Great story, Jackie. I'm glad to hear your neighbor has 3 stories for JD. :-) In my experience it is, shall we say, an "enthusiastic" plant, once it gets going. Though I constantly grouch about its relentless aspirations for world domination, I absolutely would not be without it. My amazing story is what I found on the Vintage tables about 12:30 p.m., after the bands on sale had been picked over for some time. I was just "looking", curious to see what was left. I had explicitly vowed to husband and daughter, also along to enjoy the show, that I was not buying any roses this year (never mind that I was already clutching a little plant of 'Tuscan Superb' from the Heritage Rose Group...have always wanted that one...). But, there it was, a beautiful band of "Vina Banks". I have wanted this one, too, for a long time, but have never managed to get to the Sacramento Cemetery sales -- and I've not seen it listed on Vintage's web site, either. I am thrilled to have a chance to grow it, for at least a half-dozen reasons (the plant of it at Sac. Cemetery being not the least). To me, it's inconceivable it was still on that table so long into the sale.

I have to miss it this year, but some Sacramento folks plan to be there.

I ended up with the Kathrinerl (thanks to Jeri's great salesmanship -- or, rather, I should say, "matchmaking"!), for which I am glad -- I've got a spot I think it will like (p.m. shade) and where its color should shine. I grew the one parent, Bonica, in Massachusetts, where it was a great rose, and have always been interested in the other parent, Gruss an Teplitz, but hadn't gotten there yet, so this variety will be interesting. As usual, a very enjoyable event. For one (among many!), I was blown away by the spray of 'Bobbie James' on display -- it was practically ethereal, a virtual flight of white butterflies. So many blooms we would otherwise never see...and so many rose lovers all in one place.

John, note that, when I photographed 'Mons. Tillier', he was sitting properly in the Tea section, where he belonged. I think that maybe someone had picked him up and carried him around. I've done that myself, but I do usually put them back where they came from. I had a lovely conversation over there with a gentleman who loved all the same Teas that I do. (He had a passion for 'General Gallieni'. So do I, with thanks to Gean.) Then I had to scuttle back to our table, as we were a little shorthanded this year. But I was SO happy to meet several of our GW group! That MADE MY DAY! Well, THAT, and the fact that I took memberships from NEW people, who were just beginning this voyage of discovery. That's so terribly important. It was a wonderful day. And after, we headed north, and spent a couple of days in Ft. Bragg. If you get a chance to visit the Mendocino Botanical Garden, be sure to do so.