We've all been there, Renee; it happens to me every year, it seems. Things that were gangbusters last year and a bust, or a partial bust, this year are a part of gardening. And yes, I'm talking to YOU, you nonblooming Princess Victoria Louise poppies, who put up lovely clumps of leaves, but nothing else! And YOU, "reblooming" tall bearded iris Clarence. (You can't rebloom if you haven't bloomed even once.) And the less said about you, TB iris Rosalie Figgie, the better. Although sometimes it's difficult, I try not to let it get to me -- to see the overall loveliness and not dwell on the individual disappointments. Especially since I'm more than willing to accept the reverse -- plantings that were mediocre at best one year and become Stars of the Garden the year after. (Brava, Bolero, finally ecstatically happy in a pot!) So mebbe this year they are Dwarf Somewhat-Less- Than-Imperial Larkspur. They are still lovely. Kay

Renee, both your mom and you are so amazing gardeners! I love the first photo of your mom's garden especially. All the pink roses complement each other so well. And the photo of your garden with Cl. Pinkie on the arbor is hard to beat. All the pictures look as if we are talking first flush not second, by the way :-)! Thanks for letting us participate in the garden miracles that your mom and you create! Christina Here is a link that might be useful: Organic Garden Dreams

Keep 'dead-heading', that is cuting away the spent blooms. This should have the effect of prolonging the Spring blooming period, which should be coming to an end about now; most roses only put on intermitant blooms through summer, some roses more than others. Around about January I'd give them a feed of blood and bone, chook manure, a dose of dolomite lime and some sulphate of potash which encourages blooming, and add some sheep manure too if you've got it. This will ensure a good second flush of flowers for autumn. Mix the stuff at about a handful per plant and just spread around each bush and lightly rake or fork in, and then give 'em a good watering: roses love a good feed. Regards. F.

My favs are Mr. Lincoln (gasp!!!) and Twice Spice which looks like it's ready to turn on its propellors and take off. :) Carol