While archiving rose photos that I've taken in public gardens, I usually end up at helpmefind.com for questions I need answered. I've been there many times since my return from the Sacramento Open Garden. Take the powerful froth of a rose pictured here– it's labeled at the cemetery as 'Vina Banks', but some people think it's 'Purezza'. So I looked up both names to see if their pictures would help the identification dilemma. They didn't I'm afraid, but I'll upload these pictures (yes you can upload too) to HMF to see if they might help any sleuths out there. This is also a plug to support helpmefind. As of today, I'm good for another year.

This rose was spectacular beyond measure, but afternoon heat and sheer laziness kept me from doing it justice in the photo department. I thought I could sit down with my macro and get the images I wanted.

My friend, Mary, took better pictures than me and with a point-and-shoot camera. I didn't realize I was in the picture too. Look past me though, and see what a magical sight this rose is, from a distance.

And there's another white climber in the background, which is such a brilliant landscaping idea for maximizing the enchantment.

The rose labels at the Sacramento Cemetery are the best. Often the bushes are so large, two or more labels make searching much easier. For photo-archivers, taking a picture of the label saves much note taking and confusion. Did I take the picture above? No, I completely forgot! This is Mary's picture. I don't have to worry though, the cemetery's wonderful volunteer rosarians are happy to help identify the roses.

The cemeteries of the last century have been such a haven for old roses not only because they have provided a peaceful, stable environment in the midst of America's changing landscape, but also because they have played a special role in the history of this nation's horticulture.

~ Thomas Christopher

One of these illustrious cemeteries is the Sacramento Historic City. It's a must if you are a rose lover, in Northern California.

Established in 1849, the cemetery is now home to hundreds of old or antique roses collected from other cemeteries, old home sites, and country roadsides.  

You might wonder why the old rose revival centers so much around cemeteries like this one. While home gardeners removed out-of-style roses, in favor of new hybrids, cemetery gardeners weren't about to remove the white Tea rose that was planted on mother's grave, or the baby pink rambler flourishing on the grave of a child.

For the past seventy years or so, thanks to cemeteries, an American history of roses has been writing itself from the hearts and minds of their lovers.

In Search of Lost Roses, by Thomas Christopher, is the source of the quote at the top of the page. I highly recommend this intriguing book, and will try to further convince you by adding the first paragraph from Mr. Christopher's book flap.

One of the most striking horticultural developments of recent years has been the reappearance of the so-called old rose, the types beloved of our great-grandparents, which almost vanished when the first hybrid tea rose was cultivated in 1867. "They were for generations virtually unattainable, lost entirely," Thomas Christopher writes. "Today they are once again filling gardens with their subtle, unfamiliar colors and perfume. Behind their reappearance lies an extraordinary story, a tale of flowers that have persisted for centuries and of the unlikely band of experts who united to rescure them."

A Visual Feast from Jocelen Janon

Kauri Creek Bouquet– the light rose is 'Baronne Henriette de Snoy', the other is most likely  'Archduc Joseph' photographed by Jocelen Janon.

When I saw this photo on Jocelen Janon’s Facebook page, it made my head spin with even more love for Tea Roses. The picture also reminded me of how much I look forward to studying the roses gathered each year at The Celebration of Old Roses. Eight-foot tables display collections from each rose family – Gallicas, Damasks, Albas, Centifolias, Mosses, Chinas, Portlands, Hybrid Perpetuals, Teas, and many more are poised to be passionately observed. It’s a unique opportunity to see the special characteristics particular to each group. It’s also a great time to compile your wish list.

At the 2007 Celebration, I was newly infatuated with Tea roses, and had a wonderful time  choosing the roses I wanted in my garden. Since my Teas are small, and I don't have that many photos, I asked Jocelen if he would like to share his Tea images and be this post's guest photographer. He generously agreed. 

'General Gailieni' photographed by Jocelen Janon.

'Papa Gontier' photographed by Jocelen Janon.

'General Schablikine' photographed by Jocelen Janon.

'E Veryat Hermanos' photographed by Jocelen Janon.

'Jeanette Nicol' photographed by Jocelen Janon.

'Comtesse de Labarthe' photographed by Jocelen Janon.

Jocelen Janon was born in France, and has lived in New Zealand for the last six years. He has a fine arts degree and began his photography career with architecture and events, and now includes horticulture and food. He was a contributor to the recently published Australian book, ‘Tea Roses: Old Roses for Warm Climates.’

Thanks Jocelen !