VRS Member Alex Waterhouse-Heyward, a renowned Vancouver photographer and noted blogger, suggested a few years ago that we begin sharing our first blooms of the new season with each other. The idea quickly caught on and we've been doing it every year since.


The 'First Bloom' of the 2022 has just been sent in from Crenagh E. in Victoria, BC - and what a beauty it is. Hard to believe it's happened quite so early since, in Metro Vancouver, many roses have nothing but little red eyes on their canes as of the beginning of April this year!!


     


Thanks so much for sharing this fabulous pic of your 'Lady Banks' (Rosa banksiae lutea) with us, Crenagh. And just a reminder to everyone to share your 'first blooms' with all of us!


After a slow start to the blooming season, our roses have finally begun to shake off the effects of an especially difficult Winter. Click on the images below to find out who, what, when and where these beauties finally burst forth.

Keep checking back as we post more 'first blooms' from other members' gardens as the new season blooms on!


4/18/2022 - From John M. in Victoria: R. xanthina “Canary Bird” - listed as Breeder unknown, before 1945. It is also listed by David Austin as being introduced in 1867 by William Paul - but apparently that is a different variety now only known to grow at Sangerhausen in Germany. This one has dark reddish bark and always blooms early, with occasional blooms later. Quite amazingly sharp thorns.
5/12/2022 - From Gail R. in White Rock: Rosa Rugosa in bloom at White Rock Beach. Rugosas are quite hardy and being on public land, probably not pruned too hard hence the early bloom. Found by Gail on morning walk at the White Rock waterfront..."a moment of joy on a chilly morning".
5/12/2022 - From Kathy P in her greenhouse: I received this rose at a Christmas lunch three years ago in a tiny pot, took it home and watched it slowly die inside. Disappointed that my tender loving care didn’t bring out the best in the rose I put it onto the porch in January weather with a half a pot of soil (it got knocked over) and expected to toss it in the green waste my next trip. By the time I got around to throwing it out, it had bounced back after being in the cold for months without being watered—it was showing signs of growth. Now it’s a reliable start to my rose season. I learned that 'mini is mighty'!
May 17, 2022 - From Darlene S. in West Vancouver: My red, very fragrant Étoile de Hollande HT climber is on the south wall of the house and is always early.
Also from Darlene S.: The soft white/yellow Spinosissima (unnamed seedling from VRS long ago).
Darlene's unnamed Spinosissima has grown into a large hedge in her lane garden.
May 17, 2022 - From Sunhee C in Coquitlam: Here’s my first bloom, Dortmund the climber, under my hedge.
From rose breeder Brad Jalbert, at his nursery, Select Roses, in Langley: Three new seedlings that will be coming up for sale at some point over the next few years.
Seedling #2 from Brad.
And seedling #3 from Brad.
May 20, 2022 - From Dale A. in Richmond: My first rose of the season - Gertrude Jekyll, in a pot on the patio. I moved all of my David Austin roses out of the bed they were in last fall, and didn't find a place for Gertrude, so she is in a pot, and seems to be quite happy!
May 20, 2022 - From Carolyn W. : Roserie de L’hay has been in bud for days, finally opened!
May 24, 2022: From Sarah L in Gibsons, who took on this rather large bush last year from our West Vancouver member, Carolyn W, who had grown it in a pot. The rose was getting a little too large for the container so she offered it to any of our members. Sarah was the first volunteer to give Lady Banks a new home and she seems to be very happy in her new home!
May 26, 2022: From Larry W in Vancouver: My mini-rambler Open Arms has finally opened its first blooms with lots of buds still to go. This rose thrives on neglect, in a raise bed that receives little water. The roots are in shade which is probably why it survives so well.
May 26, 2022: From Victoria B in Agassiz: Rosa rugos is now in full bloom.
Also from Victoria B: 'Michel Trudeau' has such a lovely scent.
May 31, 2022: From Brenda V in Coquitlam: I am so excited - I found my first bloom yesterday! It doesn't matter that it's always the first to bloom...it's still the first one this year and all my other blooms are far behind it! Rosa 'Doorenbos Selection' - a tiny little 2-inch bloom on a hybrid spinosissima.
May 31, 2022: Another 'first bloom' from Victoria in Agassiz: A lovely Rose moyesii 'Geranium' with us.
June 1, 2022: From Nancy C in Brooke: 'Michel Trudeau in a pot on my deck, Sooke BC
June 1, 2022 - From new member, Lizanne F, her Glowing Inspiration which is a Brad Jalbert hybridized rose
June 3, 2022. From Kathy in Gibsons, "South Africa has one bloom only, on a broken branch. I should have cut it, but the branch looked so healthy I just left it and it produced a lovely rose! The rest of the buds are close but not showing any colour."
June 3, 2022: From Sanda in Vancouver, "This is my first, (my) beautiful of 'Graham Thomas' David Austin rose which is 5 metres high and located on a south facing wall. He was blooming on May 26."
