(The following is in no way meant disrespectfully to chain link fence owners). I do not know if others have noticed that chain link fence owners who desire a rose seem to gravitate towards the rose Climbing Blaze.
I thought long and hard before approaching this subject. If the writing is just mean-spirited then what is the point? I can’t even say for sure that the rose in the photograph is actually the rose Climbing Blaze, but I’m on to something regardless.
I guess what strikes me about the photograph above is the possibility of considering who we are. Why does one choose to place a chain link fence in the first place? Most probably because a chain link fence offers a relatively inexpensive way to accomplish a purpose. Its job is to keep things in or out of a space.
The aesthetics of chain link fences surely do not appeal to many. We don’t put up chain link fences because they are beautiful. Chain link fences are about function. Considering in many cases there are comparably priced fencing alternatives that still accomplish their core mission, I might suggest planting a chain link fence is showing a lack of imagination. And yet, roses are planted and beauty is sought.
One might surmise that different people planted the fence and the rose. A husband and wife perhaps? Two subsequent owners? It doesn’t matter to me, as the juxtaposition of function and art is there.
Anyone who has read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, with its themes of the need for tenacity and finding beauty in life among difficult circumstances, might draw a line towards those who plant flowers anywhere they need inspiration, including behind chain link fences.