A Scruffy Rescue Mutt Gardener Carries the Palace Roses

Head Gardener Barnaby has just finished his morning rounds, and he holds a basket of fresh roses in both paws with great care. The scruffy gray mixed-breed dog has wiry, tousled fur, a bearded chin and kind, steady eyes, and he wears a green coat with gold buttons and a gold epaulette beneath a cream gardening apron. The roses, pink, red and blush, glow against his dark clothes. Dark drapery and a stone column fill the background, and the painted surface is cracked like an old masterpiece, making this humble gardener look quite grand.

Mixed-breed dogs with wiry, scruffy coats often have some terrier or schnauzer in their ancestry, though it is hard to know for sure without a DNA test. Wiry coats can need hand-stripping or occasional trimming, and a weekly brushing helps keep them tidy. Many rescue dogs are loving, adaptable and grateful for a home, and shelters can often give you a good idea of their personality and energy level. Whether or not you know the breed mix, every dog needs regular exercise, vet checkups and training. If you garden with a dog, keep in mind that many plants and garden chemicals are toxic to pets, and roses can have thorns, so ask your vet which plants are safe. A shady spot to rest and plenty of water make garden time pleasant for both of you.

Barnaby's roses are surely the finest in the kingdom. A gardener with a heart that big makes everything bloom.