Anticipating a bloom.

The bud of Marianne., a photo by Leenechan on Flickr.

Here's an early glimpse of our new Paul Barden hybrid gallica rose "Marianne." She's probably one of my most anticipated roses of the year. We were lucky enough to receive a gallon from RVR with three fat, healthy flowerbuds attached. Over the past three days, they've been rapidly turning orange. I hope this one opens soon!