While many of The Rock's indoor spaces — notably the infamous cellblock — are off-limits to visitors right now owing to COVID-19-related health and safety restrictions, its craggy outdoor landscape is full of unexpected finds.

Among them is a rare and tenacious rose. It's blooming right now in the Rose Garden, a lesser-known corner of the island that visitors can for the first time explore freely, instead of only on a docent-led tour. And this rose has a remarkable story.