Now our summer is starting at the end of May. I have a confession to make – I am not a rose person!
I find they need too much care and fussing to get the most out of them. Kourosh looks after our roses and I just grumble a bit if they are not perfect.
Veilchenblau gets a special pass from me as I find it so special. Perhaps because it only flowers once in the season that I appreciate it more. Also the bees adore the flowers.
When the self seeded Verbena bonariensis is flowering throughout the garden it means that we are in mid summer.
a french garden 
I am somewhat relieved to find out that I am not the only person in the world who does not like roses much! I mean, I do love them when I see them, but have absolutely no desire to grow them! I suppose it is mainly the thorns. Your violet one really is gorgeous though, and no doubt adds some beauty and colour to the garden. I would definitely not want to be without Verbena bonariensis though! 😃 Thanks for sharing Amelia.
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I’m glad you “came out” about the roses. I usually feel to ashamed to admit it to other gardeners. Amelia
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😅
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I confess not to be much of a rose person either as far as growing them, but your Veilchenblau is a lovely rich color I admire. Verbena bonariensis is the opposite in term of care requirements–great value in the garden for butterflies and bees (and gardeners).
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That is exactly how I think. Some flowers give a lot more back for little attention. But I have to confess that I head for the roses when I need a table decoration. Amelia
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Your rose is a beautiful colour and I bet it has an amazing scent – the best thing about roses I find. Although I have a few roses in my garden I’m not hugely keen on growing them either, though I do like seeing them in other gardens, I’m the same regarding Dahlias!
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I have changed my mind about Dahlias this year. They do not get enough rain here to do really well but because they have tubers they persist in the hot and dry soil and will have good years if there is a bit more rain. Amelia
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That’s a beautiful rose with an enticing colour and I love the ones that show off their stamens and welcome the insects. I am a rose person 🙂 but yes they are a bit fussy!
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I admire your patience with roses because when they are well looked after they steal the show. My daughter loves her roses and they are beautiful. Amelia
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I’m not keen on roses myself but the verbena is good value for insects. That’s an excellent picture of the bee with its tongue out, is it an Anthophora?
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It is an Amegilla. I do not think you get them in the U.K. I get a lot of them in the summer and they are particular favourites. They fly extremely fast and are very fond of the Verbena and the Lavender flowers. Amelia
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I see the Amegilla are related to Anthophora so that’s why they look a bit similar
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They look very similar but they do not have an arolia between their tarsal toes. That is impossible to see unless you catch one put it in the fridge and photograph it very quickly. They don’t stay quiet for long so you have to have the camera all set up. They are quite small and fly very fast, so they are not easy to net either :).
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Your bees are so adorable! I love the shape of their nose/mouth or whatever it is called. Your Veilchenblau immediately caught my eye… I planted one here many years ago and was really looking forward to it, but alas, it died. So, it’s nice to see yours!
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I think the bees look very cute too :). I am sorry about your rose, one can get quite attached to plants. Amelia
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