My suggestion, other than the research you've already done, is to keep your eyes open. We see lots of tiny gardens tucked into various spots when we go visit our friends in NYC. However, most of them aren't more than a spot to sit and relax in. (Some were actually gated.) We did hear about some really nice gardens in Harlem, but didn't get a chance to go see last visit. (J lived there briefly, had only very hot water and other adventures, but that's another story.) If you get to go to the Cloisters, you might also look around in Harlem too, since the train takes you that way. The gardens at and around the Cloisters are nice. I prefer the Botanical Garden in the Bronx to the one in Brooklyn. You might be surprised by how quiet they are, depending on when you visit. We've walked through both without seeing many people. The one in the Bronx seems more private and natural, the Brooklyn seems to be more regemented and touristy, but that's just my take. Both are worth more than one visit, due to size and seasonal changes. Food on site is laughably expensive. (Don't eat near Broadway for the same reason.) The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is a freakishly long walk from Times Square. Our "friends" are demented. I had to stop at a White Castle. They came back once they realized I was no longer complaining behind them. The trains are your friends. Not so much secret spots, I suppose. I always drag Johnny to Peanut Butter and Company, near Washington Square so I can have the Elvis. Good eating! Go to Chinatown and sniff around the tea shops. Do not try to pretend, while riding the crowded Empire State Building elevator, you aren't the crazy person carrying a stinky bean pastry you just had to have from a cute Japanese shop. Spend some time at the Chelsea Market, it's the coolest. Have fun! NYC is such a great place. I try to take in a play performed by the Untiltled Theater Company #61 when I can, I stumbled across the Ionesco Festival years ago. kent

fantastic pictures again. love TAO OF PHYSICS . now that's a beauty,Looks like UP ON THE ROOF IS A tall one. I just don't like the too tall ones, they end up with the bloom laying on the ground, like my BEAUTIFUL EDGINGS, was laying on the graound yesterday morning, and today, too.Done know what heppend to my bamboo stake I had for it.I have had to put a stake by a couple blooms on it each year, to hold it up, the scapes are just bnot stount enough to hold a bunch of blooms and buds.GOLDEN SCROLL is a very pretty one, also. jean

Pumpkin Patch showing the aging of the color. Crescendo, new to me this year. First bud. Crescendo, in the evening with the flash. I'm still waiting for first buds on Drop Dead Red, Tuscan Sun, Memorial Day, New Day, Peace, Night Owl, and Top of the World.

Mustang, those are very detailed photos and descriptions of your planting plan! The sites are so clear to my mind. Your rose choices are lovely. Your garden is going to be a most beautiful and fragrant experience to behold with all senses in a very few years! I've been reflecting on a couple of issues that may be affecting the health and flower production of your plants. The first is the one that always catches me when I plant young roses. Most take several years to grow and flower. The first year is the root establishment year and requires enormous patience. I always forget this in my excitement. However, as you have noted, sunlight and water access/drainage considerations may also be affecting your roses. If the native soil is pulling away from the planting areas, it sounds like the soil does indeed need attention. If the original holes were large enough (what size breadth and depth?), then you may have some soil contrast issues. It's a good idea to blend native soil with the planting mix in the VERY large holes so the rose roots aren't stopped in their tracks when they hit the transition between the hole and uncultivated ground. Also, this mixture, gently pressed down upon and added to as it settles helps prevent the separation issue you encountered. If deep watering is a problem, soaker hoses are my go-to for good hydration and solid root establishment. Running the soakers all along the rose area will help the surounding native soil to become hydrated as well so that the amended soil retains more moisture and the transition from amended soil to native is bridged for the developing roots. Since your fenceline is under trees which not only prevent rainfall from reaching your roses but also compete for access to groundwater via big, established roots, I'm thinking soakers (or another consistent and thorough watering system) is needed. Shade can also be an issue, and since morning sun only is half of full sun, some roses are not as happy to thrive and bloom. Many will grow in morning only sun and some even produce lovelier, better preserved blooms in this condition. Certain Austins, Hybrid Musks, Gallicas and Albas all come to mind. For me, the shade issue is frequently a wait and see one. Please DO keep us updated on the forum. I look forward to the unfolding of your garden's maturity! I agree Gertrude is one of the most deliciously scented Austins. I grow her ancestor, Comte de Chambord, and look forward to sinking my nose into his blooms each summer! All the best - Carol