John, really, using this thread to peddle your wares? I know this economy is bringing out the worst in many people, but John...you can do better! Crashing a thread about a poor woman with multiple problems, & feigning interest in her to sell Christmas ornaments? Pathetic. MBoston, it was so nice of you to think about Trisha. The link provided by Maire was just heart-breaking, as Trish's original post is quite chilling & disturbing. The replies were wonderfully kind, warm & supportive, but she never responded back. Poor lady.

Karen, I love your idea. I would request that it be more along the lines of money than plants, please? I am fortunate to live in an area without Chilli Thrips, but they will eventually arrive. They are creeping northward. I have observed them now in many areas of the San Fernando, Simi and Santa Clarita Valleys and found them in public plantings of Iceberg along "The BLVD" in Lancaster this past Friday. Let's please limit plant movement from infected areas into uninfected ones.

I heard from her about the ones that I asked for since early of 2021 (last year). But her Austins were sold out within the 1st minute thanks to some big orders of 50 or 20 roses. I was able to get non-Austins plus Wise Portia (I asked for Wise Portia early in 2021 when mine died through that winter). I gave a long list of substitutes knowing that Austins would be sold out fast. Also with Roses Unlimited summer sale for the past decade, I never could get any Austins except for loser like A Shopshire Lad. I got into the habit of giving a very long list of substitutes for Roses Unlimited summer sale since 2011, and did the same for LongAgoRoses.

I am with Sheila on this one. I’ve been a member of other forums where a member died, and relatives were always gracious if the inquiry was respectful and sincere. Each time, they were pleased that the deceased was so well liked in a online community and relayed some details they wanted the forum to know about the deceased. I had found Merlena’s home and cell numbers and tried to call them. The home just kept ringing, the cell was answered by a man who did not know her. So I have no further leads. But had she answered I would have just said I was BenT on the rose forum and a bunch of us hadn’t heard from her and were hoping she and her garden were well. That’s all.