Gardening is more than just taking care of plants — it’s a skill, a passion, and in many ways, a legacy. The knowledge of when to plant, how to nurture, and what thrives in each season has been passed down through generations, much like the plants themselves. In my garden, one rose carries this history more than any other. It belonged to my great-grandfather, and now it grows in my own soil, a living testament to the care and knowledge that has been shared through time.

Gardening connects us across generations. My great-grandfather first planted this rose, several hundred km’s from where I am now and this a passion for the garden has been passed down, through various family members, until it reached me. I may garden in a different time, but the core of it remains the same — patience, care, and a deep appreciation for watching things grow.

Generational gardening is about more than just keeping plants alive; it’s about preserving a way of life. The lessons learned in a garden — respect for nature, the rhythm of the seasons, the reward of nurturing something over time — are the same lessons that shape us. When I dig my hands into the soil, I think of my grandfather and great-grandfather doing the same, planting with the hope that something beautiful would grow.

Roses, like heirlooms, change slightly over time. Soil, climate, and pruning influence their growth. Yet, no matter how much this rose may have adapted, it still carries the same roots, just as I carry the knowledge passed down to me. Just as my great-grandfather once did, I can take a cutting and pass it on — so the tradition, the passion, and the skill continue to bloom for generations to come.

From beneath the canopy,

🌻 Issy