Of all the flowers in the garden, the rose has the richest history of Christian symbolism. The Rose of Sharon symbolizes Christ, the mystic rose the Blessed Virgin, the Christmas rose, the Nativity. In art of the Catholic Church many saints, too, are associated with roses. A crown of roses is often worn by St. Cecilia, St. Dorothy and St.Theresa.

   Every rose shown here represents a particular variety, each with distinct qualities. I felt this was important: there are no abstractions in God's Creation, only individuals. What else could we expect from a Father who knows when each sparrow falls?* So I have strived to show the individuality of each rose, for it seems to me that even God's flowers have a soul.

   *From Matthew 10:29