From Elizabeth, on June 4, 2022: Rose pomifera 'Duplex' 'Wolley Dodd' - a cutting I took from Brenda's garden last year.
From Brenda, on June 4, 2022: I am also excited as I spotted something yellow on my boulevard under the heavy evergreens. I quickly ran out to find my Scotch Briar blooming! This little beauty has been one stick in the garden for many years after our beloved Jan Tuytel gifted it to me. This year, it has started to sucker all over the barren space under the trees and I couldn't be more delighted to see the tiny pale yellow blooms.
From John in Victoria, on June 5, 2022: Roseraie de l'Hay.
From Andria in North Van, on June 5, 2022: At very long last, I have one bloom to share: it’s Arctic Blue and I’m loving the colour.
From Bev and Terry in Langley, on June 5, 2022: First rose, Above and Beyond.
From new member Serena, in Mission, on June 5, 2022: I love coffee so buying a rose called Coffee Bean seemed the perfect choice.
From Elaine in Langley, on June 5, 2022: Distant Drums.
From Lindsay in Maple Ridge: Scotch Briar is always the 1st rose to bloom in my garden, mid May. It can make a great hedge. The bees love it.
From Karin, on June 6, 2022: Mrs. Colville.
From Sylvia, on June 6, 2022: Hansa.
From Brad in Langley, on June 8, 2022: His first 'garden' rose to bloom was Golden Celebration.
From Barbara in Anmore, on June 8, 2022: What a surprise today! It must have been the warmer weather but I was so surprised to see Therese Bugnet with quite a few blooms! Have waited so long since my garden is in Anmore.
June 12, 2022, from Patrick: "I was excited to come home from work today (Friday) and see Earth Angel blooming. The promist of many more blooms is just days away."
June 12, 2022, from Brenda: Rosa 'Stanwell Perpetual' - an everblooming hybrid spinosissima (Old Garden Rose) that has grown in a half barrel since 2004.
June 12, 2022, from Brenda: Climbing mini rose 'Warm Welcome', also growing in a half barrel.
June 14, 2022, from Bev and Terry in Langley: Apricot Candy..
Also from Bev and Terry: Beverly
June 14, 2022 from Mary Jean: Good old Aloha always first to show along with wild Foxgloves which are really gorgeous.
From Sunhee in Coquitlam: Chinook Sunrise.
And also from Sunhee: Chrysler Imperial.
June 15, 2022 from Adrienne in Vancouver: I’m happy to share with you my first bloom of Moonlight in Paris today,
June 18, 2022 from Gloria in Vancouver: Raccoon smelling Constance Spry..
4/18/2022 - From John M. in Victoria: R. xanthina “Canary Bird” - listed as Breeder unknown, before 1945. It is also listed by David Austin as being introduced in 1867 by William Paul - but apparently that is a different variety now only known to grow at Sangerhausen in Germany. This one has dark reddish bark and always blooms early, with occasional blooms later. Quite amazingly sharp thorns.
4/18/2022 - From John M. in Victoria: R. xanthina “Canary Bird” - listed as Breeder unknown, before 1945. It is also listed by David Austin as being introduced in 1867 by William Paul - but apparently that is a different variety now only known to grow at Sangerhausen in Germany. This one has dark reddish bark and always blooms early, with occasional blooms later. Quite amazingly sharp thorns.
5/12/2022 - From Gail R. in White Rock: Rosa Rugosa in bloom at White Rock Beach. Rugosas are quite hardy and being on public land, probably not pruned too hard hence the early bloom. Found by Gail on morning walk at the White Rock waterfront..."a moment of joy on a chilly morning".
5/12/2022 - From Gail R. in White Rock: Rosa Rugosa in bloom at White Rock Beach. Rugosas are quite hardy and being on public land, probably not pruned too hard hence the early bloom. Found by Gail on morning walk at the White Rock waterfront..."a moment of joy on a chilly morning".
5/12/2022 - From Kathy P in her greenhouse: I received this rose at a Christmas lunch three years ago in a tiny pot, took it home and watched it slowly die inside. Disappointed that my tender loving care didn’t bring out the best in the rose I put it onto the porch in January weather with a half a pot of soil (it got knocked over) and expected to toss it in the green waste my next trip. By the time I got around to throwing it out, it had bounced back after being in the cold for months without being watered—it was showing signs of growth. Now it’s a reliable start to my rose season. I learned that 'mini is mighty'!
5/12/2022 - From Kathy P in her greenhouse: I received this rose at a Christmas lunch three years ago in a tiny pot, took it home and watched it slowly die inside. Disappointed that my tender loving care didn’t bring out the best in the rose I put it onto the porch in January weather with a half a pot of soil (it got knocked over) and expected to toss it in the green waste my next trip. By the time I got around to throwing it out, it had bounced back after being in the cold for months without being watered—it was showing signs of growth. Now it’s a reliable start to my rose season. I learned that 'mini is mighty'!
May 17, 2022 - From Darlene S. in West Vancouver: My red, very fragrant Étoile de Hollande HT climber is on the south wall of the house and is always early.
