~ IF You Like Roses ... & June (Pt. 1) ~

The most beautiful gifts arrived in our mail while we were away, again (trip to soon follow).























There are so many beautiful ladies in bloggyville that are true beautiful souls. One of these is our precious June, whom I adore. There is such a serene beauty & peace in her blog & her soul.





























June, these gifts are very special to me. I will treasure them always, & think of you daily. I am blessed to know you, sweet lady.



THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!



















Now these roses I will be sharing with you over several postings are from the International Rose Test Garden in Portland, OR, established in 1917.























Portland has long had a love affair with roses. In 1888, Georgiana Burton Pittock, wife of publisher Henry Pittock, invited her friends and neighbors to exhibit their roses in a tent set up in her garden; thus the Portland Rose Society was established.















I spent several hours photographing literally every rose in the gardens.

























A few you will see the progression from a tight bud, to a full bloom.

























You can never imagine the aroma that fills the air ...

























Enjoy!!