Mens dream came not suddenly. It ripened for years, like a bud on a thin stem. Once, in childhood, I saw a rose of unparalleled beauty at my neighbor's through a fence. Purple, with velvet petals, it smelled so that the head spun. I asked for a cutting. The neighbor smiled: "You'll grow — you're a hero." That first cutting dried up. Then — the second, the third. But the passion did not fade. Now, thirty years later, I cannot imagine life without roses. They have become my cause, my pain, my pride. And today I will tell you how a simple hobby turned into destiny. First bud, or how I believed in myself The sixth cutting survived. It was a miracle: I soaked it in honey, wrapped it in film, placed it on the southern window. And one day tiny leaves sprouted. And two months later — a bud! It was crooked, pale pink, without a scent. But I cried like a child. I understood: I can. It was with that rose, which I called "Hope," that my collection began. Now I have more than four hundred varieties. But I still remember that first one. It died of black spot in a severe winter, but it remained in the heart. Roses as a business: from hobby to profession For a long time I worked as an engineer at a factory. Roses were my sanctuary. In the evenings and on weekends I buried myself in the soil, grafted, pruned. My colleagues rolled their eyes: "Found something to do." But one day I calculated: selling seedlings and bouquets brings as much as my salary at the factory. I quit. It was scary. My wife supported me. I rented a plot, built greenhouses. At first I made mistakes: I bought sick seedlings, lost the harvest to frost. But I learned from my mistakes. Now I conduct master classes, people come to me from all over the region. Roses feed my family and bring joy. Secrets of cultivation: what I learned in 30 years Roses do not like bustle. They need a routine, love, and cold calculation. The main rule: good drainage. The roots should not be wet. Second: sun for no less than six hours a day. Third: pruning. Without it, the bush becomes wild. I use only organic fertilizers: manure, compost, ash. Chemistry kills the scent. And I talk to the roses. Yes, it sounds strange, but they feel the mood. On a bad day the leaves turn yellow. On a good day — they bloom more lushly. And above all, patience. Some varieties bloom in the third year after planting. But it is worth it. Top 5 of my favorite varieties "Gloria Day" — classic cream-yellow with a pink edge. The scent is strong, sweet. Blooms until frost. "Pierre de Ronsar" — climbing rose with large cup-shaped flowers. Ideal for arches. "Black Magic" — dark purple, almost black. For those who love mysticism. "Leonardo da Vinci" — softly pink, with dense velvety petals. Similar to a peony. "Vesterland" — orange-rose, with an incredible fruity scent. Each variety requires a special approach. But all of them are beautiful. Dream come true I often remember that boy who watched a foreign rose through a fence. Today I have my own nursery. In June, when the entire garden is blooming, I turn on soft music, sit in a wicker chair, and breathe in the aroma. It is happiness. I did not become a millionaire, but I am free. I do what I love. And people appreciate my flowers. They come to us for weddings, birthdays, just for a bouquet of mood. I understand: growing roses is not just work. It is a way to speak to the world in the language of beauty. Advice for beginners Do not be afraid to start with one bush. Plant a tea hybrid rose "Flammentanz" — it is not demanding. Buy a good secateur, do not spare money. Learn how to do winter insulation. Straw, spandbond, dry leaves. Do not water. And do not listen to "experts" who say that roses are difficult. Everything is difficult until you try. The main thing is desire. And the memory of why you do it. Diseases and pests: experience of struggle Black spot, powdery mildew, aphids. These are my enemies. I do not use pesticides — they kill bees and useful insects. Instead: garlic infusion, tobacco, ash. If the infestation is severe, I remove the sick leaves and burn them. It is important not to crowd the plantings — air should circulate. And water under the root, not on the leaves. Diseases often come with purchased seedlings, so for many years I take cuttings only from trusted people. Roses and family My wife initially resented the flowers. She said: "You spend more time with them than with me." Then I involved her in the business. Now she herself makes bouquets, manages social networks. The children grew up on roses. They know what distinguishes floribunda from ground cover. My granddaughter already asks for her own bush. Roses have brought us together. We have overcome drought and the infestation of aphids together. We rejoice in every new flower. This is our family value. Future: new varieties and plans I dream of breeding my own variety. A dark blue rose with a vanilla scent. So far it is not working. But I am experimenting with cross-pollination. In the plans — to expand the nursery, launch an online store for seedlings. And definitely write a book. About how a simple hobby became the whole life's work. So that others believe: dreams come true. Not immediately, with pain, with losses. But they do. Growing roses is not a hobby and not a business. It is a dialogue. You give the earth labor, warmth, care, and it gives you a miracle. A miracle that smells and touches the soul. I am happy. I found my own. Look for and you.
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