Rockrose

This rockrose (cistus) is one of the very first plants I put in the garden after we bought our house last April. I had heard it could withstand poor soil and harsh sun, which sounded just about right for the rocky south-facing slope along our driveway.

I wanted it to trail down the slope, so I planted it in the ground at an angle. Apparently, this is a no-no, placing roots too close to the surface where they are likely to get dried out. Additionally, Elka quickly developed a little speedway across the front yard, which included taking a flying leap across (and sometimes into) the rockrose. For the better part of a year, it managed to hang on, but definitely didn't look so hot.

This winter, the rockrose seemed to be perking up. About a month ago, I noticed what seemed to be very tight, gray-green buds. The stems seemed to have become thicker and more woody.

Several days ago, about eight buds popped open to reveal these delicately-petaled pink blossoms. I was thrilled that after such a rough start, this tough little plant had made it and was putting on such a pretty show. Curious what to expect next, I flipped open my Western Garden Book, and read up on the cistus. Apparently, I was shocked to learn, the buds last about one day! Sure enough, when I got home from work, the pink petals were scattered across the dirt.

I suppose some more sophisticated gardeners would have known this, and avoided putting this plant in such a prominent place, or maybe not selected it at all. But at the same time, part of what is so enjoyeable about garden is the metaphors that these plants provide for us.  They teach us to manage our expectations, and present us with interesting surprises. The rockrose is just one of the many learning experiences one gains from tending garden!