May 17, 2022 - From Darlene S. in West Vancouver: My red, very fragrant Étoile de Hollande HT climber is on the south wall of the house and is always early.
Also from Darlene S.: The soft white/yellow Spinosissima (unnamed seedling from VRS long ago).
Also from Darlene S.: The soft white/yellow Spinosissima (unnamed seedling from VRS long ago).
Darlene's unnamed Spinosissima has grown into a large hedge in her lane garden.
Darlene's unnamed Spinosissima has grown into a large hedge in her lane garden.
May 17, 2022 - From Sunhee C in Coquitlam: Here’s my first bloom, Dortmund the climber, under my hedge.
May 17, 2022 - From Sunhee C in Coquitlam: Here’s my first bloom, Dortmund the climber, under my hedge.
From rose breeder Brad Jalbert, at his nursery, Select Roses, in Langley: Three new seedlings that will be coming up for sale at some point over the next few years.
From rose breeder Brad Jalbert, at his nursery, Select Roses, in Langley: Three new seedlings that will be coming up for sale at some point over the next few years.
Seedling #2 from Brad.
Seedling #2 from Brad.
And seedling #3 from Brad.
And seedling #3 from Brad.
May 20, 2022 - From Dale A. in Richmond: My first rose of the season - Gertrude Jekyll, in a pot on the patio. I moved all of my David Austin roses out of the bed they were in last fall, and didn't find a place for Gertrude, so she is in a pot, and seems to be quite happy!
May 20, 2022 - From Dale A. in Richmond: My first rose of the season - Gertrude Jekyll, in a pot on the patio. I moved all of my David Austin roses out of the bed they were in last fall, and didn't find a place for Gertrude, so she is in a pot, and seems to be quite happy!
May 20, 2022 - From Carolyn W. : Roserie de L’hay has been in bud for days, finally opened!
May 20, 2022 - From Carolyn W. : Roserie de L’hay has been in bud for days, finally opened!
May 24, 2022: From Sarah L in Gibsons, who took on this rather large bush last year from our West Vancouver member, Carolyn W, who had grown it in a pot. The rose was getting a little too large for the container so she offered it to any of our members. Sarah was the first volunteer to give Lady Banks a new home and she seems to be very happy in her new home!
May 24, 2022: From Sarah L in Gibsons, who took on this rather large bush last year from our West Vancouver member, Carolyn W, who had grown it in a pot. The rose was getting a little too large for the container so she offered it to any of our members. Sarah was the first volunteer to give Lady Banks a new home and she seems to be very happy in her new home!
May 26, 2022: From Larry W in Vancouver: My mini-rambler Open Arms has finally opened its first blooms with lots of buds still to go. This rose thrives on neglect, in a raise bed that receives little water. The roots are in shade which is probably why it survives so well.
May 26, 2022: From Larry W in Vancouver: My mini-rambler Open Arms has finally opened its first blooms with lots of buds still to go. This rose thrives on neglect, in a raise bed that receives little water. The roots are in shade which is probably why it survives so well.
May 26, 2022: From Victoria B in Agassiz: Rosa rugos is now in full bloom.
May 26, 2022: From Victoria B in Agassiz: Rosa rugos is now in full bloom.
Also from Victoria B: 'Michel Trudeau' has such a lovely scent.
Also from Victoria B: 'Michel Trudeau' has such a lovely scent.
May 31, 2022: From Brenda V in Coquitlam: I am so excited - I found my first bloom yesterday! It doesn't matter that it's always the first to bloom...it's still the first one this year and all my other blooms are far behind it! Rosa 'Doorenbos Selection' - a tiny little 2-inch bloom on a hybrid spinosissima.
May 31, 2022: From Brenda V in Coquitlam: I am so excited - I found my first bloom yesterday! It doesn't matter that it's always the first to bloom...it's still the first one this year and all my other blooms are far behind it! Rosa 'Doorenbos Selection' - a tiny little 2-inch bloom on a hybrid spinosissima.
May 31, 2022: Another 'first bloom' from Victoria in Agassiz: A lovely Rose moyesii 'Geranium' with us.
May 31, 2022: Another 'first bloom' from Victoria in Agassiz: A lovely Rose moyesii 'Geranium' with us.
June 1, 2022: From Nancy C in Brooke: 'Michel Trudeau in a pot on my deck, Sooke BC
June 1, 2022: From Nancy C in Brooke: 'Michel Trudeau in a pot on my deck, Sooke BC
June 1, 2022 - From new member, Lizanne F, her Glowing Inspiration which is a Brad Jalbert hybridized rose
June 1, 2022 - From new member, Lizanne F, her Glowing Inspiration which is a Brad Jalbert hybridized rose
June 3, 2022. From Kathy in Gibsons, "South Africa has one bloom only, on a broken branch. I should have cut it, but the branch looked so healthy I just left it and it produced a lovely rose! The rest of the buds are close but not showing any colour."
June 3, 2022. From Kathy in Gibsons, "South Africa has one bloom only, on a broken branch. I should have cut it, but the branch looked so healthy I just left it and it produced a lovely rose! The rest of the buds are close but not showing any colour."
