HRG member Leo lives in New Orleans, and was there during Hurricane Ida. He had to leave, and on his return 8 days later was lucky enough to find not too much damage to his house, though he lost some of his roses. Now the park in which he works has reopened, and the roses are looking wonderful! Leo has sent some beautiful pictures of these lovely and interesting old roses. He says:
Armstrong Park reopened Saturday for the first time since Hurricane Ida. And just in time, the antique roses are beginning their first fall flush. Here’s just a sample of what’s blooming now. All photos taken Monday 4 October.
The antique rose garden in Armstrong Park is a project of the New Orleans Old Garden Rose Society in cooperation with the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways.
It was established in 1992 and contains one of the largest and finest public collections in the world of old roses that do well in warm climates. No public funds have ever been used.
There should be a second fall flush of blooms in mid-November, continuing through Christmas, depending on the weather.