I ordered three GCs a couple weeks ago and can't wait to get them in the ground. I've been growing a few other Austins here in Michigan. Jude the Obscure, Pat Austin, Bishop's Castle, and William Shakespeare 2000. I'm quite a novice, but have had success in Michigan planting bare root with either Austin's Rootgrow that contains mycorrhizal fungi or Espoma's Bio-tone® Starter Plus which is an all natural plant food enhanced with biostimulants, beneficial bacteria and mycorrhizae. These must be in direct contact with the root to maximize effectiveness at planting. So planting bare root is a great way to go when using this approach. The theory is the fungi tap back into the soil to draw massive quantities of minerals and nutrients, mainly phosphorus, which a Rose desperately requires to bloom. I follow a regular schedule of Bayer All-in-One (3x per season), Rose Tone(3x per season), and Alaska® Fish Emulsion(4x per year). I know I contradict my otherwise organic approach by using the All-in-One, but I'm not a sprayer kind of guy. Someone told me that the Mycorrhizae improve plant growth and help the root system be more resistant to soil borne diseases. The roots give the Mycorrhizae sugars in exchange. They supposedly help improve performance for less-than-perfect soil, watering, and fertilizing. Again, I'm a novice. Very much so, but so far, this has worked for me.

Since I live across the pond from you, I am curious as to what 30 quid would be to us in the states. To me the term quid sounds much more charming than does our buck or dollar. Commercial shot or sandblasters might be an option for you; you might ask around at local metal fabricators, machine shops or auto body shops. If you go the paint stripper route, there probably will be diificult to remove paint in nooks and crannies that a DIY suction-type sandblaster could probably clean up.

Love the first pattern, Jan. Yes, yes and yes. I am very drawn to old pieces. I only have a few "new" pieces and they have patina. Made to look old things. I only buy vintage or antique accessories. I use family things when/where I can. Mom has told me to come go through a few drawers - can't wait. It was confirmed by an astrologist that I have an "old soul." I think that's part of the reason, if not the reason, I am drawn to things with history. I'm a big toucher when shopping antiques. I love running my hand across the top of something or picking it up for closer inspection. I often wonder who owned items before me and what it has witnessed. Imagine my horror of being raised by a furniture store family! lol I started buying old pieces at 21yo and had a few older family things in my room as a teenager. The home I was born into was 50s Danish, but I loved visiting my 90yo next door neighbor's home and was fascinated by her antiques. We moved to an English Tudor when I was 10yo and it fit my decorating personality. I like English things, but don't try to decorate in English. Def. eclectic, to fit what I am drawn to and feel good around. I love the coolness of Swedish, but would never decorate my home that way. I need warm colors/items. Texture is a must. I'm a very visual person. Could never live in a modern home (I do enjoy seeing) but would not be comfortable in one on a daily basis. Touches of French are okay, but I'm not into ornate pieces from any style.

Ah, pmartin, I'm glad that the pic brought you over to 'my' side. I bought my first antique at age 16 - a beautiful spool bed that now resides in my guest room. It's all been vintage and antique since then, when at all possible. My sister works at a high end furniture store, and once a year or less, I'll buy a piece from her (no family discount) when it's marked way down. Even my TV armoire in the LR LOOKS older, even though it's new. I just prefer the warmth that I feel is in the older stuff, and it's so well constructed. Igloo, I'm sorry to have to say that the seller had already polished one of the knobs, and it stood out like a sore thumb, so I am reluctantly doing the others to match. I let out a little gasp when she told me that on the phone, and it was too late to stop her. 900 doilies....gee, as tempting (cough) as that sounds, I'm afraid not. I am not an oak fan, even though I have a few pieces, including an old Hoosier cabinet in my dining room. I hope I can make this beauty work somewhere on the first floor, as I'd hate to have it resigned to a bedroom. I want to see it as much as I can each day.