In June, the roses awaken. When they first open the air is sharp with their scent. I walk the brownstone lined city streets and the scent from perfectly curated gardens catches on a little breeze and it gives me the chills.

Back home in the country side of the state they are tangled about wild in the trees, speckled faint pink white petals that say “we can’t be tamed”.

Country or city rose, I cherish them both. And both are ceremoniously summer.

“Rosa: The Story of the Rose” by Peter E. Kukielski has been as good a companion to me as the fresh flowers themselves. What can I say, I just can’t escape flowers. To cover all the mysteries of the Rose is an impossibility but Peter does a wonderful job uncovering these ancient beauties. From symbolism across art and history, to poetry and lore, and variety, the book cuts a strong swath into the many facets of the flower.

A joy to have on the table, this is one of those treasures where each page has fascinating element that you can takeaway in a brief, stolen moment of rest, or equally, sink into and spend the afternoon with.

May you find yourself getting lost in this book and the enchanting nature of the Rose.