queenbee - the same thing is happening to me. I passed by Sally Homes 2 years ago thinking - not my style. But saw her last week in full bloom, and found her to be gorgeous. Then, went musing through our local nursery where unfortunately many roses are not tagged. Found an absolutely stunning single yellow - blooms rather large about 3 1/2" in diameter, light fragrance, and just something about it really knocked my socks off. I think I may have to go back and retrieve it, then figure out what it is. And now the eyeconics - aren't they something!

It is indeed a huge and beautiful rose bush Sally Holmes. Seeing it's picture of a close up on tags, I would never think it's potential could be like this. Irisgal, this is right behind the Hagen Museum at Victory Park in Stockton.

Sorry to hear it. I can't help but do love Sally Holmes. It does sound like you've found your answer. I bet it was something eating the roots. It is a beautiful bush. I'm amazed yours got so big in a year. I put in 3 last year. One died. I think the rabbits munched on it too much. One is looking beautiful and one is middling. The pretty one.

LIlyfinch, Sexy Rexy is a beautiful rose. I was so impressed by it in the greenhouse at High Country Roses. Granted, I'm a bit of a sucker for that type of rose, but this one differs with that deeper rose center. You should get it. Dianela, thanks for the thoughts! I finally raked most of yard.... it just rains all the time. Now I'm on to transplanting some trees and bushes and taking down some trees, and do a general clean-up so that I can finish the bit of brick edging I didn't do last year and hopefully start on my paved path from my driveway. I started the steps years ago and needed help with machinery to finish, so I never did. I said to myself last Fall, "The heck with it! I'll hand dig it with my helper!", so that's what we intend to do. I'm sick of the pavers cluttering up my front yard. I figure if we can dry-stack a retaining wall, can do this project. I just want to finish my planning and see what I may need in my order with Burling and Chamblee and I can't do that until I see what goodies they may have around town! :-D