A Memory of Roses
The roses of June that bloomed profusely in my garden
are only a memory as July arrives, but their scent remains.
It's been gathered, distilled, and bottled into rose water!
One touch of this fragrant liquid, sprinkled into the bath or misted on the skin, is guaranteed to bring all those rosy memories to life again.
The petals are harvested when the plants
reach their blooming best.
Only those rose varieties with
the sweetest perfume
are used.
Time to check my Garden Library for some how-to tips
After a short rinsing off and a long steep
in hot water,
the petals are strained out,
and a beautiful blush pink tint remains.
The addition of essential rose oil follows,
and then the rose water is ready to be put into bottles.
The finished rose water must be stored in
the fridge to keep it fresh,
so be sure to label each bottle, as it is not edible!
This "Bring Me Sunshine"
rose has found a place in my garden
and on my art table.
Now, if I were a bumble bee I could just burrow
inside this all of the deliciously fragrant roses
and enjoy myself.
But I can make rose water, and I can paint roses,
so I'll let the bees take their pleasure their way,
and I will be grateful for mine.