All the time, Josh. That is a strong reason why I make deliberate crosses to raise new seedlings. No matter how good a rose is, how much it pleases me, there is always still that question, "What if?" Isn't it wonderful discovering something like that banana scent? Now, gently rub the new growth, peduncles and sepals of your roses then smell your fingers and the plant parts you've rubbed. Many China types also have sweet peppery, sometimes peppery-cedar scents to their new growth and reproductive new parts. Sometimes, those scents are perceived in the flower scent, they are so strong. Others have little to no actual flower scent, but the growth and reproductive parts are so highly scented, it carries on the air. Mutabilis is one of the latter types. You can even start developing a feel for what might be behind a rose by which scents its plant parts express. Did you ever think you might have a "scratch and sniff" rose garden? Kim

I had fun at the National Heirloom Expo, introducing some folks to such fragrances. Isn't that stuff cool?

Jeri

Every day of my life!

Mr. Rupert,

I didn't even know I could have a "scratch and sniff" garden! I will check CS for this peppery smell. How I wish I could hybridize roses like you! I fear I do not have the persistence nor diligence to hybridize.

Mrs. Jennings,

How was the Heirloom Expo? It looks like a great time! Did you bring roses?

Josh

This post was edited by JoshTx on Sat, Sep 14, 13 at 3:45

Please Josh, it's Kim. Yup, you CAN have a scratch'n sniff garden! Everyone can. Many roses have those scents but we aren't aware of them often because no one told us to notice them, or we are too preoccupied to. All that you need to hybridize roses are interest, desire and a little room. The time becomes available as you create it and it teaches patience. You're probably still in the "collectors mode". Once you've "been there, done that" long enough, you just might get bitten by that bug. If not, no worries. Everyone can't be expected to do the same thing, thankfully!

I'm thrilled for you that you've obtained permission to plant the roses and are finding the ones which should live and flourish well there for many years to come. Great job! Congratulations! Kim

Every day, every way......Lowes is already starting to carry fall roses; Kordes Perfecta came home with me last weekend. My local indie nurseryman said they won't be stocking them for another week or so...is it next week yet????

Not at the moment, Josh. I'm just trying to keep going what I have, and taking pleasure in the few that are still willing to bloom. Your rose is lovely. The gradation of colors is very pretty.

Ingrid

I don't get the itch in the fall. I can't plant now until spring and I never know what will or will not survive my winters so I usually wait until spring to decide if I can squeeze in a few more, lol!

I'm with Seil and besides the garden is roasted and toasted after 2 months of no rain, except we just got a little rain - the garden hasn't rebounded yet. Bleah. The sere leaves are falling. But just you wait until next winter and spring. The unquenchable itch will be at it again.

Cath

I'm getting the itch after seeing some of mine bloom this year that weren't as captivating as their photos were. I'm looking up more antiques to replace a few modern ones.

Josh, I call it a passion. My garden is very large, probably too large. I still have that itch. There is always a wonderful rose that I haven't grown. They are irresistible.

I scratched that itch with bare root orders. Palatine and Pickering have some really good OGRs this year!
Roses are no longer a passion. I think they are my religion.
Susan