roses outlast marriages: memories, change, and community gardens

When I walk past my mom’s patio, the climbing roses she planted for my wedding seven years ago are still thriving, even though my marriage has withered away. These roses remind me of childhood summers, when gardens were about family, not just aesthetics. Back then, neighbors swapped cuttings and stories over fences, not online. Now, I see younger folks obsessed with perfectly curated, Instagram-worthy yards—sometimes tearing out old roses for trendy succulents or minimalist gravel. I wonder: are we losing something? My mom’s roses survived droughts, late frosts, and even the HOA’s warnings about ‘overgrown’ plants. Some say wild, rambling roses look messy, but to me, they’re living proof of resilience and tradition. In our unpredictable North American climate, shouldn’t we value plants that adapt and endure, not just what’s fashionable? There’s tension in our community—some want strict landscaping rules for ‘curb appeal,’ while others, like me, cherish the tangled beauty of old roses and the memories they hold. As summer storms roll in, I find comfort in these blooms, stubbornly climbing, refusing to be tamed. Do you side with the new or the nostalgic? #gardeningmemories #roses #familytradition #Gardening