Thanks, everyone, for the advice. I finally opted for C) None of the Above. Installed both Molly and Julia in the garden yesterday, figuring that Julia and Dale Chihuly could have interesting dinner conversations. Molineux is keeping company with Lady Emma Hamilton, and defending her from the dirty looks that Queen Elizabeth and Pope John Paul II keep casting her way. I have an Ambridge Rose on order from David Austin which will go into the beeeg pot when it arrives.

Mariou, What region of the country are in? Most California rosarians do not have to deal with the rampant black spot typical in my zone 6b garden. Their biggest problem is mildew. If you garden in the Mid-Atlantic, for example, you will have to contend with the worst fungal pressures in the country. Roses that are completely clean - no spray - in places like Petaluma CA will defoliate elsewhere. I do not have Julia Child but I have grown Happy Child for years. It is pretty little rose, approximately 2.5 feet tall with an loose, open growth habit. Good repeat bloom and truly lovely flowers. Fragrance is moderate to strong, and Tea-like. The foliage is rather unusual looking, resembling spinach leaves. In my region black spot can be a problem but is resistant to other fungal diseases. To prevent defoliation you would have to spray it with a fungicide every two weeks to control the black spot. About my only real complaint is the vigor. Without disbudding during years one and two, an own root plant will limp along never maturing. It is also a wee bit more sensitive to the cold than your typical English Rose. I lost one during a particularly cold winter, which I quickly replaced in the spring. You would too if you ever saw the blossoms. The yellow color is extremely pure without any secondary tones. Very few roses combine fragrance with such clear, canary yellow color. You can purchase an own root plant of HAPPY CHILD online from Heirloom Roses. Good luck, Patrick

Patty, East Friesland is about 18 inches high, similar to May Night. I have May Night and a group of three plants is spectacular right now. They need sun. Mine are in full sun, all day long, so I wouldn't tuck them under the roses too far (but, I'm not in your zone, so perhaps the growing conditions are different enough to handle some shade). After blooming, I cut May Night (as well as Caradonna, Marcus--nemorosa varieties) back to the basal foliage. If you're looking for bloom all summer, perhaps you want to look at another salvia variety. My salvia farinacea Victoria Blue bloom from late April until frost. Those overwintered for me in all areas of my garden. No deadheading and just stunning all summer. I am familiar with Julia Child and Victoria Blue would be a great companion color. Cameron

Did you get them? Probably no replies because this is posted under foliage plants.