Rose Hedgerow
This January we are looking at the rose hedgerow on the Frey ranch. Each month we profile a different plant that is an integral part of our home Biodynamic ranch ecology at Frey Vineyards. Grapes are at the heart of our farm, but we also have a surrounding biodiversity reserve. Between the wildlands and the grape vines, we have transitional hedgerow zones.
Our Herbal Highlight from to start off 2024 is the rose hedgerow. Long acknowledged for their amazing aromas, roses have found their way all around the world. In several places around the home ranch, winery buildings, and the nature reserve beyond, rose bushes have naturalized and are thriving.
In addition to the wild roses that have made the Frey Ranch their home, Katrina Frey has maintained a garden with roses for decades. And, in recent years, our team of organic and biodynamic gardeners has planted over 50 rose bushes in the Perennial Mother Garden at the home ranch! With the help of our Sensory Evaluator, who brings decades of perfume expertise to Frey Vineyards, we specifically purposefully chose roses, known for their fragrance as a compliment to perfumery and aromatic therapy.
Many of these roses have been cultivated by humans for a very long time indeed! Of these old roses, all renowned for their wonderful benefits, we chose the following. Among the chosen roses are the Reine Victoria Bourbon type, the Papa Meilard Fragrant (they’re long stemmed and a red hybrid tea rose), the Rosa de Rescht (a Portland rose which is a Damask Perpetual), one Gallica officinalis (also known as the apothecary rose, it is the traditional rose used for apothecary medicine and perfumery), the Hansa rugosa (rugosa types are very fragrant, drought tolerant prolific, and produce large rosehips), a Louise Odier Bourbon type, the Glorie de Guilan Damascena/Damask roses, the Kazanlik damask, and the Madame Isaac Pierre Bourdon roses.
This initial “Sensory” Rose garden continues to grow and evolve. Each year, the roses lend themselves to creating rose syrups, flower essences, tinctures, and teas, and also dried rose petals for culinary adventures! Rose hips are also an important herbal medicine and have been used in countless herbalist preparations for their high Vitamin C and antioxidant content, their delicious tangy taste, and their exquisite red color.
Although it’s Wintertime on the Frey ranch, the bright red rose hips from the rose hedgerow continue to shine amidst the cold and freezing days. Here’s to finding your light until the sun and warmth of the Spring return again.