Tenderheart, Yes, it will easily grow and thrive in any zone 5 climate. This mini rose is very cane hardy. I have roughly 50% cane loss after each winter and this is almost unheard of for a miniature in my garden. MOst dieback to the ground or a few inches above. Graduation Day and Jalbert's Patio Wonder Series are like the "Explorer" series for miniatures. They are very hardy and disease resistant mini's. I'll post some pics of White Patio and Pink Patio Wonder later today or tomorrow.

Another idea... Since the guests are folks who've know her since babyhood...when you send out the invites-include a page from a smaller sized photo album (one with 2-3 ring holes so it can be inserted by her the day of the celebration. The size of the album should have pages that will hold the photo & memory card on the 1 page. Print a'what to do' directions to include with the invite (send in a manilla envelope to fit the photo page)stating to please place a photo of her they have taken, and also include a recipe sized card for them to write down what the occasion was when the photo was taken and/or what special meaning it has for them. If they don't have any photo (from birth thru the present-perhaps you or another family member would give that person one to use. Then...(you still with me? LOL) place a ladder at the party location-place an 8x10 photo of her (Sr photo?) on the very top of the ladder with a sign under it saying : "___'s (her name) Ladder of Life". You can tie cording to each side of the ladder, with clothespins threaded on it (to hold the photo/memory cards that each guest brings. A little sign dividing the rungs of the ladder into sections (Babyhood, Toddlerhood, Elementary, High School)-guests would pin their page of the album into the section when the photo was taken, along w/their memory card. You can decorate the sides of the ladder with bows, school colors or party colors. You'd give her the empty album when she gets ready to open cards-have her read each & then place it in that section of her Memory Album. I've done this w/all 3 of my children & a couple nieces & nephews-well received by all and a treasured album for the graduate!

What a life and what a family. All those grands, great grands and great great grands. She was truly blessed. And so was her family to have her.

What a beautiful poem! I have tears in my eyes. My FIL died in 1990, MIL followed in 2005, exactly 15 years to the day after he passed. My own Dad passed in 1998. My Mom has all her mental facilities (a blessing) but is physically very weak. I know she is waiting to join him.