Good morning, Patricia. I had to work this weekend so I've just gotten back to this post. You know what crazy, long hours I work. I am not miffed. I know that you are my friend and that this post was written in a light hearted manner. I hadn't responded because I was still doing the finishing up with the kitchen thing, working and most importantly, I don't know exactly how many pots are out there. :-) Seriously, I would have to go count them and I haven't had time. I try never to count them because I am a firm believer that in this case, ignorance is bliss. When Bill asks me how many roses are out there in pots, I can truthfully say "I don't know"...The numbers are constantly changing due to new acquisitions and roses given away. There are a few reasons that I grow so many roses in pots. I have a small garden so a rose has to prove itself to me before it actually gets a place in the ground. I have an established garden with huge bushes so a small ownroot rose needs to put on growth before it can compete with the other roses. I've been gardening for years and I don't believe it when most people tell me I can't grow something until I try it for myself.:-) If I get a rose that doesn't grow well, I don't automatically assume that it is my garden, sometimes it can be the clone I received so I will usually try another if it is a rose I really want, and lastly I "need" to actually see a rose in bloom, smell the fragrance and look at the bush in person before I can know if it will suit me or my garden. Many roses have come and gone here without ever being planted. I know that this method wouldn't suit everyone, but it works for me. I'll actually go out there and count them today if it isn't over 100 degrees again! BTW, thank you for the kind words about my garden and my abilities. You, Ann, Jean and a few others taught me everything I needed to know about growing roses. Mostly, you taught me to follow my instincts, use common sense, and call for help when I got in over my head :-) Someone on this forum was recently very rude and condescending in remarks that were directed to me, personally. Joe is my friend, just as you are, and I can only guess that maybe he was feeling a little protective and unsure of the tone of the post. I know that you would do the same for me, as I would for you. I love both of you and don't want either of you to be upset or hurt. I'm sorry that there was a misunderstanding. Please accept my apology. Carol

The bad news is the helicopter was there for servicing. The engine was not running well. When they started the engine, it coughed and ran rough and while they waited for it to warn up, a couple of men were seen running across the tarmac toward them; One was wearing a gun holster.

The one I was thinking of with the Christmas rose of was called Gift of Love, A Christmas story. Angela Lansbury, Lee Remick and Polly Holliday (who played Flo in tv show) Alice starred in it. I sat and bawled when I watched it and now might watch it again if I can find it on DVD. I love The House Without a Christmas Tree too. Kathy

Thanks Susie! Sounds as if you have some great butterfly plants. I did the same thing that you did and am now digging up and moving plants to better spots with the appropriate companion plants. I buy what I like and then try to find a place for it :) I will say though, that sometimes chaotic just looks more natural as long as you have 3 or so of each plant grouped , not 20 different plants. I personally like purple and blue flowers pared with gold or orange flowers. A favorite combo is purple penta with orange Lion's ear. I know what you mean about the reds, there are so many shades and many have an orange cast which in my opinion don't look good with the pinkish casted reds. Now that you know what colors the blooms are, you can dig up and replant with the colors that you find pleasing together. A good rule of thumb if you're not sure what colors to pair, use a color wheel....it takes a lot of the guessing out of the equation. I learned this years ago in art class. I found this simple one on the web. The easiest thing to remember is that you can't go wrong if you: 1) Pick 2 to 3 analogous colors (touch each other on the wheel) 2) Pick 2 complimentary colors (across from each other on the wheel) 3) Pick 3 triadic colors (equal distance apart on the wheel) Most important thing is to plant what you enjoy and don't worry if they may not be matchy matchy. Rhonda