Hi, Connie,
Monday,Memorial Day is the 25th. Plan to be there.
Jim

I'll be there--but let's get the date right. I have enough trouble getting to the right place on the right day!

Oops. Sorry about the confusion with the date. That's what happens when one counts on one's fingers instead of getting up to consult the calendar.

The correct info is:

Memorial Day
Monday
May 25, 2009.

Stay tuned for the time.
Connie

(Wow, this went to page 3 in a hurry.)

I walked the garden in the rain with a friend yesterday afternoon. Things are growing, buds are swelling, and there are even some flowers ... Old Blush and Climbing Rouletii are beautiful.

For those of you who are new to gardening in Virginia, come to the party to talk to those of us who have done it for a while. If you have experience, come share it with those who don't. Wanna see what a certain rose looks like in person? Chances are, with Robert's and my collections of 600+ roses each (with very little overlap, I'm surprised to say) you may find it here . . . or find someone who grows it.

This is the third time I've done this, and I have more fun each time. What I love the best is getting out from behind this keyboard and being able to make a personal connection with someone I've known online.

You never really know someone until you have visited their garden. :)

Connie

Connie

You know I will be there. And should be coming up with Sunni and hopefully Barbara. I would miss it.

Liz

I'm so looking forward to seeing your gardens on Memorial Day. Yipppeeee!
-Stephanie

Connie, if everything is fine, I plant to come to see Robert's and your gardens. I probably will bring a couple of friends with me.
Olga

Connie - I hope to make the pilgrimage south with a friend or two, if they have room.

Best,

Nick

I'm looking to seeing everyone. Robert

I plan to attend with my sister.

Thanks Robert and Connie!

Maureen

Connie,

I recommended the open house to a rose lover who lives about an hour north of you. She and I talk on the Peter Beales Rose Forum. I know she will enjoy it.

Liz

p.s. As of today, Sunni, Barbara, and I are coming up from VA Beach.

I figured since the big day is right around the corner, I would bump it to the top.

I was not sure I could make it but it looks like things have changed and I would love to join everybody on the 25th.
Could anybody please email me the details and directions?
parr_marina AT hotmail DOT com
Thank you,
Marina

Robert and I have decided that this is the plan for Monday:

Meet at his house at about 10:00 or so. We hope this is a good time, especially for our Northern visitors who are coming such a long way ... believe me, it's worth the trip. You've seen my photos, haven't you?

At about noon, everyone will head north to my place for lunch. I know everyone will probably be famished by then. There will be plenty of time to eat, and visit, and walk the gardens ... maybe take in a wine tasting next door, before leaving for home.

Plan to bring a dish to share (lunch is pot-luck). I'm borrowing tables and chairs, and I have to figure out approximately how many people to expect. Send me an email if you're coming (even if you've already done so) and I'll give you directions to Robert's house.

This is always so much fun. I hope that many of you can come by. I see some Virginia people, stopping in here asking questions ... what are you doing on Monday? We'd love to have you come visit.

Connie

I'll be with you all in spirit. I know you'll have a great time and hope someone takes pictures.

Carla

My sister has cancelled (sick dog) so I'm coming solo.

Does anyone need a ride from Maryland? You can contact me from "My Page"

Maureen

I will be thinking about everyone-----Someday I hope to get to Va and visit all the gardens
Florence

I just sent directions to everyone who has responded that they're coming. If you didn't just receive an email from me, and you're planning to come on Monday, let me know and I'll send directions to you right away.

Connie

Here's a shameless preview of what you'll see on Monday:

{{gwi:246975}}

The roses in this photo are Applejack, Felicia, Kathleen, Souvenir de la Malmaisson, Grandmother's Hat, Marchesa Boccella, Shailer's Provence, and some others.

See you Monday!
Connie

While we thought we'd do both the MD and VA tours this weekend, a family obligation will keep us away from the gathering at Connie's, Robert's and co.

Is the MD tour still on? I would really enjoy seeing Olga's and Lorie's, if possible. Otherwise, Sonny and I will go to Heritage Rosarium. We assume that it will be open, even if the info on that is scarce.

Thanks and hope to see some of you this weekend. Have a safe one!

Sonny,
I was all for rose tour in my garden, but...
I garden on a small suburban lot. My neighbors started big construction work. Basically they are building huge addition to their house. My yard is a mess. This construction made terrible impact on my garden. There is one side of my yard where I can't go at all, no access to my roses. They were not pruned, not mulched this year. I am very upset. This was prime rose spot. A lot of my roses were badly damaged. Overall I don't feel good about it and not in the mood for garden tour at my place. If you are in the area and still want to see my roses, just send me e-mail and I will be glad to give you a personal treatment :)
Olga

We had a wonderful time. Thanks to Connie and Robert for having everyone over. It was so wonderful to see your amazing gardens and great to be able to spend time with my GW buddies.

Good luck with the opening Connie!

Sunni