June 3, 2022: From Sanda in Vancouver, "This is my first, (my) beautiful of 'Graham Thomas' David Austin rose which is 5 metres high and located on a south facing wall. He was blooming on May 26."
June 3, 2022: From Sanda in Vancouver, "This is my first, (my) beautiful of 'Graham Thomas' David Austin rose which is 5 metres high and located on a south facing wall. He was blooming on May 26."
From Elizabeth, on June 4, 2022: Rose pomifera 'Duplex' 'Wolley Dodd' - a cutting I took from Brenda's garden last year.
From Elizabeth, on June 4, 2022: Rose pomifera 'Duplex' 'Wolley Dodd' - a cutting I took from Brenda's garden last year.
From Brenda, on June 4, 2022: I am also excited as I spotted something yellow on my boulevard under the heavy evergreens. I quickly ran out to find my Scotch Briar blooming! This little beauty has been one stick in the garden for many years after our beloved Jan Tuytel gifted it to me. This year, it has started to sucker all over the barren space under the trees and I couldn't be more delighted to see the tiny pale yellow blooms.
From Brenda, on June 4, 2022: I am also excited as I spotted something yellow on my boulevard under the heavy evergreens. I quickly ran out to find my Scotch Briar blooming! This little beauty has been one stick in the garden for many years after our beloved Jan Tuytel gifted it to me. This year, it has started to sucker all over the barren space under the trees and I couldn't be more delighted to see the tiny pale yellow blooms.
From John in Victoria, on June 5, 2022: Roseraie de l'Hay.
From John in Victoria, on June 5, 2022: Roseraie de l'Hay.
From Andria in North Van, on June 5, 2022: At very long last, I have one bloom to share: it’s Arctic Blue and I’m loving the colour.
From Andria in North Van, on June 5, 2022: At very long last, I have one bloom to share: it’s Arctic Blue and I’m loving the colour.
From Bev and Terry in Langley, on June 5, 2022: First rose, Above and Beyond.
From Bev and Terry in Langley, on June 5, 2022: First rose, Above and Beyond.
From new member Serena, in Mission, on June 5, 2022: I love coffee so buying a rose called Coffee Bean seemed the perfect choice.
From new member Serena, in Mission, on June 5, 2022: I love coffee so buying a rose called Coffee Bean seemed the perfect choice.
From Elaine in Langley, on June 5, 2022: Distant Drums.
From Elaine in Langley, on June 5, 2022: Distant Drums.
From Lindsay in Maple Ridge: Scotch Briar is always the 1st rose to bloom in my garden, mid May. It can make a great hedge. The bees love it.
From Lindsay in Maple Ridge: Scotch Briar is always the 1st rose to bloom in my garden, mid May. It can make a great hedge. The bees love it.
From Karin, on June 6, 2022: Mrs. Colville.
From Karin, on June 6, 2022: Mrs. Colville.
From Sylvia, on June 6, 2022: Hansa.
From Sylvia, on June 6, 2022: Hansa.
From Brad in Langley, on June 8, 2022: His first 'garden' rose to bloom was Golden Celebration.
From Brad in Langley, on June 8, 2022: His first 'garden' rose to bloom was Golden Celebration.
From Barbara in Anmore, on June 8, 2022: What a surprise today! It must have been the warmer weather but I was so surprised to see Therese Bugnet with quite a few blooms! Have waited so long since my garden is in Anmore.
From Barbara in Anmore, on June 8, 2022: What a surprise today! It must have been the warmer weather but I was so surprised to see Therese Bugnet with quite a few blooms! Have waited so long since my garden is in Anmore.
June 12, 2022, from Patrick: "I was excited to come home from work today (Friday) and see Earth Angel blooming. The promist of many more blooms is just days away."
June 12, 2022, from Patrick: "I was excited to come home from work today (Friday) and see Earth Angel blooming. The promist of many more blooms is just days away."
June 12, 2022, from Brenda: Rosa 'Stanwell Perpetual' - an everblooming hybrid spinosissima (Old Garden Rose) that has grown in a half barrel since 2004.
June 12, 2022, from Brenda: Rosa 'Stanwell Perpetual' - an everblooming hybrid spinosissima (Old Garden Rose) that has grown in a half barrel since 2004.
June 12, 2022, from Brenda: Climbing mini rose 'Warm Welcome', also growing in a half barrel.
June 12, 2022, from Brenda: Climbing mini rose 'Warm Welcome', also growing in a half barrel.
June 14, 2022, from Bev and Terry in Langley: Apricot Candy..
June 14, 2022, from Bev and Terry in Langley: Apricot Candy..
Also from Bev and Terry: Beverly
Also from Bev and Terry: Beverly
June 14, 2022 from Mary Jean: Good old Aloha always first to show along with wild Foxgloves which are really gorgeous.
June 14, 2022 from Mary Jean: Good old Aloha always first to show along with wild Foxgloves which are really gorgeous.
From Sunhee in Coquitlam: Chinook Sunrise.
From Sunhee in Coquitlam: Chinook Sunrise.
And also from Sunhee: Chrysler Imperial.
And also from Sunhee: Chrysler Imperial.
June 15, 2022 from Adrienne in Vancouver: I’m happy to share with you my first bloom of Moonlight in Paris today,
June 15, 2022 from Adrienne in Vancouver: I’m happy to share with you my first bloom of Moonlight in Paris today,
June 18, 2022 from Gloria in Vancouver: Raccoon smelling Constance Spry..
June 18, 2022 from Gloria in Vancouver: Raccoon smelling Constance Spry..


