That is interesting, I am in the California East Bay Area and have been pruning to my eye and leaf-strip often. Anything I do not like I remove. I am very new to the world of roses so every success is a lovely accident. I loved him saying to get intimate with your roses and learn their indivisuality. I have been feeling that more and more- what I do may not work but I begin to find what is better and continue in that direction. Maybe lots of us are afraid of growing roses because of all the 'rules' and they differ for each type, like computers, we fear some devastating catastrophy. The longer I share our land with roses the more I appreciate how forgiving of my mistakes they can be, and my pc simply forces me to learn more, nothing horrific, frustrating but learn and go on. I do not find his guidance fearful but more open to learn in your own garden. He makes instruction fun! And of course you already picked up that I am not roses in a row but love weaving them together. I'm surprised how the simple drawing are quicker to understand than photographs, no distractions from the idea expressed. Bill, I am so grateful for this excellent book and I paid for it so I can underline, highlight, get it dirty and let it live in my garden with me for quick reference and/or inspiration! I would love to watch him prune! I'm dyslexic and reading is work, you have given me my favorite book. Thanks.....

Ah ha!! Gotcha : ) Here it is a bit smaller, and then a distant shot of the first, larger one. Now I'm thinking the larger one is fine and has more presence and definition. Maybe in between? I tried some of those curved iron accents I've seen at ending positions or posts (but can't remember the details, so it just shows the general look.) And, ya know, a piece of gray flagstone on top of those columns and even across the wall looks great and ties nicely with the roof and drive. I would think you could fit the moulding piece around the gutter area, hiding it. As a front cap sort of thing. It's a design problem to work out : ) Have to figure any water issues in. Do you have a closeup or drawing of the area, how the pieces and planes are currently fitting together? Should pull a distant shot of the larger size in also.

I think the middle one would be a better choice- it has a red hue to it, which matches with the two leather chairs you already have. Either that or go with the blonde, as that would contrast your leather chairs. I wouldnt choose the first option, the brown doesnt mix or match with anything you have.

I agree with WoW and WDUsa. Clay is an extremely popular color these days and would give nice contrast to the cream, and also look good with the brick. I do like Bronze as well for a bolder choice. I don't love the beige and tan.