Jarvinen, I remember a post from you from last year but cannot find it. I wanted to look back to be reminded of my/our suggestions to you. I remember addressing you but cannot recall what it was about or what was stated. Are you sure I/we suggested mixing bluegrass with fine fescue? It's something I never suggest because the mix doesn't make sense to me. Normally, I recommend bluegrass in the sunny areas and then transition fine fescue in the shady areas. Does that sound familiar? You want fine fescue in the new area. For the existing lawn, fertilize in between early and mid May. You'll likely get some weeds, for which you can use weed-b-gon or whatever your choice. A weed hound works great if you prefer not using herbicides.

Nummy, the shape and height will be determined largely by the variety of rose. They all have their own growth habits. For instance my PJPII is on the short side but grows a little wider. Memorial Day on the other hand is tall and lanky. You can start planting when the soil is "friable". That means you can take a handful of soil and squeeze and when you open your hand the soil should crumble back apart easily, not stay in a damp clump. My ground is still frozen an inch beneath the surface so it will be a few weeks before I can even dig a hole. I'd pot those roses up for a while. It will keep them moister and healthier until you can plant them. What ever you do don't let them dry out. That's the kiss of death. Today was beautiful! My snowdrops finally opened, my crocus are blooming and my dwarf iris Katherine Hodgkins bloomed! Yippee! I'll start cleaning up the beds of debris this week and will peel off the layer of leaves on the top of the pot ghetto. I will wait and watch the weather before I pull them out completely though. I've been stung before with a late freeze.

Howdy - once again: New Discoveries of Interest Although this is an old posting, I thought that I would provide some updated information with regard to some interesting nurseries; small garden places; and one unique Mom & Pop operation, which might be of interest to those visiting this post. 1. Waterscapes One of the more interesting places that Sue and I have found - last summer - is Waterscapes, which is located south and a litte west of Traverse City. In addition to a wide array of water landscaping supplies, designs, materials, fishes & plants, this company offers 13 pond garden areas on display and has a number of "light nights" offered during the early summer to early fall season. Even if you do not have plans or a budget for the creation of either a pond or a fountain display, this is a most interesting place to visit - even for a Sunday drive. On our first visit - with a friend - I discovered a most interesting contraption - a specially designed copper revolving sprinkler system that was very unique. I am not so certain about its watering efficiency, but I was most intrigue with it. Unfortunately, we arrived a wee bit late in the season as they had a small number of these devices for sale - $35.00 - but since the last one was being used to water a portion of their lawn, the wife didn't want to part with it. Needless to say, Sue and I did purchase a floating/standing solar powered battery operated "Globe" that slowly changed colors. At night, the thing looks like a "alien landing light" - so dubbed by Sue. So far, we haven't had any alien space ships land in our back yard. Perhaps, I am in need of another one. At any rate, here's the link to their web site. Scroll down to get their phone number, give them a call, and find out when their next "night light" open house occurs and put yourself on their mailing list. Waterscapes Unlimited 2. Jennifer Smeltzer's Rural Garden Center The next place on the list is Jennifer Smeltzer's small rural garden center - located on Route 22 - just south of Acardia, Michigan. It is a truly a beginning Mom and Pop operation, but Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge that she will enjoy sharing with you in addition to her selection of unusual or unique plant offerings. If she doesn't have want you wish to add to your garden, she'll be most happy to obtain it for you. Since I can't remember the name of her garden shop, I'll give you her phone number, which, of course, is also located in the phone book for the Manistee area. Jennifer Smeltzer - (231) 889-5998. 3. Greystone Gardens The next place on the list is Greystone Gardens, which is located about 15 miles north of Frankfort, Michigan about 1.5 miles to the east of Route 22. Sue and I found it through the efforts of one of her friends at work who had been out for a "Sunday Drive" one weekend. Since Sue and I were already headed up to Jennifer's place and thence to Crystal Gardens a few miles north of Frankfort, Michigan, we decided to go the "extra mile" to see what this small operation had to offer. We were both astonish and pleased with the range of selections and the prices they were asking for their plants in good sized pots. We purchased a number of annuals and a few weeks went back for more - another one of our purpose filled "Sunday Drives". 4. The Iris Farm The same friend who informed us of the Greystone Gardens spot noted above also discovered the Iris Farm, which is located about 6 miles west of Traverse City, MI on Route 72. Since we were on one of our purpose filled "Sunday Drives" Sue and I ended up visiting this lovely place; sat down in a large shed; looked through the selection of photographs of Iris's, and placed an order for a fall pick up. The Iris's were just peaking and there were cars everywhere and people picking out their Iris selection for a fall planting. Of course, an equal number of these folks were also taking cuttings of the flowers coming into or in bloom, which this farm also sells during the blooming season. Prices for Iris roots were very reasonable and it was nice to see them in bloom as well. Although this unique operation does not have a web site, - I couldn't find one in a quick search on Google, I have provided a link below and a photograph of what this place looks like when in bloom. The Iris Farm - Map and Information 5. Cedar Hedge Gardens During the course of one of our discussions - I was looking for a particular Hosta, Jennifer Smeltzer informed me that she knew of a woman who ran a small Hosta nursery near Interlochen, Michigan. So again - on one of our journeys, Sue and I finally found the place - a unique home operation. Sorry, but I've forgotten the name of the woman who owns this home grown nursery, but I will tell you Hosta lover's that this place is a must visit - if only to enjoy the quiet shade garden areas graced by statuary and chimes that she has created. Although she is generally open during the gardening season, I would recommend that you give her a jingle before traveling to experience her unique and wonderful shade garden and/or make your selection of her extensive array of Hostas. Again, here is the link providing information and a general map - ask for directions. Cedar Hedge Gardens 6. Sweet Meadow Farm Garden Nursery While I was talking with the owner of the Cedar Hedge Gardens, she informed me that there was another, unique Garden center located not too far away. Although we ventured towards this place late on a Saturday afternoon, we were disappointed to find out that it was closed. So we now have a good excuse to embark on another one of our purpose filled "Sunday Drives", but this time we'll travel a bit early on a Saturday. Here's the link to this place, which I am told is also very unique, as they specialize in unique Perennials, Shrubs, Annuals, and Garden Art. Sorry, I don't have a link for you, but here's there phone number Sweet Meadow Farm Garden Nursery - Phone (231) 642-6416 Well, I do hope that this additional information is of interest to those reading this far down in this lengthy posting. ;>) 7. Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' Of course, I must end this additional information with a "plug" for recently discovering the above mentioned plant. I've added two of these lovelies to our garden and am happy to say that both of these real "Michigan natives" - (they were discovered in a nursery in Zeeland, MI) are doing very well. Here's a link to some information and a few photos of this beautiful gem. And below that link is a photograph that literally inspired me to add a few to our growing shade garden. Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' Hope this additional information is of interest to those reading this far down. ;>) Be well and may your gardening experiences be joyous. Bill

Cheryl, that would be great! But 8 hours is a long drive. sigh,,,,,, BUT! if you do come post to this thread! I will be working the sale and I always wear a name tag that says "HI! I'm Rosie (smiley face)". You can't miss me ! Just introduce yourself!!! The prices are reasonable and there are lots of things to see! (and buy!!) Anyone else thinking of coming? Rosie