The Garden
Climbing Roses
The oldest roses on the property climb along the south-facing fence line, putting on a show from late May into June. Varieties have been selected for fragrance as well as cut-flower longevity — deep reds, pale pinks, and the occasional climber that refuses to be categorized. They are the backbone of the summer bouquet season.
Peonies & Perennials
Peonies arrive in late spring and signal the start of the arrangement season in earnest. Planted alongside a supporting cast of perennials — lisianthus, salvia, agastache, and scabiosa — they provide weeks of material in blush, white, and deep burgundy. These beds require patience and reward it.
Containers
Containers fill the corners and edges of the property where in-ground planting isn't possible — dahlias and zinnias running through summer into fall, sweet potato vine tumbling over the front steps, and a collection of tender herbs that come inside when the weather turns. They add movement and color where the garden needs it most.
Raised Beds & Herbs
The raised beds run down the east side of the property and are in near-constant production from April through October. Culinary herbs — basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, French tarragon, and more — share space with seasonal vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and greens. The herbs and vegetables grown here feed directly into the preserved goods and sourdough offerings; what the kitchen uses, the garden grows.
The Grounds
Beyond the planted beds, the grounds of Roselawn are defined by old trees, uneven terrain, and the Blue Ridge views to the south and west that make this particular piece of Roanoke feel unhurried. The property has been tended in some form since 1939, and that history is present in the way things grow here — accumulated, deliberate, and never quite finished.