Here are a couple of other pics of Huntington Rose, taken recently, and the recipe for "The Huntington" 2.5 OZ Gin (preferably Hendricks, but Beefeater works too) .5 OZ Dry Vermouth 2 drops Rose Water (can buy it at Arabic market or sometimes, Whole Foods near the spices & vanilla) Place ingredients in chilled cocktail shaker with ice, give it 20 stirs. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with one Rose Petal. Sit back & enjoy your roses and your cocktail!

Thanks everyone,It looks much better in person of course.It has been a really late spring here as well. Ken, I'm not sure what you mean by root flare? I actually didn't post a pic of the walkway where there is a narrow bed.I haven't built up anything beneath either tree.The tree on the left I have actually left space in that side bed away from it.It is pretty old and knarly looking but is still blooming as you can see. Everyone in the building has been thrilled,getting lots of thanks and offers of help with weeding.I'm hoping that the management will reimburse me for some of the planting.Then I can buy more! They did get me the soil,manure,etc.

Sorry to dampen your enthusiasm but I'm afraid you've picked one of the hardest subjects for your first cutting experiment. Rhododendrons are not easy to do. Layering is a more reliable method. However, here's a thread on the topic from GW. Here is a link that might be useful: Rhododendron cuttings

I am interested in growing some gaultheria + vaccinium from seed (hop I got the spelling right). Nearly all need to be chilled. Is it important to do the chilling in the fridge in autumn? We have late spring here now. If I would chill the seeds in the fridge until summer and then start it? Winter does not get all that cold here, maximum -5C at night.