I love the American Horticulture Society Guide to Pruning and Training. It has wonderful illustrations and instructions on how to prune all types of roses, including climbers. Plus all other plants. Pruning is one of the most important things you can do, so it's worth it to study up on it. Link

Luanne, did you, perchance, prune less this year, inspired by Gregg? I've been noticing that roses that were pruned very lightly or not at all are in full bloom. In the cemetery, and at home, I don't prune any of roses "hard," but those that got a moderate trim are still thinking about spring, whereas those that barely got shortened, if at all, are busily blooming. I've always thought that roses can either put their efforts into growing canes and leaves, or flowering, in the spring. We have examples of the same cultivar pruned two or three different ways in the cemetery, and there is no doubt that the more the roses were pruned, the less bloom they have right now. Common sense, right? But perhaps it had nothing to do with the pruning, and everything to do with the fact that they learned about the party and are just misbehaving. Things look gorgeous in your garden, and I hope the cemetery doesn't pale in comparison. Luanne and Sue, and other NoCal folks, hope to see you in Sacramento this weekend! Anita

I grow Gingersnap. Both the color and fragarance are quite pleasant. However, it got terrible blackspot and was almost totally naked towards the end of the season last year. I am not sure whether this is a case that Gingersnap is prone to getting blackspot here in NJ, or whether it is me not taking proper care of the rose. Newbie mistakes: I overdosed on "Rose food" fertizier and did not give it proper air circulation by surrounding it with tall Zinnias. This year I have moved it into a pot on my deck, and so far it is blackspot free. Perhaps that someone on this forum can speak better to its disease resistance in PA/NJ/NY?

I'll have a lovely cuppa and scones and strawberry jam, or maybe some rosehip jam if I can find some !!! I hope you find a good home for them though. Marion