Florence, Thanks for your lovely comments as always. I'm late again with posting the pics, it's been a busy couple of days here. Just so I don't disappoint, I didn't get pictures of his operation, just my rose plant. I would have loved to show everyone what a neat and tidy operation he has with some pictures, but I didn't feel comfortable taking any, having just met him. I'm sure he would have let me, but I didn't want him to possibly wonder what I might do with the pics. Anne, Yes, come back to Wisconsin anytime, at the border just tell them Brother Cadfael sent you. If you haven't been here in awhile, I'll have to show you the secret handshake.;^D I know what you mean about collecting roses from around the country, I'd love to do that, but we'd never have enough room in the car when we go on trips for a rosebush. Serenasyh, Thank you, thank you. You're welcome for whatever meager help I offered on those threads. Your comments make me feel as though I have a halo on my head.;^] Likewise, I've often posted on here about how we should start a utopian rose society, or wish that I would win one of those really big lottery jackpots so I could buy a couple thousand acres in a perfect rose environment, build us all our dream houses, help each other with our dream gardens, and build some great friendships and memories... but that's all too perfect, isn't it?:^] Terry, It's funny you should mention Pink and Red Intuition; as I was touring his operation, I noticed them and told him that those were the only other HT's I am currently interested in, (I have 'Dainty Bess' and 'La France' - I used to have 200 HT's), and that I would probably order them from him next season. He said he was ALREADY sold out of those two for next season, and that he could run his business on sales of those two roses alone. As far as the varieties he grows, stupid me, I meant to put the link to his website on my original message and I forgot. I put the link below. Maryl, In your zone, I would think a maiden would do well for you. True, it may take 18 months for a maiden to be what we're used to getting, but like you said he has some great varieties. Susan, That's how I remember who I want to try buying from too. (: Diane, Thank you. Shannon, How was your weekend getaway? Did your host look at you kind of funny when you took a 2' tall rose bush to your room?;^D Hopefully they had a pot ghetto for transient rosebushes.;^P Your husband was a saint, he even seemed genuinely interested in what we were rambling about, and I was so happy to be talking roses with someone face to face, that I would forget to politely include him most of the time. No, no, no, I did not get a "crappy" 'Night Owl', "in return", because the original deal was to just find a home for MF... that I did, AND I got a 'Night Owl' to boot!!! Shrewd as an arab trader I am! ;^P Yes, it has to be 'Lilac Rose' if your specimen looks the same and has the same scent as mine. I just don't understand why he named it that. It seems the equivalent of naming a cat "Fido" if you ask me. You are a high-jacker, but be careful how you use that word, or you'll have Homeland Security at your front door... and sniffing your roses. It might go something like this: HS: Ma'am, what's the name of this rose? You: It's called 'Lilac Rose'. HS: UP AGAINST THE WALL LADY!!!, THIS ROSE IS NOT LILAC!!! Yep, all the evidence they need to prove you're part of a sleeper cell.:^D It was great to meet you and Steve and I recommend that if anyone else has the chance to get together with you, that they do so. Thanks Everyone, Rob BC:) Here is a link that might be useful: Wisconsin Roses

Wanttogarden Bare root roses which include packaged ones are fresher this time of the year having been just recently harvested. If bought and planted in warmer growing zones, you should enjoy a good plant. Except, CR roses are noted for often being mislabeled and the larger #1 grade bushes are often sold to the better nurseries and good mail order suppliers. Those body bagged ones in stores in spring are often grade 1 1/2 or ungraded culls and have been stored for much of the winter. Rough handling when harvested can result in cankered canes that may not survive or only produce blind growth. That's why the big box stores and discounters like Michigan Bulb get them as they can sell them cheap. You get what you pay for.

Potted up some of the cuttings from yesterday in gritty mix. I put them inside a small greenhouse inbetween 2 north windows in the garage. Should I close the plastic on it to help promote root growth or should I leave it open to get some air in there. All the other cuttings are going to hopefully go to others :). I still have some more cutting to do on the plant I think I am going to take some pictures and show my progress and maybe someone can give me some tips on where to take my next cuttings.

Still raining here today :-(. If you want some rain, come for a visit and bring some buckets. I only have 3 more plants coming from 3 different sellers and I can only hope we get a break soon but I doubt it. One seller notified me they are delayed in shipping and I was happy. Can you imagine being happy when your shipment will be delayed. Suppose to continue like this for a few more days. Good news...I don't have to mow the lawn LOL. So here are the names of doubles I got: FIRES OF FUJI DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU PENNY PINSLEY ALABAMA WILDFIRE CASTLE ROSE BELLE FORTY SECOND STREET PEACH MAGNOLIA ROYAL EVENTIDE I can't even get the vegetable garden started. Who wants to rototill mud? Will take some time today and finish printing labels for the markers. At least rain doesn't delay that. I wonder if this will be like the summer of 2009. Cold and rainy.......yuck. Julia