I remember him well, and just contacted him within the past couple of years. He was a kind man who had so much information to share, and was not afraid to express himself. Before being influenced by him, I thought one needed to use so many chemicals to grow roses. He did have a very positive effect on my life. I appreciate his knowledge, and the vigor that he had in sharing that knowledge. I am sorry to hear about his passing. Sammy

Over the years I have built up a library of rose books to the point of starting to give away some of the more basic ones I started with in the early days. That is pretty much how I react to any new interest, build a reference library. Learn to knit: knitting books and books on sheep breeds and wools. Learn to sew: books on sewing technique and history of fashion and fabrics. Remodel the house: books on architectural styles and historic tiles and interior design. Probably none of you could guess what I trained for as a profession. Anyway, I have too many favorite rose books to make a manageable list but I'm not going to let that stop me. For starters, I would like to second Liz Druitt's book. It is exceptional. She's a nice person, too. I've never met her but when my dog died she sent me the most moving note on FB. I still tear up when I remember it. For pure eye candy I recommend Visions of Roses by Peter Beales as being very inspirational. Beautiful American Rose Gardens by Mary Tonetti Dorra is a similar book with the added bonus for Americans that it showcases gardens grown in climates familiar to us. You will get great ideas from both of these. Damask55Linen, you mentioned enjoying a book on the origin of rose names. Several came out all at the same period. If you'd like to read more you could try Naming the Rose by Roger Mann and A Rose By Any Name by Stephen Scanniello. Roger Mann was a regular poster the Antique Roses Forum back in the early days until Spike threw him off in a fit of pique. Stephen still posts from time to time, so these books are in a sense visits with old friends. It is at least like reading a book written by someone from your old hometown; they know the same "streets" you know. Stephen Scanniello also wrote Climbing Roses which fed my love of climbers. Today climbers are among my favorites. If a gardener grows roses in a warm climate with mild winters, he owes himself a copy of Tea Roses: Old Roses for Warm Climates written by six Australian rose historians and gardeners who visited the US while doing their research. However if you garden in a climate with a severe winter, you might try Hardy Roses by Robert Osborne (lots more roses in the revised edition) or even Growing Roses Organically by Barbara Wilde. That last book covers similar concerns as Liz Druitt's book does, only for areas that get much colder so the selection of roses is different. And while I cannot help but think of this one and that one I really should mention, I'll end with In Search of Lost Roses by Thomas Christopher. This wonderfully readable book describes the adventure of rediscovering lost roses better than any other I have read. Have at it! Rosefolly

One thing you can do with old photos is to scan them at the highest resolution that you can. Then begin blowing up the scan, and looking into the detail of the photo. You will be very surprised what you begin to see. I did this with some of the old old family photos taken back in the early 1900s. Blowing them up and peeking at things like the scuff marks on the shoes of the children, the detailing on the home made dresses, a barb wire fence between the yard and a corn field, which had corn ears fully grown on it, so it had to be late in the year. And most of all, I could see the expression in the eyes of my grandmother. But you might see the detailing of the boards on the porch, the way the steps were built and from what, and were they painted or not. Any flower beds and what was in them. Many of the homes in my old pictures were not painted, but were of rough lumber sometimes board and batten. But the young couple were invariably standing proudly in front of their home, probably newly built or expanded. Hard working people in homemade dresses and overalls and brogan shoes. It was as close to Southern American Gothic as you can get. Another one I loved was of my great grandmother Sophia taken in the hog pen with this huge hog which she was feeding. Going on the assumption that they had pictures taken of important things or events, I decided this was important because she was proud to be able to feed such a fine hog which would be slaughtered and feel her family well during the winter. Plus, she loved animals and took good care of them. I guess I inherited that love from her.

Diane, I just measured my hand… that bloom on Over the Moon was over 6 inches in diameter! I finally looked on HMF to see Sally Homes. At the base of the plant were two name plates so I wasn’t sure. I think you’d really enjoy seeing this garden. And, of course, I’d like to see photos of your visit! Va Joh, I’m so sorry you’re sick!! That’s the worst. I love hearing about your childhood adventures in Washington Park and the “exercise stairs.” I hope you get well soon, get a chance to visit the rose gardens and that you're having a Happy Birthday!!! Dave, aren’t you the person that likes Eden? I was thinking about all Eden lovers on GW when I saw that display. There are several Eden’s at the gardens and they have to be 15-20’ tall. Here’s a photo with a person (that I don’t know) in it for scale. Happy 4th of July!