If you've been around here at all, you already know how much I love cemeteries. Lynchburg's cemetery is owned by the city, but maintained by a non-profit organization that cares for the plantings, runs a museum and gift shop, and puts on garden programs and other events throughout the year. Their Rose Festival is one of their biggest events.
Baronne Prevost
Sombreuil
Unlike the roses in many cemeteries, the roses in Lynchburg are well cared for by a volunteers and a small staff. There are historic roses growing on the sunny side of the brick wall that borders the Confederate section of the cemetery. There are also roses planted on graves ... many of which have roses carved on their headstones.
Old Blush
Old Blush
Autumn Damask
These photos were taken when I was visiting the cemetery with my husband in November 2007. It was well after the first hard frost of the year, and I loved the look of the freeze-dried blossoms.
Roger Lambelin
Stanwell Perpetual
Old Blush
It was a chilly, clear day, with a bright blue sky and brilliant sunshine.
St. Francis
Chestnut Rose
Sombruiel
The bees were working overtime on the asters, and they barely noticed our presence.
Whenever we are there, we have to visit with Arthur, the Cemetery's resident cat.
If you are interested in joining us, the presentations are Wednesday and Thursday, May 5th and 6th. The annual rose sale is Saturday, May 8th. Visit the Cemetery's web site for all the details, and a schedule of other activities this year.
This is the brochure for the Garden Symposium, that I just got today:
(click to enlarge)
(written by Hartwood Roses. Hartwood Roses blog.)