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A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliott, A Writer's Garden, Author Catherine Castle's gardening blog, Author Cathy Elliott, cozy mystery A Stitch in Crime, garden devotional about roses, roses, The Accidental Gardener
Welcome to A Writer’s Garden where writers who are gardeners or just love gardens will be sharing their garden and flower stories, as well as a bit about their writing gardens—aka their books.
Today’s guest is Cathy Elliott who will be sharing some pictures and stories about her roses and a garden devotional thought. Welcome, Cathy!
The Accidental Gardener
By Cathy Elliott
C.Elliott.Red Roses Ground Cover
My mother loved roses more than any other flower. An elegant bouquet received from my dad or the sight of rose bushes along the roadside, laden with blooms, sent her into a state of bliss. Lush roses cut from the garden often decorated our home, casting a sweet aroma to every corner.
Along the way, I caught her love of roses and carried it into my own sphere. While Mother loved deep red, I preferred a softer shade of yellow. Edged with a blush of pink.
Years ago, I was surprised to learn the house I purchased had both Mother’s and my favorite roses in place. A red, climbing rose embraced the Ash tree in my front yard. The bush reached high and bloomed profusely all summer long, its branches covered with lacy blossoms opening wide, displaying pom-pom-yellow centers.
C.Elliott.Red Climbing Roses
Though the red climber exploded with color, I preferred a floribunda rose bush tucked against the house. As if dipped in pink paint, the yellow blossoms turned almost to salmon. With a little research, I came to know it as a Peace rose. The combination of color and calling – peace – made me love it best.
C.Elliott.Pink PEACE Rosebud
Rose-puttering is a great pleasure in the spring. I give both bushes all the attention they deserve: watering, fertilizing, dead-heading flowers past their glory, and spraying the leaves with soapy water I mix myself so aphids will not dare settle in.
But when the punishing summer heat assaults our valley, I no longer want to go outside and pamper my posies. Not in the morning, not in the evening. My watering turns sporadic…until I barely remember. Yet the roses survive and bravely try to flower on, with little help from the gardener to whom they are entrusted.
When the brutal summer ends, I venture out and apologize to my reliable roses. They say nothing. They are too tired to emit their fragrance anymore. Attending to them then is futile. But I do my best. This time I’m sure they won’t come back in the spring. It is my fault. It is what I deserve.
But their roots are deep and they do return, steadfast in spite of my absence when they need me most. Spring after spring, the roses burst forth, anxious to grace my yard with their splendor. When I see this miracle, I’m reminded of the faithfulness of God. Always loving, always providing, always keeping His promises, surrounding me with His beauty, steadfast in all things, though I do not deserve it.
And I give thanks….
Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You have established the earth, and it stands fast. Psalms 119:90 ESV
About the Writer/Gardener:
Cathy Elliott enjoys touring beautiful gardens, created and maintained by others. But her current interest is planning and producing mini-container-gardens. And adding ideas to her Pinterest boards on the subject. She’s also a cozy mystery author with plot-twisting works including: A Vase of Mistaken Identity, Medals in the Attic, and A Stitch in Crime. She’s a contributing author to Guidepost’s recently released devotional, Every Day with Jesus and the upcoming, All God’s Creatures.
Social Media Link – Visit Cathy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathyelliottbooks
A Stitch in Crime
by Cathy Elliott
Assault, larceny, anonymous threats. Who knew quilt shows could be this dangerous?
Check out A Stitch in Crime on Amazon:
Catherine Castle 