Happy Easter~ <3
Thank you for the support you’ve been showing, it means a lot!
You are most welcome!
Wow. Breathtaking and speechless!
That cerise coloured rose is very beautiful. Very eye catching.
Merci beaucoup!