People have been passionate about roses since the beginning of
time. In fact, it is said that the floors of Cleopatra’s palace were carpeted
with delicate rose petals, and that the wise and knowing Confucius had a
600-book library specifically on how to care for roses. The rose
is a legend on its own. The story goes that during the Roman Empire, there was
an incredibly beautiful maiden named Rhodanthe. Her beauty drew many zealous
suitors who pursued her relentlessly. Exhausted by their pursuit, Rhodanthe was
forced to take refuge from her suitors in the temple of her friend Diana.
Unfortunately, Diana became jealous. And when the suitors broke down her temple
gates to get near their beloved Rhodanthe, she became angry turning Rhodanthe
into a rose and her suitors into thorns. How many books on roses did Confucius have