my grandma’s roses: old wisdom vs. new trends in our gardens

Every time I walk past my grandma’s house, the scent of her rose bushes pulls me back to childhood summers—sticky hands, laughter, and the gentle scolding when we picked her prized blooms. At 96, she still tends those roses, using tricks passed down from her own mother. She swears by rainwater and coffee grounds, and refuses to use the fancy fertilizers my neighbors rave about. But lately, I’ve noticed the younger folks in our community garden rolling their eyes at her methods. They’re all about drought-resistant hybrids and perfectly manicured beds, while grandma’s roses sprawl wild and free, defying the HOA’s neat lines. Some say her way wastes water, others argue her garden is the soul of our block. Here in the Midwest, where the weather swings from icy springs to blazing summers, her roses have survived more storms than most of us. I wonder—are we losing something precious when we trade tradition for convenience? Or is it time to let go of the old ways for the sake of the environment and neighborhood harmony? When I see grandma pruning in the golden evening light, I feel torn. Her roses are more than flowers—they’re living memories, stubborn beauty, and a gentle rebellion against the changing world. What do you think: should we protect these old gardens, or embrace the new? #RoseMemories #GardenTraditions #GenerationalGardening #Gardening