Hi--I just happened by and your reference to Hyde Hall caught my eye. I don't know what others have said about it previously, but I think it's worth looking into. In my zone 5, in a slightly neglected spot, it gets about 5' high by 4' wide. I think it would be bigger with more water and fertilizer. I have to prune it to about half to two-thirds down each spring, although once there was only tip damage. I do nothing to winter protect it. The thing about it is that it blooms almost nonstop and is an excellent background shrub, if you want lots of blooms. I also have an Alba hedge, which I love. The scent that wafts through the yard is heavenly. I have other repeat blooming rose areas, and I appreciate the once-blooming Alba hedge that I can adore in June and then forget about it and focus on other areas (it makes a green hedge all summer). What do others think about Hyde Hall? I really like it, and would have a whole hedge of it if I had a place for it.

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

I just had a soil analysis for my main bed. It found 4.6% oranic matter. Not bad but of course could be better. But everything else seems to be OK. For a time I thought the problem was drainage but yesterday I dug a hole filled it with water and waited for it to drain. I thought this could be awhile but lo and behold it drained in less than three hours. Now as to organic matter. This spring I applied alfalfa meal and cow manure, then I mulched with newspapers and grass clippings that are worn out now with a lot of paper showing. Somewhere along in summer I put some Rosetone. I've meant to put some horse manure but didn't get around to it. I've been wondering how that works on top of my "mulch", I suppose just put in on there. Pictures? Despite being somewhat computer literate a few years ago I still don't know how to do that. Besides most of my rose gardens are a mess. I've been thinking seriously about giving up on roses. Either that or to drastically cut back on the numbers as I can't take care of the ones I have. That may be the best solution what with being 80 years old now. But I have so much invested in trying to grow roses! I have tons of books and I spend hours poring over them. The DK book by the Quest-Risons I have nearly memorized. And then there is all that work, planting, pruning,etc. So meanwhile back at the ranch one has black spot, Japanese beetles, winter kill, poor choices, the wrong rose and all those infernal weeds that manage to tolerate much better the conditions that the roses find not to there liking. Now and then there is a rose that inspires. Lately that has been Baltimore Belle. Hardy, fragrant, vigorous and profuse blooming in Spring. It grows with what I have to give it. Currently has many new 10' canes. Just like that. No intense inspection to see if you can determine what ails a failing rose. Of course you can't.

I wasn't much enamoured with singles but i planted dainty bess, goldenwings, sparrieshoop together on a whim. I have 3 db,1 sparrieshoop, 3 goldenwings(one was mistake). now i couldn't b without them. db is the only ht i have (is she really a ht?) that has eliminated any predjudice i had before. i am thinking about getting white wings which is a sport of db, not golden wings. they have done rather well in all the heat and humidity here.