Meslgh, you have chosen some lovely roses. I think you will be happy with them. I hope you will select companion plants that have foliage in different sizes and shapes because a change from the sameness of rose foliage will only help to set off the roses (as you will be doing with the agave). Some beautiful dark canna foliage would do this as would a large alocasia, some iris, etc. And in our area, you don't have to dig up the canna or the alocasia in the fall. They'll be fine left in the ground. Just dig and divide them when you want more plants elsewhere or when someone asks for a start. And for a change from just green, my beds that are bordered in lamb's ear look really good, and that plant does well here - you won't have to replant each spring any of the foliage plants I've mentioned. The canna with the most beautiful foliage (to me) is Black Velvet. I don't have a lot of it, but just enough to provide interest. Sometimes with the BV, when it is planted adjacent to roses of a certain color, I prune the flower off as if I were deadheading and leave the gorgeous leaves - they shade to different colors and look different in different light. I also love the very-dark, large burgundy leaves of Pink Futurity - it gets to nearly 3 feet here. I get doorbell ringers asking me what it is and where they can get some. Sounds like you are already wanting to provide contrast with the agave and Powis Castle. I think PC is beautiful, but I have to cut back mine in mid-summer or it sprawls terribly and exposes the branches. Of course, the branches will be exposed when you cut them back, but then the plant will look good well into December. I've never experienced this particular artemesia spreading anywhere. Also, don't forget that some vertical interest will help produce a well balanced and interesting composition. In some of my beds I have done this by pruning tall shrubs to tree-form (crape myrtle, rose of sharon (althea), Texas mountain laurel (sophora secundiflora, desert willow (chilopsis linearis), etc.) All of these do well in our area. I hope you can use some of these ideas. Lou

Brenda, it is nice when even family members are enablers, eh? LOL!! I actually keep telling my husband "There's this garden in Western NY that someday we have to go visit!" I would love to see your beautiful garden some day. The different areas you have planted and the variety is amazing. I've been lusting for some more photos from you. Would love to see what you have on file for your veggie garden from last year if you have any time to post some. Goodness! I finally cracked open the catalog for my local nursery who I really like to support. She's a true plantswoman who I so enjoy chatting with, etc. I just sent an email over to her with my "list" (is was a long one) of plants to put aside for me for pickup when they open. It's a terrible habit I have of giving her a list each year for pickup. But my birthday is always right around when she opens, so it's a birthday present, right?!?! LOL!

Ebb Tide looks lovely but not even close to the dark purple mine had. I also have Blue Mist and love its foliage. My Mrs. Woods Lavender Pink Noisette is unfortunately gone; Noisettes just don't do well for me, but its flowers at their best are truly lovely. Burgundy Iceberg is a real workhorse for me, and I wouldn't be without it. My favorite "flower" of all is Juliet, your darling little dog. I want to hug and kiss her! Ingrid

I've got a bee in my bonnet after seeing Boatwright's newest intros. Does anyone have some of this to trade for something of mine?