I had two places to visit on my itinerary this morning. First up was the Wilson, NC, Public Rose Gardens. I didn’t figure there would be much blooming at this time in October, but boy was I surprised!
These rose gardens are open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset and they’re free. I was really surprised to see so many roses in bloom, and their fragrance just permeated the air.
As you walk through the 1200 rose plants of about 180 different varieties in the garden, there are lots of benches along the way to sit on and enjoy the views. Roses have never been one of my favorite cultivated flowers, but I may just have to change my mind after this morning’s experience.
One of the nice things about visiting these areas at this time of the year is that there are no crowds of people. It was just me and the bees in the garden today. 
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A tall, large Vollis Simpson Whirligig is located on one side of the rose garden. Investigating these whirligigs was the second thing on my itinerary for the day, but my adventure concerning the whirligigs rightly deserves a post of its own. I’ll leave that for tomorrow night. I’m very happy I decided to extend my stay in Wilson. I have at least four more places I want to visit before I leave on Sunday. I guess stopping to ‘smell the roses’ also means taking the time to enjoy the uniqueness of every little area of our country. It’s a great journey I’m on…
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
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You are making good use of time between volunteer posts.
ReplyDeleteI love any kind of botanical garden and guess I'll have to put rose gardens in that category. As for the Vollis Sympson Whirlgigs, I'm looking forward to that "junkyard art" blog of yours. Kind of makes me wonder what I could do with all of Bill's spare parts and extra tools... now... THAT didn't come out right, but anyway... hope you have lots of photos of those wind twirlers! Sounds like a great area to stop for a spell..
ReplyDeleteMy nose is itching just looking at those rose pictures:)
ReplyDeleteWhen you said Deadheads were the volunteers maintaining the rose gardens I was expecting to see pictures of Grateful Dead groupies. ;c)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy visiting rose gardens. I'm guessing that the rose garden here in Portland is not blooming as much as it was in the summer, but I admit, I hadn't thought of visiting there this time of the year.
ReplyDeleteI always liked roses, but this bush (or what's left of it) in front of my house is horrible. Ugly, the thorns are deadly, and I just want to be rid of it. I guess a rose garden where others are taking care of it would be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI've always liked roses and had a big rose garden at my house in Illinois. I prefer staying in one place for a few days rather that just driving through, but, of course, that is not always possible. It is good that you have a chance to do that.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love the fragrance of roses. Glad you were able to stop and smell them today.
ReplyDeleteI love roses although I am not good at growing them. They require a lot of work. Nice to go visit a lovely garden though. Glad you took the time to enjoy these beauties.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful rose garden. We visited one in Spokane, WA. It was so lovely also. Mt. Hood was the backdrop...gorgeous. A ton of time and effect goes in to keep them so lovely.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely garden spot to refresh the soul -- and in October!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous roses! Enjoy your journey through Wilson. It's not a spot I would have ever thought of!
ReplyDeleteLooks like someone must have 'promised you a rose garden'. Great photos - as usual.
ReplyDeleteYour shots of the roses are beautiful...almost feel like you can smell them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful place. I'm putting it on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful explorations.
ReplyDeleteOur neighbors have a gazillion roses..This year we all got attacked by the Asian Beetles (very different than the Liverpool Beatles)..They at every blossom...Glad you stop to sit a spell and enjoy the local flora and fauna!!
ReplyDeleteI really love the shot of the yellow rose and the bee!
ReplyDeleteRoses are my absolute favorites! So beautiful! We have a small garden at church which I can see through the stained glass window. Today and last week, I had trouble paying attention because the roses are so lovely.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are getting to relax between your volunteer gigs.