Roses are just so predictable.
Over-rated I say. And finickity. I have tried to grow them in the past. That didn’t work out so well. So tempermental they are. I feel sorry for the rose. Expectations are so high. Nothing less than a perfect rose, the scent of the gods, will do.
Now, the cactus on the other hand, no pressure. Barren conditions. Little attention or love required. And yet, the beauty although unconventional, is undeniable. Cacti can outlive us. 175 years old at 30 feet. No rose can come close to those stats.
I wish I had something witty to say about both plants having thorns. Hmmm, perhaps:
1) whether we are high (rose) or low (cactus) maintenance we all have a prickly side.
2) hugging isn’t for sissy’s
3) beauty takes many forms
4) protection from the elements is serious business
5) never judge a cactus by its thorns
Either way, the cactus gets my vote for plant of the year.
This cactus stamp is beautiful in it’s simplicity. It would look great on hot pepper sauce labels or on birthday party invites involving a piñata.
P.S And, by the way, another point for the cactus is no huge commercial conspiracy on valentines day involving cacti! Do I have your convinced yet?
I’ve successfully managed to kill 3 potted cacti – and I live in Phoenix. :/
Remember how on Friends Monica had to be great at everything but her back rubs sucked so they appeased her by naming her Best Worst Back Rub Giver? That’ me, Best Plant Killer.
Seriously, who can’t keep a cactus alive!?
Your story made me laugh Carrie! So funny, yet a well earned title of ‘best plant killer.’ I am not far behind you as right now I have a row of pots on my porch all that, at one time, at thriving herbs in them. Not so any more. All dead! I just visited Phoenix actually. Couldn’t get over all the cacti! In fact, that is were I wrote that post. Loved the heat! Talk soon.
Roses just always seemed so…generic. I can’t say that I would prefer a cactus to it, but…how about white and pink tiger lillies? My roommate’s boyfriend got her an arrangement of those for Valentine’s once, and I saw them and thought: Geez, that’s so much prettier than the measily, stereotypical 6 red roses with baby’s breath.
Anna, I love your suggestion of the tiger lillies! sounds beautiful and mostly I love it because it is unique. great idea. Thanks for stopping in.
Roses all the way. They remind me of my grandmother’s house—she had a rose bush by the side of her verandah.
If only I could have a beautiful rose bush too. Funny how plants and flowers can hold such fond memories for us. Thanks for reading Glenda. 🙂
Hey Barb:
Just popping in to say HI. Having a reminiscent moment here in my dining room and reading through some of your past blogs; pausing for a few memories of Summerfield Dr. from summers gone by. I would have to agree about the cactus. I have never been a rose lover, hense why I have rarely received roses as a gift. Must put cactus on my list of plants to discover;) Thank you for your inspirational thoughts in your blog. It feels so RAW spending time at ritewhileucan.
So happy to have you stop in for a visit Shannon. Almost the same as stopping in down the street! Have fun exploring the world of cacti, would look good in your front yard. Wonder what the other RAW members prefer – rose or cactus?