When you think of Tombstone, Arizona, what comes to mind? Gunfighters? Silver mining? The most notoriously wicked nightspot in the west? The shootout at the OK corral? The town that is just "too tough to die"?

While I've never visited Tombstone or Arizona (though I'd like to), those are some of the images that pop into my mind. Tombstone definitely played a famous part in the history and legends of the American west.

Did you know, though, that Tombstone has a sweeter claim to fame? It is also the home of the world's largest rose! This rose, which is a Lady Bank's rose, was planted in 1885, and, in keeping with Tombstone's own reputation for survival, it is still alive today. It now covers 8,000 square feet, and has a trunk with a circumference of 12 feet. You can read about it and see more pictures of it here. and here. It was planted by the bride of a mining engineer, who was homesick for her native Scotland. Someone sent her a cutting, and she and a friend planted it. I wonder if they had any idea it would grow so large or live so long?

Enjoy!
Elizabeth