You can read about -- and see more photos of -- first bloomers in Alex Waterhouse-Hayward's blog at:


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/06/roses-clematis-hosta-scanned-ii.html 


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/06/single-malt-scotch-rosarians-delights.html 


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/06/roses-clematis-hosta-scanned.html


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/06/two-gardens-of-earthy-delight.html


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/06/rose-is-rose-is-rose-is-rose.html 


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/06/tres-alejandras.html


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2015/06/chapeau-de-napoleon.html


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/06/purple-haze-fashionable-twice.html 


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2013/06/in-lieu-of-that-readhead.html


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/06/rosa-constance-spry-happy-man-makes-me.html


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/06/yellow-she-affords.html


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/06/sanda-simic-generous-gardener.html


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/05/a-sepal-petal-and-thorn.html


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/05/rosa-souvenir-de-malmaison-corn.html 


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2019/05/my-first-rose-of-season-rosa-sericea.html


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2019/04/the-first-rose-to-bloom-in-our-garden.html


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2017/05/jacqueline-du-pre-returns-i-smile.htm


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2017/05/rosa-james-mason-all-potential-more.html


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2008/06/russian-frenchman-canadian-placid.html


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2013/07/all-that-jazz-lurid-wonderful.html


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/05/plants-their-faces.html


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/05/naked-nude-observed.html


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/05/rosa-benjamin-britten.html

External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/05/dr-huey-makes-house-calls.html


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/05/accuracy-then-beauty.html

 

External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/05/leander-is-back-to-heros-welcome.html


External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2007/04/rosa-agnes-john-tuytle-vandusen-plant.html


http://blog.alexwaterhousehayward.com/2020/05/gertrude-jekyll.html