I have a Hagley Hybrid thats at least 7 years old that never returned and shows no signs yet either. I am not digging it up, however, as I had a similar thing happen to a couple of other clematis a few years ago(Jackmanii that I thought they were dead) and then in late June they finally started growing. Of course they were a smaller version of themselves that year but within a couple of years they returned to their glorious self. I am only guessing but perhaps every few years part of the root died but part didn't? Either that or maybe the part that's below ground and readily sends up shoots in spring died out? Anyway, I wish you luck and hopefully mine will make an appearance too. It's my favorite clematis and in part shade so when I planted it as a small plant it took a while to get established. Almost debating buying a new one as a back up, but then I may have to find root for two. Oh, I also have a little duckling clematis (better known as Piilu) that appears dead. As it was it's first winter and the second Piilu I am trying, for that one I assume it just wasn't hardy enough. Glen

Mike, VCR's very fragrant and smells just like a rose. Even with just this single bloom I can still detect faint whiff of it from a distance. I know a vendor in Oahu who sells VCR cutting for $16. If you want it, let me know and I'll be happy to pick one up for you when I'm there. Wow!! that Scentational is still there? I kinda wanted to get it last month but it wasn't on sale. $40 seems reasonable enough! :) Did you see that giant plumeria plant I found in the Asian market around here? Could it be a promising sign plumerias will soon be available in our state? LOL Kenny

J Sturg, we crossposted. Your “Bunny Island” sounds a lot like Ingrid’s property. She has a “squirrel hill”, as well as bunnies. As you can see from my recent above photo, once Mel’s Heritage takes off, it would take many hungry bunnies to eat him up! He’s enormous! My yard is small, and I could only chose one giant rose. I’m SO happy with my choice! Mel’s Heritage has it all in my opinion. For me he’s a climber, a groundcover, a great cut rose, and super healthy. MH also loves my hot summers. I have to laugh looking back at my old posts, worrying about him growing enough! Once he takes off, watch out! I dearly love this rose, and all my children know he’s my favorite! Good luck with yours, and do keep us posted. Lisa

Thank you, thank you, all! Well, one thing that gardening has taught me is how much it means to have a community of gardening friends. I was completely heart-broken yesterday but now much more hopeful and encouraged after reading all your advice and support. Ugh, I have a lot of landscape cloth that we use to cover plants when frost hits in late spring and could have wrapped some yesterday, but didn't even think about it. I'll surely try it for the rest of the winter season because the ground is frozen and it's too late for caging now. I will also try fencing the entire area but I'm still not sure how they get in from my neighbor's yard because the gaps between the wood fencing are very narrow though it's clear from the tracks that they get in from there. So I still need to cage each rose but will also fence the beds and borders for winter. That's a great idea about leaves and I always have plenty. Just this year I gave away some 20-30 bags of leaves. Next time I'll keep them for protection. I'm thinking to perhaps fill in the caged area with some too... I am always for the humane treatment of animals, pests included, and completely understand the concern about the discomfort that pepper can leave on bunnies, but I just can't let this happen again and there is so much snow around that just licking it can hopefully give them the relief from this temporary discomfort. It's really just to teach them that this is not an area for having yet another feasting banquet as they did two nights ago. I might alternate between chili pepper/petroleum jelly, following Christopher's recipe, and shredded Ivory soap that was also kindly recommended. And as the final touch, I'll use the best deterrent of all (credits go to Virginia! :-)). On the cage or leaf bag next to each rose I'll stick different rabbit recipes, starting with Brunswick stew (though myself I've never had any and do adore bunnies, but not when they eat my roses).