A mild fall this year has left many things still blooming, chief among them the roses that grace so many homes and places of businesses around the Island.

On historic streetscapes in downtown Vineyard Haven, red and yellow roses trail along white picket fences, small and tightly wrapped, no doubt a defense against the frosty evenings when temperatures dip.

In front of the Gazette office on South Summer street in Edgartown the Betty Priors — an heirloom variety — are getting a second wind, flaunting their beauty to the elegant clay pots filled with chrysanthemums at the Charlotte Inn across the way.

In the woods of West Tisbury, even the wild rambling roses are showing a little pink ruffle in spots.

Will there be roses on the Thanksgiving table this year?

Hard to think of a reason why not.