Whether or not the Lady of the Lake who glides across a mist-laden lake to and from Avalon in Arthurian legend was in mind when this rose was named, I had to have it for the implied connection. I was looking for a pillar rose for in the ‘Magic Garden’ and nothing could’ve been more perfect.

Floating like an island amid a carpet of creeping thyme, the peony patch showcases showy peonies that were planted over 20 years ago. Ageratum, red ‘Flower Carpet’ roses and blue salvia compliment the display in mid June.

‘The Impressionist’ is a gorgeous and vigorous climbing rose. As it begins to bloom, every shade of violet, rose, pink, apricot, yellow and orange show in the petals. Once it’s fully open it transforms into a luscious golden sunflower yellow with a hint of orange. It is supposed to be strongly fragrant, but the blooms so far have only be mildly so. This is the first year this rose has bloomed and was started from a purchased cutting last summer.