For 10-years, I have pruned and fertilized rosebushes around my apartment. My reward is beautiful, fragrant bouquets.

Yesterday Pepe stupidly carved rosebushes into dense cubes with a chainsaw. He cut off flower buds that were ready to bloom. I nearly cried.

It will take years for the rosebushes to regain their natural shape. So today I tried to open up the centers of the rosebushes to let air and light circulate. This helps prevent powdery mildew, black spot and insect invasions that kill the plant.

Then I texted Cody, son of the owner. Asked him to tell Pepe not to touch rosebushes. I will take care of them. (I realize I have no control.)

When I was married, Terry and I bought a house built in-1927. It had 36-rosebushes planted alongside green boxwood hedges along the property lines from the house to sidewalk. Framed the house. Beautiful, fragrant roses that are no longer available.

Learned to make them flourish. People loved the roses. So did I.

After our divorce, Terry kept the house. He still lives there. Terry wanted to tear out the roses. He didn''t want to take care of them.

I arranged for a nursing home to send their gardener. He carefully dug up the roses, wrapped the root balls in damp burlap, and filled in the holes. Paid Terry $400. I can visit my beloved roses in the nursing home courtyard.

Hopefully some of the residents get outside to look at them and smell them. My hope was to bring beauty and joy to elderly people.