Yes, I have snipped the flower bud in the past, and did so this year, but it seems like the remaining stalk continues to grow and then rots as everything else dies back. And it is always inside a layer of bulb with the rest of the "real" bulb next to it. Anyhow, flowering shallots seems to be uncommon, and I know mine didn't start out flowering every year. Also I have an unknown allium growing there, either a shallot from seed that had sneaked into the seed packet of my onions last year, or a leftover potato onion... Whatever it is, I notice it did not try to bloom. Anyway, so my garden doesn't pout, I have to say that I did get some beautiful heads of red romaine. And the onions and leeks are looking just gorgeous

I'm so sorry about your losing 3 roses. I know how bad I would feel, was hoping that is one scourge I can avoid this year, see you are in my zone, so I guess it's not a southern rose thing. If I lose any plant like the nice zinnia specimen I had today, got knocked over and broken, it makes me sad; my neighbor sprayed my nice violets through a fence which made some pleasing, healthy summer foliage where nothing else will grow. I know he didn't do it for spite, but I will have to figure out how to head off that problem again if it can be done. I did see the photos of rrd and other plagues (much appreciated) and hope I would have sense enough to recognize it if confronted with it. Let's see so far it's been slugs, then learned about those too late here, big bites (leafhoppes, rabbits, what?), malaise, a few spider mites (can live with that) and now the Japanese Beetles which, knock on wood, have been manageable so far. If it weren't for this forum, I wouldn't have been prepared for those, was right on that when the first ones appeared, it will be a long month and couple weeks into August until they are "supposed" to go underground to lay eggs, ugh. I am beginning to see the virtues of once-bloomers. They bloom early enough to avoid the summer ailments except for leaf damage. I so hope you will be able to replace your roses, I don't know if you should plant in the same ground where that has surfaced or not. I did save a lot about it though. For some reason, it really creeps me out, worse than the JB's. To clarify something I said on another thread and without starting a new one, I thought Pickering had sent me a mislabelled rose instead of Pat Austin. Not so. That is one of my two roses that are languishing the most; the other is one of the Gruss, the other Gruss is putting out new growth all over the place. Pat put out his first true bloom, but I don't know if that rose will pull through or not, very small, wilted today so I had to quick water, perked up, thought once every 2 days should be enough. Not so for some. Every day it is some darn new thing to deal with. But my first stargazer burst into bloom today, and it makes the disappointing setbacks seem worthwhile. Some of my roses are not blooming true at all. The first bloom on the Pat Austin looked like a yellow with white outer petals then fizzled. One I posted some photos on, Hyde Hall, is now blooming crazy quilt colors, I don't get it. The best performers as of now are my two Charlotte's (they get the most sun and in spite of the JB's, good repeat) and Dark Lady, she does well in a quite shaded spot. The second flush blooms on the other roses, some are deformed and smaller.

This will be my 5th winter to winter sow and have learned to prep early. I've been prepping milk jugs all spring/summer/and now fall for this coming winter. I have 250+ milk jugs and lots of other types of containers ready/prepped so far and will continue doing right through winter. I got laughed at by John just last week when I said I probably had enough milk jugs ready. Also have learned to have lots of potting mix bought and in the basement before winter sets in. Have been slowing buying large bags through the summer when they've been on sale. First year got caught having to try to find some mid winter when I ran out, so make sure you have more than you think you'll need. Also learned to keep inside so it's not frozen from being in garage. I hate having to wait for the potting mix to unthaw. I do mostly perennials. I grow for my yard (running out of space), the yard at the cabin, cabin neighbors yard, both sisters yards, moms yard, and those I sneek plants into around the neighborhood. I've decided I would rather try to have too much ready, if that's possible, so it doesn't become hectic trying to find containers, soil etc, when it's suppose to be a fun time when winter sowing. Also my family doesn't enjoy it when I run around like a mad women trying to find containers, seeds, soil, etc. Sandy

Dear Mavis ~ I am so deeply sorry for your loss. May you feel God's loving presence surrounding you and may his strength flow through you as you continue to live, a different life than the one you had. Just take each day as it comes and do what you can. Grieving takes time, we are all different. Bob would be proud of you for doing what you can. He knows you love him and miss him and that is natural. Crying is good for you physically and spiritually. Kaye820 ~ My heart goes out to you also. Such changes you ladies are going through. Susan ~ Bless your heart, tears unleash so much. KayJones ~ Prayers are going out for your husband at this time. May you feel God's love and strength flowing through you as you are his caregiver. Cindy ~ I am sorry for your loss as well. But remember, your life is not meaningless now, it's just different. It is alright to grieve. Grieving is different for every person. May the grieving recovery program be of great help to you. Dear Ladies ~ While I am not a widow, my heart feels your pain, my eyes fill with tears at your stories. DH and I have been married for 37 years and we do talk about the possibility of death of one or the other of us and know it would be horrible for either of us left behind. You all are in my thoughts and prayers along with our dear Aunt Ruthie who lost Uncle Wilbur a little over a week ago after 60+ years together. If any of you would like to email me just for a friend to chat with, please feel free. You can try emailing me through GW, if that doesn't work, let me know and we'll get connected somehow. Love, hugs and prayers ~ FlowerLady