Fourth of July in May

We visited my parents over the weekend, and I couldn't resist capturing some pictures of Mama's arbor in their backyard, which was covered with glorious Fourth of July Roses. Fourth of July Roses boast abundant clusters of big, semi-double flowers of deep red, striped with white. They are exceptionally easy to grow, with canes reaching 12 to 14 feet tall. Best of all, they bloom heavily early in the season, and cheerfully repeat all summer. I thought about titling this post, "April Showers bring the Fourth of July in May," but thought that might be a little too much.  Although we had more than our fair share of rain in April, I'm thankful that it woke these beautiful roses from their winter sleep ... to brighten my parents' garden and to bring smiles to their faces each morning.