Wow, I've culled out some of them and now I've got more to contemplate. Thank you, I'M NOT COMPLAINING HERE :).... At this time of year for my area, is it better to 1/ get it as a potted rose since bare root season here has come and gone OR...2/Order it as a bareroot? Assuming I can get EXACTLY what I want potted up (but maybe that is not possible, I don't know enuf at the moment how the rose industry works). QUESTION: I just got D.Austin's catalog in the mail (swoon)but after reading some other posts etc. I'm not sure about them,,,I noticed that every description says "repeat bloomer" and I'm finding posts that contradict their catalog so I'm relaying on you "my friends" for tried and true climbers for my area and have been rewarded by your wonderful info and suggestions for specific roses to meet my needs. Since I really want a repeat bloomer, as I enjoy being out in my yard year round, is it more of a grower thing, as to how well they have propagated their roses to repeat bloom or just the genetics of that rose, that determines how well it repeat blooms, or is it a location thing of where you plant the rose? I know, I drive my own self crazy, being a 'thinker' personality isn't always a plus. Leads one to ask the 'WHO IS A CREDIBLE/exceptional GROWER' question? Should one go with overall info on that particular rose (to make final decisions) or rely on how that one particular grower has developed their particular rose and pick that way? I'd like to avoid paying huge amounts for shipping but paying extra for a really good rose now, is money well spent in enjoying the rose in the future.

When I have a rose or daylily [or other plant] that has a light green tint to it, I mix up a powdered iron supplement [cant recall the name of it now, but can probably get it at Lowes] with water, and water the plant well. It doesn't take long for it to green up and usually only takes one treatment. For holes in leaves, it could be june bugs [I killed one munching on a rose last night] or catapillars [they defoliated a rose completely - I sprayed and it has grown back its foliage]. For that, I spray with Safer insect spray - comes in spray bottle at Walmart. For blackspot, I have read that spraying every 3-4 days for 4 times with Mancozeb, then start the Bayer spray program. I understand and appreciate those who don't wish to spray, but I do spray - not on a regular basis due to being busy with other things, but I am trying to get on a regular schedule. In my area, don't have to do it much after it gets hot. I have horses, so have lots of mature compost. I have found one of the best fertilizers I can use is to put several shovelfuls of this rotted compost on my roses. I have seen it, with time, bring them into peak performance. If you know anyone with a farm or stable, you might check into getting some. I am going to topdress more of mine today. As it rains or when you water, it leaks the nutrients down to the roots. I have a Golden Celebration that has limped along for several years. Last fall I dumped a bunch of compost on it - it is now bigger and totally full of buds, more than it has had in the years it has been in the ground. I try to topdress all my flower beds spring and fall with a 2" layer of it - and my soil in those beds is wonderful. Good luck! Your rose looks like it wants to grow. Judith

I agree on the mechanical work gloves for delicate work if you must or need gloves. 1. Personally, I prefer no gloves to be honest and get a good feel and control unless they are needed. 2. Working firewood, I want some good leather in palms and finger areas but hard to find. 3. Home Depot�s best are in the rental section and only go out with Roto rooters machines vs for sale. 4. I got the next best pair that will probably not last a year since the best gold ones did not (but saves splinter/bruises). Not the best or worst at the link below. These similar cheaper ones might last one or two jobs. The gold better ones are at this price ea.. http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202591315/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=work+gloves&storeId=10051

I always had the goatskin gloves and loved them, but then I got into wearing rose gauntlets (I'm so accident-prone), so I don't currently have any. However, the place where I bought them is called Womanswork (www.womanswork.com), and I still get a catalog from them (and use it). I believe their goatskin gloves are now being made by a different company, and since I haven't gotten a pair lately, I can't vouch for the new version, but they look very much the same (different color), and they are made in the USA. They have a number of other gloves, as well as a variety of gardening items, and I have always had a good experience with them. Laura