I felt I was in the presence of royalty-- rose royalty that is. There were few other roses blooming in my friend, Mary's, garden, yet this beauty lathered the back fence. 'White Lady Banks' is ancient and comes from China.

I couldn't stop thinking about her, so the next day I brought my bucket to Mary's and filled it with the famed long, delicate canes. Thank you Mary !

Back at home, I did a container swap. I'd never used this vase before.

From bucket to vase all the canes fit, however the blooms clusters on the lower canes, that I failed to remove while harvesting, required stripping in order to fit into the narrower volume.

Rose Arranging Tip-- There's really no arranging here, it's all a matter of choosing a vase whose size is similar to the original container. Canes like this just love to be gathered and need no fussing-- no angst.

It's interesting how the bucket bouquet looks so much fuller. I like its casual effect. Do you have a favorite? Let me know.

Now let's try something smaller.

This is a votive holder. I was so happy to find these aqua globes at Crate & Barrel, and bought enough for both candles and roses.

It's hard to resist plucking Banksia rose clusters. Tying their stems together, makes a lovely pouf that will be happy to stay put in the container.

F R A G R A N C E

Why the violets? This rose actually smells of violets? Remember, above, I said I felt I was in the presence of royalty? The fragrance is almost beyond words.

BACK OUTSIDE

A few more shots– and I should mention she's once-blooming & thornless.

Below, she is in Niagra Falls mode at the Sacramento Cemetery.