You're very welcome. The "local" Bluegrass sod farm for us in Raleigh is 40 miles away toward the coast, the closest to you I think is in Morganton. 1.- