Gary, one word of advice. OGR's often get HUGE over time. They aren't like hybrid teas at all, so be sure to plant them farther apart than you would hybrid teas, and give them plenty of space to spread. Old Blush is a particularly large rose, I'm told, as is Tausendschon and Mrs. B. R. Cant. Louis Phillipe can get quite large, too, but not as big as Old Blush, I don't believe. I would say ask plenty of questions and read everything you can on each variety before you plant. And if you are planting in one bed, don't make the mistake I did of planting them 4' on center like you would hybrid teas. I think they need more like 6' between them, to allow them to reach full size. I have a particular fondness for the Bermuda Mystery Roses, btw, which have proven themselves to be very hardy. (They survived for years unattended in graveyards, abandoned yards, etc, in Bermuda, and many had lost their original identification by the time they were rediscovered.) Some good Bermuda Mystery Roses would be Vincent Godsiff, Bermuda's Kathleen, Trinity, Maitland White (my favorite white), St. David's (a wonderful red single), and Emmie Gray. Natchitoches (Pronounced Nack-a-teesh) Noisette is a fantastic rose, with clusters of flowers in various shades of pink. It's a must-have for me. And one of the prettiest roses in my garden is Demitasse, which is sort of like a miniature David Austen style rose. I can't find a lot of info on it, but it has beautiful ferny foliage, and blooms in clusters of brilliant, hot pink flowers that are shaped kind of like small chrysanthemums. It's truly a winner! Let us know what you end up with, and don't forget, we want pictures! Marcia

Thank you, Butch. Lots of very good information here. I'll print this off and read it several times so I'll know what needs to happen in the soil for maximum root development. Don

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Barb! look at all of those flowers! Those violets are pretty but they are a real pest here! spread like wiregrass! You really make me miss tulips too! (I knew winter was good for something!) Is that a trillium at the top! I can't remember the last time I saw a trillium!I am sorry to hear that Al has pain, I have suffered from hip/joint pain for several years, the doctors have told me the best treatment is 'keep moving' grrrr, sometimes it is very tough to do. Regina I am happy that you are getting some rain! (I hate to complain about water from the sky but it is still raining off and on here! The plants are loving it, but it sure makes it unpleasant outside (muggy, mosquitos and soggy) That Brug is beautiful! I can't wait till mine bloom, I have 3 potted and one in the ground, I just love those leaves! Even if they didn't have flowers My elephant ears hit the ground running too, all this water really perked them up. I cannot believe the size of the leaf on one of them (Is it my imagination or are those leafs still growing?!?!) Here is a photo of some of the plants Michelle sent (see the little rose that bloomed in the box!!! 9 different coleus cuttings!!! can't wait to pot those up! they are gorgeous! Michelle I am sorry to hear about your little GH! Glad that is was not worse and that you and your family are fine! Last of the Iris Peony my herb garden Hummingbird magnet! Tropical Sub-Tropical Surplus Swap Status 1.bigmama4ever sends to chellflower 2. ladygreensleeves sends to rosepedal SURPLUS SENT and RECIEVED! 3. fcoffill sends to Tina_2 SURPLUS SENT and RECIEVED 4. rosepedal sends to deig01991 SURPLUS SENT AND RECIEVED 5. deig01991 sends to divahethr SURPLUS SENT and RECIEVED 6. chellflower sends to ladygreensleeves SURPLUS SENT and RECIEVED 7.divahether sends to greenthumbgrow SURPLUS SENT and RECIEVED 8. greenthumbgrow sends ro Micyrey SURPLUS SENT 9. tina_2 and micyrey send SMALL (yes SMALL please) boxes to fcoffill miceyrey - SURPLUS SENT and RECIEVED Have a great day everyone! Frances

SPAM PRIMAVERA Serving Size : 8 Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -------- ------------ -------------------------------- 1 cn Spam, cut in strips 2 Carrots, thinly sliced 1 Zucchini, thinly sliced 1/4 c Finely chopped onion 1 Garlic clove, minced 6 tb Olive oil, divided 1 9 oz package linguini, -cooked 1/2 c Grated parmesan cheese 2 tb Lemon juice 1/4 ts White pepper In a large skillet, cook Spam, carrots, zucchini, onion and garlic in 3 Tbsps olive oil until vegetables are crisp and tender. Toss together linguini, vegetable mixture, parmesan cheese, 3T olive oil, and lemon juice until well coated. Serve immediately. Source: Geo. A Hormel Co, 1992