Sometimes I snag a real gem of info from this forum, and this is one of 'em! Thanks, Briggs. A copy of your post is now stored in the Lawn Equipment folder on my computer, and I'll be checking my Husqvarna LGT2654 and my FIL's GT5000 very soon.

We live in the Pacific Northwest and are about 100’ from salt water. All of our appliances are stainless steel and have never had any problems. Like you I wondered about that when we built 18 years ago. Many of my friends who live nearby also have stainless with no problems. I think maybe that homes are so much tighter these days that it’s not the problem it once was. That being said my brother who has homes in the Bahamas gave up on stainless. Even his white appliances are rusting. Maybe it’s the high humidity there. Best of luck to you.

Westerland, a dark apricot, would look beautiful on that wall. It has strong canes. I am in Texas so couldnt comment on what would be hardy in your area. Check out the Canadian roses like William Baffin, John Cabot - cant recall the rest but there are a bunch for cold climates. Griffith Buck roses were bred for cold winters. Roses Unlimited is a good source for those and many others. Brad Jalbert breeds roses in Canada - might check out his website and see what he offers. Hortico Roses in Canada has a big selection of roses, perhaps they could advise you - check out their website. You have a lovely space that would be wonderful for a bunch of roses! Climbers, then shrub, hybrid teas, floribundas, old garden roses in front of those. Lots of potential!

I've never grown Guirlande de Amour, but going by HMF, it's half the potential size of MAC. Do you want it to reach the railing and then grow along it, or just get that tall and no more? If you intend for your rose to grow horizontally at the balcony level, then MAC is the way to go. Mine was easily 25' tall in a red cedar tree before the Polar Vortex several years ago. I lost it when the temps hit -10F. It was healthy, not spotless, but nearly so, and I never, ever sprayed it (ever tried spraying something 25 feet over your head? I don't recommend it, lol). MAC doesn't mind a little shade, so should do quite well until it can reach full sun. MAC also has an interesting scent. I've never been quite able to describe it. It's pleasant, not overpowering. I read somewhere it has hints of elder flower?? GdA looks like a lovely rose, and being a musk hybrid probably smells wonderful. And HMF says it's "very disease resistant". But I can speak of MAC from experience, and it was a good one. She's a classic for a reason. Edit: I forgot to say...you mentioned Veilchenblau. I know it only blooms once, but it's totally healthy for me, and that purple would be gorgeous against the white walls! Plant it at one end, and MAC at the other, lol. Boom! Best of both worlds.