It was as wonderful as Luanne says. We had Anita and the Sacramento crew with us this time, and that was lots of fun. I honestly believe the garden looks better this year than it ever has before -- and that was even before we got there!

Rosefolly

You couldn't wait until next week so I could come? Just kidding, sort of. I'm glad it was just as much fun, the food was just as good and that the work was as rewarding as always. I know that Anita and the sisters of soil were fun to have as fellow dirt diggers.

Carol

If you have never been to this garden and you can possibly go this will be the year. It has never been more beautiful. Imagine seeing all the roses of your dreams blooming. We who toil in this place do so because it is a gift to the world.

Interesting point Pam, why do we do this? Obviously our own gardens are full of tasks at this time of year. Surely we don't have to drive to Sebastopol to eat well and see people we have grown to love so much... Be that as it may, there is something to be said for joining with your friends, whom were all total strangers when we started and who have grown to be absolute favorites to something purely beneficial. I showed my neighbor the garden for the first time yesterday, introducing him to many roses that he had never seen, nor smelled and he had to wonder where I got them because he had not seen them at the "Home Depot". Nor is he likely to and I showed him the progression from some small bands that I planted just this winter to the magnificence of my big old Mac just about to burst her buttons with blooms. He adores her. All these roses are from our small nurseries that so frequently of late go out of business. It is getting less easy to find such beauty and it doessend a warm fragrance around my heart to know we are helping to keep one available. If you have such a treasure near you...
la

Where are the pictures for those of us who live vicariously through the California dirt diggers?

Yes, pictures would be good. Thank you all for the work you do. We've lost too many of the small nurseries. I fear that the only roses we may be able to find and grow some day will come from Walmart or a big box store if these nurseries can't survive.

Carol

Sounds like a wonderful day! I wish I could have been there too. The friendships that roses bring are indeed very soul satisfying, and Vintage Gardens is such a treasure, salute to everyone who lends a helping hand!

Well, so you want photos?
Here is Paula in the foreground, digging away -
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And Gene - Gregg is to far right -
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The day was fabulous - even the sheep on the hill seemed to be enjoying it -
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Another view from the deck
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Luanne was wrong - a few roses were in bloom - including the fabulous Noella Nabonnand on the allee of roses
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She was probably too busy digging to see any roses. We Sacramentans definitely want to get back there in May, when the place is going to be full of flowers.
Anita

Thank you, Anita, for the photos. It's great to see Carol, Pamela, Paula, Gregg and others working in the garden. How I wish I might have joined you - Luanne, your post certainly brought back wonderful memories of my participation there year before last. I miss you all, my good friends! Next year...who else will come?

Sue

We thought about you Sue.

Anita thanks for the photos and even more for bringing all the SOS. I look forward to seeing Sacramento next week and I'll see you all at the HRF conference in Cambria. Indeed if you go to see the Open Garden in May, you may well find yourself longing to join us in the fall or next Spring. In the immortal words of Timm Gunn, "Designers, make it Happen!!!"
la

This looks like a fabulous gathering of friends who love roses and are trying to preserve them for the generations. Thank you to those who work and for those who love the work moreover. How wonderful that must be, nothing more satisfying than a good day of working for something you love.

What fun it looks like. We are so sad that we could not make it this time. We will be there at the next one. Looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting familiar names at the Cemetery next week. speaking of which, does anyone know if it's ok to bring our dog? She's a well behaved girl but does not like being home alone and since we'll probably be gone all day we are wondering if we can bring her or try and arrange for a sitter for the day. Thanks!

Aprille

Dogs are ok in the cemetery, but we'd appreciate them being on a leash, and cleaned up after, of course.

The date is this coming Saturday, April 12, from 930-2 (although we'll hang around and visit till folks are ready to leave). There will be rose sales, of course, but also tours and other stuff to buy and a good chance to visit.
Anita

Thanks Luanne-----It looks like a fabulous time was had by all.

You all look so young and healthy-----

Thanks for sharing the day with the rest of us.

Florence

Thanks Anita. We are so excited about this, it's been on our calender since we found out the dates. Wish I had more room for roses! DH has made me promise that no roses are coming home with me! lol

Aprille