Thank you all for the replies and the reassurances! Now I realize I have a wheel barrow full of suitable crushed granite :) One thing, though, will the crushed granite still be okay with everything 1/8" and smaller sifted out? Should I amend with a little more Turface to balance out the increased drainage? I suspect the crushed granite is still good from what I know about gritty mix, just want to make sure. @Al - I hope your recovery is swift and complete. Thank you for your help. Not just here, I've learned so much in such little time reading your many posts. @simonk - Lyngso is indeed the place a tried, a lead I got from the Regional Supplies thread. I'll keep that max size of 3/8" in mind! @robertbay - If you are around San Jose, check out U-Save Rockery. They have crushed granite that is the same grit as Lyngso's Desert Gold. The plus, though, is that it doesn't have nearly as much dirt and debris encrusted. I only went to Lyngso because I visited U-Save Rockery and thought Lyngso's crushed granite would be smaller. I don't think I need the $200 investment into an eco-shredder :) I will keep EB Stone in mind though, thanks!

All are great suggestions. Once she's determined which roses she is interested in, my advice would be to search the Burlington list first because they same rose can be available from several sources for several prices. Why buy variety X for $15-$18 when the SAME one is available for $10? Determining who has what available right now, then ordering in the minimum multiples for shipping can greatly expand what you can get for the same money, AND it spreads the support around to the sources we have. I fully agree with supporting the sales at The Cemetery, El Cerrito and The VCRS Auction in March. You'll find things at those sales you won't find at any of the specialty sources because they either don't have the varieties or there hasn't been sufficient interest shown in them to get them propagated. Individuals producing their favorites or the stars of the gardens involved are far more likely to have ones and twos of really neat things than any of the nurseries can really be expected to do. Nothing against any of the nurseries! They do a spectacular job of keeping some wonderful things around and making them available, but no nursery person can be expected to produce ones and twos of difficult things or varieties which they honestly may only have the potential for selling a handful of in a year. The specialty sales can and do just that service, so going there to browse, learn, meet and support them is a great way to learn and expand your collection and garden. There is room for all of the sources and need for each one in their niche. Each one has their focus and strengths. Learning whose is which then working with them will keep all going longer and permit you to collect the garden you want at the most cost effective, efficient method possible.

Many exotic varieties and the usual fragrant herbs are available from: Lingle's Herbs 2055 N. Lomina Ave. Long Beach, CA 90815 Phone: (562) 598-4372 Fax: (562) 598-3376 I have had a good experience purchasing from them. Here is a link that might be useful: Lingle's herbs website

Well, the ones I was watching have ended; $22 plus $10 shipping, so I didn't bid. I really think it was a good price; it's just that I already have the garage and one end of the front porch covered in stained glass. Hahaha, my hubby just wouldn't have been able to take it if I ordered more.