Fragrance is so subjective. To me, SdlM is not really that fragrant, and it's more of a sweet/powdery scent than a damask/old rose fragrance. Most of the Portlands have that damask scent, as do many Hybrid Perpetuals and some of the Austins. In my garden, Eugene de Beuharnais has it the strongest - it will draw you to it from ten feet away. The Prince has that smell, too. So does Marbree, a mottled-blossomed Portland that Jeri recommended, that's clean as a whistle and reblooms reliably. (In its second season in my garden, it's a small, tidy plant.) Of course, performance is all about location. I'm in hot, dry Sacramento, so my experiences won't be anything like yours. Here, SdlM is temperamental. Powdery mildew, blossoms tend to ball (although they opened much better once the plant matured), and some browning edges. When it is good, it's wonderful. I came very close to digging it out a few years ago. Anita

My 4 year old son gives roses to his teacher at Valentines day. I go to Costco and pick up a bunch of roses. I then put each rose in a plastic tube with water. I get clear plastic wrap (sold in wrapping paper section at Target, etc.) and cut a large square. I lay a colored tissue paper to match on top of the plastic. (Make sure your roses are not wet or the color of the tissue paper will run.) Lay the rose in the center. Fold one side over, the bottom up and the final side over and around. Tie with ribbon. Attach a card. Hope this makes sense. Michaels Craft Store sells the little plastic tubes you can fill with water. But are a touch expensive without the 40% off coupon. I like the idea about approaching a florist...tell them you are a school teacher and they will likely sell them to you for cheap. All these supplies can be bought for cheap but in bulk at a florist supply store. But to get the wholesale price you would need a resale license. Maybe a freind has one.

My Rdr is bare now, but it's in a spot where it's not getting a lot of sun right now because of the angle of the sun. My roses in the front get tons of sun even now because my yard faces south. It's actually sunnier there now than in the summer because then the sun is overhead and the trees block some of it. I have lots of new growth on most of my roses out front, but they may not have time to put on buds if it gets cold. Also, no rain for weeks, so that is having an effect. My teas look the best. Mdme Lambard is really pretty right now. Also Lady Hillingdon. I guess they like the cooler weather.

Thanks ladies for all the words of encouragement. Yes, knowing company is coming really does cause us to get in gear and get some much needed things done, doesn't it? LOL Repainting the sign was sure lots more fun than digging up a flowerbed and transplanting the excess plants out of it. Why I stuck little "airplane" plants in a bed with minature roses is beyond me--the roses were being crowded out so had to dig them all out! Whew I'm getting too old for all that physical labor! Also straightened the garage, washed windows, etc. Now just need to keep up with the dusting and vacuuming and I'm set. Oh, and make up a couple casseroles and some salads to have ready to go as needed. Punk, I don't know how you manage to work all those hours and still have all the company you do! You are "superwoman" for sure! ;o) Luvs