Sunset has wonderful books aimed at southern gardens and gardeners. I have one that must be 30 years old. What I like about it is that it has older varieties listed that you seldom see anymore but that you might encounter from time to time. I think everyone should have a book like that to look up impartial information. That is how I came across my Brandy which is an amazing bloomer in cool or even the hottest weather. It out-performs all our other flowers and is about the size of a small woman's hand. A good 4-6" I would say. Jackson Perkins also has a great book with the more modern varieties, but they seem to imply that all the varieties featured are fantastic performers, and I couldnt disagree more. Many a bush has come to my house only to go back, because it didn't tolerate the heat or wasn't the color they described. We live in zone 8a which might be the same as where you are.

I knew that some of you could relate to the living in our gardens part! Michael Marriott was a good speaker and it was also also a pleasure to finally get a chance to meet him in person. He has designed some really great rosegardens that are a great inspiration to me. I hope many of you will have a chance to meet him and hear him tell about English Roses in the garden. I do think he tours various parts of the world, and it would be a good idea to invite him to a meeting at your local rose society. I did read that about his seminar at Ashdown Roses Carole. And yes...feeding the soil (and thereby also the roses) really makes a huge different in vigor and health. I also mostly use roses in "Mixed borders" with many companion plants. Veilchen and Ruth: I don´t think you will regret getting the old Wisley! When we live in cold areas, we need roses that are this vigourous. It seems to be one of those roses that will bounce back and become 5 feet tall every year, even if the canes froze back to 3-4 inches (The protected part). And I really like the big pink flowers, that looks like a pink version of Golden Celebration. I also really like the fragrance! AusIntense is a fitting name! But yes the flowers nod, but so does the flowers of Golden celebration and Jubilee Celebration ... and even worse on William Morris and a Shropshire Lad. But then again ...these roses are not named after a posh ancient garden society's headquarter ... I sure look forward seeing the new cultivars (and smelling them!!)... but new is not always better ...it is always exciting to grow the new Austin Roses. I really like the new roses introduced last year (Munstead Wood and Claire Austin) and I am still the only one that has posted pictures of these roses on HMF. And I do look forward to the crowdy show ... and spring in London!!! Actually spring is almost here!!! Record Early!

Mo, that's how I feel about the pretty egg plate. Too pretty to cover up with real eggs. By the way, I am really sorry you are having anxiety issues about your husband's trip. Anxiety is terrible to deal with. I hope maybe you can talk yourself into some decorating, it truly helps to stay occupied. Plus being surrounded by pretty things and a festive looks helps one's mood too I believe. I know nights make anxiety far worse, and I will be thinking about you. You can join the slumber party here that Yacht and I usually do. LOL. We don't sleep at night due to pain, so our computers keep us going. Jeanne, I didn't stretch $20. LOL. Wish I had. I can never seem to get out of Dollar Tree for less than $20, that is why I changed its name to reflect that. I think this time they got me for $23. And trust me, you don't want to know my Michaels bill. LOL. Dad gave me $100 to spend and I had no problem at all doing that between the two stores yesterday. They are side by side, so I frequently refer to them as "Double Trouble". hugs, Karen

give them some time to see what works in the local areas - but it will remain as mulit-purpose. Michaels is not close enough for me to go to on a regular basis - out of the way from everywhere I go (20 miles in the opposite direction) but when I visit my father-in-law, I visit a Michaels in NJ. They remind me of AC Moore which also has many crafts but each have a fairly large yarn section with good variety. Joanns is closest to my house so I go there more frequently and that is where I pick up the sewing notions. Their yarn collection is not as good but now is trying to be more competitive and recently expanded their selection. I buy yarn there only if it is on sale or if I have a coupon. Generally their yarn is more expensive. For instance the Bernat Baby Coordinates is $3.99/ 6oz in Joanns, $2.99 in Walmart at the other end of the shopping plaza (but I try NOT to shop in Walmart) and $2.69 in AC Moore 5 miles away. Even with a 40% off coupon, I hate buying it in Joanns unless I need it immediately. Try to coordinate my purchases to be at AC Moore since they all accept competitors coupons.