Remember Mama Rose? The unknown rose I use as my profile photo? (I first introduced you to her in THIS POST from January) See how horrible she looks now? Two successive summers of drought have all but done her in.
I think I have identified her as 'Autumn Sunset', which is not historic or rare or unusual, so her loss (if the cemetery chooses to remove her) will not be tragic. I will always have a huge affection for her, since she is the 'mama' of two very nice seedlings that I am currently evaluating.
This rose, whatever it is, is in even worse shape than Mama Rose.
This statue appears to be mourning the condition of her beloved roses.
Some of the roses are in pretty good shape. This is Safrano, close to Mama Rose, and it looks great.
So does the Tea rose near the grave of Jefferson Davis.
It even has buds!
While we're at Jefferson Davis's grave, let's take a look at some pretty graphic storm damage. I can't believe that this enormous tree took out the light pole when it fell, but left the statues untouched!
This thing is HUGE!!
The base of it is completely hollow!
I found other roses, too ... ones that are not affected by the heat.
They just don't make markers like this anymore.
I'll leave you with this photo, my favorite one of the day. It's a viburnum, not a rose. I love the light, the way the shrub cascades over the monument, and the composition of the crosses in front and behind.
It's going to be hot again today. Is it September yet?