The Summer of the Late Rose was named for the roses that bloomed (late in this case) at Redwall Abbey and still featured young buds during the month of June. This season was characterized by a particular long and hot summer. Methuselah had only known three such summers in his extended lifetime. This was the season during which Cluny the Scourge attacked the Abbey, and Matthias went questing for the sword of Martin the Warrior.