Mrs. Bona’s Rule Of Thumb

Growing up on Melville Avenue in Fairfield, Connecticut, my best friend Suzy lived right across the street. Our houses were of a 1920’s vintage, and as was custom of that era, both yards were taken up by gardens.

Suzy’s mom, Mrs. Bona, was a very talented painter, who also had an amazing green thumb. The earth was her canvas, the plants her paint. Her flower beds were a natural extension of her brushes.

Mrs. Bona grew the most gorgeous, healthy roses. One day I asked her what her secret was, and she said that it was simple – roses do not like getting their leaves wet!

So, to this day, other than the rain, I only water my rose gardens when absolutely necessary, and only at the base of the shrubs. It worked for Mrs. Bona, and it surely works for me.

Happy gardening!

Love, Nora