Ingris, I've had a similar problem with Niles Cochet - except for the rodents. He is in his 3rd location. He was a really slow starter (non-starter) in his first location. I posted here about him back then, and some said he tends to be that way - slow. Moved him when I realized he was going to be a mammoth bush, but when he finally seemed to be settling in and growing, I realized his new spot was going to be way too shady for a tea, so last spring off he went to home #3. Over the last 10 months or so he has added no canes and the three that he has have had very few leaves and have gotten shorter due to dieback. I'm really tired of looking at a stunted and shrinking Niles Cochet. I've never seen a flower on him in almost 2 years. The love affair is over. NC will be out of here. I have a few choices for his replacement that I'll have to ponder. I agree with Jerome. Try another one. Sherry Here is a link that might be useful: If only sweat were irrigation...

Oh, you all make me laugh! First, Carol did survive the trip. She was a little grungy from riding in the spare tire storage area beneath the Explorer, but hey, she's a martyr to roses just like me. I'd have ridden there myself but I had to drive, you understand. Marleah, I can't believe we missed you by a matter of a few hours - it would have been terrific to see you at UR. Paul and Kevin were so nice to us, taking us on a tour and sharing their roses. Lucky you to live so close! Ron, it was wonderful to see you again. I can't believe the transformation at Garden Valley. You've done wonders. When Gregg took us on the tour before everyone arrived, we were all thrilled to see the shade bed filled with hydrangeas from Vintage. Thank you for helping me to pick out a couple to bring home. My neighbor, Jake, is thrilled with his gift. The Fragrance Garden is vastly improved by the elimination of the wisteria pergola and changing the beds. I'm so impressed. But you know, the truth is that I'd have to live down there to see you all and the gardens as often as I'd wish! I was glad that it rained so that we had the opportunity to visit the second floor of the barn area (it's not a barn, though, but a train station? I can't remember). I was delighted to learn that you play piano and want to hear you tinkle the ivories one of these days. And you gave me an unforgettable memory - following you from Paula's to see Mel at SJHRG. I always knew it was your car because of that huge sunhat you wore! LA, you stinker! You gave me away! How will I explain even MORE roses to Marji?! I think the truth is that she's given up and just enjoys them, cuz I haven't been able to get her out of the garden in her spare time. If we're able to come down for Rosalia, she'll be with me. You're a sweetheart to foster my babies in the meantime. Pam, hold that spot you promised - I think help is on the way for your celebration. Can't wait to see you again. Carla, as soon as I have blooms, I'll post Sunny South. Anne, definitely start a savings account. We'll both look forward to it all year. And Lance, I wish you'd been able to join us. Maybe next spring? Anita, it was wonderful to see you again and fantastic to see the cemetery. I was right about you and Aunt Annie - here you go: Sue

LOL, Daisy & Suzy, you Brits are such a bunch of cut-ups!! (I had to look up the word churlish. Having a bad day?) I do thank you very much for your sweet comments. They really are appreciated. Now back to Carol's garden. Since I have never been to a grand public rose garden, I was immensely impressed with the expansiveness and grace of it and the effort required to keep it so meticulously. As we all say, gardens evolve and mature, and we don't know what her plans are for the future, but I know from my own small garden that companion plants are a very large maintenance issue. Here in Florida with year-round growing, annuals have to be replaced at least once and more likely twice, so I can understand not going there. I'm glad you were both impressed with it. Thanks for looking. Sherry

If you are remodeling a kitchen and have a permit, then your local government folks have a written record of you purchasing some big ticket appliances. I suspect that extends to knowing exactly where you bought them, because I think they want to see invoices in order to assess the increase in property value. I also don't know whether they join the dots between the property tax people and the use tax people. You have to ask yourself whether you want to take the risk of not declaring these purchases... Even in a remodel, it's often possible to delay replacing some appliances until after the permit has been finaled if you are desperate to save a few $$ on your property tax. AIUI, the value of appliances included in a remodel is included in the increase in property value, but appliance replacements at any other time are not counted for that purpose. (For folks wondering what the heck the obsession with property tax is, the OP is in CA, which has the famous "Proposition 13" that caps property tax increases due to open market valuations. This means local government looks for any and every reason to hike up taxable values.)