franktank232, the trees I got from raintree are on G5(black gold, white gold and kristin) and are doing very well. I also got a dwarf lapins from miller and a kristin on muzzard, the lapins is doing very well also but the full size kristin died ( it was a very very poor tree with almost no roots). I wish i new what root type my lapins is. I chose theis types based on a couple of things: hardyness and self pollenating, kristin is suposed to be the toughest but is not self pollenating. They are very different than apple trees! everything likes to eat there leaves and they do seem to be temperamental we've had quite a drought here and i think it may have helped them, my soil is very heavy but black as cole. I'll be looking for ways to get them though the winter soon. I hope this helps some. I'll try to post some pics soon... tom

If you could KEEP it in your garden, it would be fine to keep it... but the reason it's all along the roads throughout Connecticut (smelling lovely, I agree!) is that it is a horrific invasive that is driving all the native flora out. Russian olive and Autumn Olive are slightly different (my guess is you're seeing autumn olive), but both are invasive and should be removed. In Connecticut, for instance, the law states ' Notwithstanding the provisions of any ordinance adopted by a municipality, no person shall [import,] move, except for eradication purposes, import, sell, purchase, transplant, cultivate or distribute any of the following invasive plants: '... and both are on the list that follows. There are many native plants with lovely fragrances that you can substitute for it, including a native honeysuckle. Check with your extension service for recommendations... but please, for the sake of the native flora, TAKE IT OUT! Here is a link that might be useful: Alternatives for invasives

Now I'm wondering if some cultivars are more cold tolerant depending on the original growing location of the stock from which they were propagated. All of my plants were purchased about 15 years ago from Chip's Hill Country Gardens (now under new management) and have gone through many winters without significant damage. Chip did his own propagating so it's likely that all the plants he offered were clones. Annie, I just went out to sniff my Barbados Cherry blossoms and I don't detect any scent at all making it all the more likely that various cultivars with different attributes, such as cold tolerance and scent, are being offered by the nursery trade.

Marlorena, I agree that Erasmus's roses are spectacular. Their sizes alone are impressive, but each one is covered in blooms, too, and that is what's most incredible to me. However, I admire your garden equally, Marlorena. You don't have the luxury of a lot of space, so you skillfully keep your roses' size in check, and then pack them in. Just stunning. But my favorite thing of all is how you grow the lovely combinations of perennials and roses so well together. You are fearless. I would be afraid of killing something if I tried to grow a hardy geranium up through a rose like Ballerina, yet that has got to be my favorite mix yet--and in a pot, to boot. The soft blue is so perfect for the soft pink of Ballerina. So both of you, Marlorena and Erasmus, please post away with the photos. Diane