hmm..you know Michele, I'm still trying to dry those dahlias. They do grow between 3-4 ft, they're a pinky lavendar, the bloom is 8 inches across but they only have a slight scent...just wondering..."scuffing foot"

I justgo a Blush Hip this past weekend and am wondering what an ideal placement for her might be. I hope to put her in a shadier spot during the summer, but with Winter and Spring sun since shes a once bloomer. Any thoughts on that? I was really taken with this gentle giant at Freedom Gardens.

It is more than likely fine to harvest. Golden Showers usually germinates rather easily. I'd snag it before the critters do. Good luck!

The Rugosas sucker on their own roots, don't they? Roots spread out & throw up new canes in an ever-expanding patch over time. Might want to find a grafted one if this wouldn't work in your space. Thorniest rose I grow is Aloha Hawaii, a shortish climber whose main canes are literally studded with thick long sharp thorns. Can be grown as a stocky shrub with pruning or allowed to frame the window for a double deterrent. Blooming laterals not as bad as the main canes, but no one could wade through it without a suit of armor. Fragrant double blooms in a range of sunset hues that repeat well & often from early to late here. Lovely fat hips if not deadheaded. HelpMeFind says occasional bloom after the first flush, but Member Ratings average out to Good- from 11 feedback reports. Bloom frequency increased with age here to 4-5 flushes at 4 years old. Nippstress grows this in zone 5b Nebraska. http://www.helpmefind.com/gardening/l.php?l=2.39802.4&tab=1  Keep in mind that it would be a barrier if you ever needed to exit through that window, though. Sue