June 2023
Last autumn, a friend ordered a bare-root shrub rose from a leading English grower and had it sent to me as a surprise gift. As weeks went by and she heard nothing from me, she rang to ask whether it had arrived, and on learning that it hadn’t, passed on the order number so that I could investigate. The grower was as mystified as I was, since the item was registered as having been delivered.
A month went by, making it nearly two since the original order. Not until Christmas was on the horizon did a somewhat battered box appear outside my door, the bare-root rose inside as dry as the proverbial bone. On reading the instructions that came with it, I saw that the time it had been without water, heaven knew where, far exceeded the recommended limit. None the less, wanting to give it the benefit of the doubt, I planted it in a big pot, found a sheltered corner for it, and crossed my fingers.
At intervals during the winter, I ventured out to look at the reproachful little bundle of dry twigs. February, March and April came and went, the rest of the garden came into exuberant leaf, but the little bundle remained …just that. When my friend asked about it, I tried to sound hopeful, but as May advanced, I sadly began to wonder what else I might plant in that big pot. I’d given up on it, but couldn’t bring myself to put it in the bin.
Last week, after several rainy days, a sunny evening tempted me outside. Rounding a corner of the house, I halted, astonished to see an inch-long stem bursting from among the twigs, crowned with fresh, glossy leaves. Within days it was 6 inches high. This is how it looks as I write: a reminder – at least to me – not to give up too soon. Even the most unpromising things may surprise you!