Beth, I'm glad to see the picture of Robert Clements, as I received it a few weeks ago, along with Imagine and Well-Being. My very, very favorite from Heirloom is PEACH SILK, but I don't have a good picture of it. A close second is LADY OF THE MIST. Here are two pictures of it. And, right up there with the above two, is THE IMPRESSIONIST. But, all of the above are climbers, at least here in Texas. So, my favorite hybrid tea from Heirloom is HIGH SHERIFF. I don't have any more room, so I am not ordering any more! I am trying not to look at Braveheart. But - just for information, does anybody have Generosity or New Orleans or Scarlet Velvet or Wonderstripe??? Not that I would be tempted to get them, of course!

I would recommend any of the early oriental yellows. They will bloom in Early April or even earlier for you. The whole month before all other roses. They are fragrant, absolutely disease resistant, last long in a vase if you cut the whole branch, bloom for weeks and look absolutely breathtaking. They also have beautiful color of canes in winter, fern like foliage and bright red cherry-like hips in summer. In addition r Primula leaves has terrific fragrance, that is why it is called "incense rose". Anyone from the following list will work, all are wonderful: r Primula r Hugonis Canary Bird Cantabrigiensis Olga

Thank you, Predfern for fragrance info. on Sonia Rykiel. I'm spoiled by Radio Times and Mary Magadalene's fragrances, so I only buy roses that please my nose. LOL! There are other factors that affect hardiness besides planting zone. I agree with Karenforroses from zone 5, Northern Michigan. She wrote "I think the wind does more damage than the cold. If I were in your situation I'd be sure to put them in a sheltered spot away from the wind, and a spot where they won't get a lot of direct sun, to avoid freezing and thawing." We got down to 30 degree at night this week, and Eglantyne in a windy spot, was the first to suffer. In winter, it's the sudden freezing and thawing that kills plants. I received wintering info. from Heirloom Gardens (where I ordered my spring bulbs). They wrote: "If you are blessed with a deep, reliable snow cover, you can grow bulbs a zone or even two beyond what we recommend. Winter mulch with a thick layer of a fluffy, non-matting material such as straw, evergreen branches, or pine needles." The snow also provides moisture that plants need for the winter. Austin roses are such water-hogs that High Country Roses recommends watering them once or twice in the winter. Where I am 1 hour west of Chicago: high wind, sudden freeze-thaw, dry winter with little snow - I play it safe (thanks for the caution, Predfern). Where I grew up near Grand Rapids, MI - there was lots of snow, little wind, and it was warmer with the moisture - Austins stand a better chance of survival.

wow, I don't agree with that "threw up" statement.But,I guess kids come up with all sorts of "Lingo".Your gardens are simply gorgeous,and them roses looks huge.Look to be twice the size of mine,or triple.I cut mine way back after eash flush,to keep them contained alittle,but some just hasn't grown that much.Yours is beautifil. Jean