How does one write an introduction to the rose, supreme among flowers and reigning queen in the magical world of blossoming life? For centuries the mystery and glory of the rose, its perfection of form, fragrance, and colour, has been sung by poets, hymned by seer and saint, and treasured by those who love flowers and gardens. It is the mystical rose, the symbol of love on the earthly plane and, in the true language of the flowers, its spiritual significance is Love for the Divine. This volume contains the sayings through centuries, of poets and artists, writers and gardeners all paying homage to the rose. It is a collection of quotations amassed over a period of more than thirty years.

This mire must harbour the orchid and the rose,

From her blind unwilling substance must emerge

A beauty that belongs to happier spheres.

Sri Aurobindo