Maureen, you are absolutely correct. This is what happens when I do GW early in the morning with out my glasses. My apologies for reading the title of this post as 'tree' instead of 'three'. Let's try this again: Olga's list of climbers is superb! I will also concur with Maureen's suggestion of White Cap. To this list, let me add Parade, Climbing Pinkie. Peggy Martin, though technically a rambler, is almost disease free for me, and it has scattered flowers on it almost year-round once established. Sorry, again, for the mistake. Connie

Hi Jay -- Here's the reality . . . Gallicas, Damasks, Albas, Mosses . . . The lovely old Northern European roses . . . will not flourish along the Southern California coast. God knows, you can buy them and plant them, but they will not flourish. They will bloom sparingly for one year and less with each succeeding year, and the plants will dwindle. They will suffer from fungal disease. These roses were bred, and evolved, to enjoy a period of winter dormancy, and to pop up in the spring with a huge flush of bloom. Unless you can in some fashion simulate a cold, snowy winter in your garden, you won't do well. (If you would like to re-locate to property about 75 miles inland, now . . . ) One rose, absolutely correct for the period of significance you are aiming for is 'Autumn Damask.' It was the Roman's "Twice-Blooming Rose of Paestum." Roses that were bred to LOOK like the things you like . . . David Austin's Shrub Roses do this. Some do well in Southern California. Many do not. My garden is coastal, and I can give you the names of the Austin roses which have been successful here. The best roses for your location are those with a high level of Asian breeding -- roses that evolved for warm climates, and mild winters. They do not experience winter dormancy (and in fact may bloom most heartily in that season). They will become semi-dormant in a hot, dry season. I've never seen Angel Face really flourish here. I was really charmed a couple of weeks ago by this 'Burgundy Iceberg,' (photographed at a local Convalescent Home, where we were doing a Therapy Dog visit). It seems to be just as happy here as the original 'Iceberg.' If you want to contact me privately for coastal specifics, feel free. Jeri Jennings The Heritage Roses Group Coastal Ventura County, SoCal

Have you considered Cl Iceberg? Even in my warm climate, it is MUCH easier to control than MAC. Don't get me wrong - I love MAC. We have three. One was planted to climb up a plum tree, did that, and also jumped over to the tops of 3 other trees. Got to the top of its original tree, and sent long canes from the top down to the base again, covering another huge (20 ft by 20 ft) shrub in the process. Another was planted to grow up the side of our garage. Did that, and also went another 20 feet up a pine tree next to the garage, from whence it is contemplating eating the neighbor's deck. The third one was planted (in a large pot this time!) at the base of another plum tree next to the other side of the garage. It went up the tree 20 feet, and is also now trying to cover the entire roof of the garage. I love them because they bloom for 10 months here, and get no care from me at all, except food once a year and some water during our normal 6 month summer drought. I would not ever try to "control" this rose - Jackie

Momof2, Good luck! Let me offer a little hope, I have found in my 3-4 years of growing old, antique roses that they are in a league of their own, honestly! They for some reason seem to be really strong and healthy. What I mean is that given time they will more than likely knock your socks off. Be patient however, if you grow ownroot roses as opposed to grafted roses, they might take a bit longer to get going. Rule of thumb is give them 3 years. Each year they should get better and better. The older and more established they become the heathier they will be. If you feed your soil, and provide water they should just do great. I am located in Memphis, TN and I am zone 7 to 7b. This is my experience, I feel like your zone should be somewhat similiar. I can't say my roses are complete perfection, they have issues sometimes, but overall they are really healthy. I do not spray for I have children, dogs, and I don't want to hurt the birds, bees, etc etc. Have fun and good luck. I think your going to be happy! Jenn (it really is an addiction!)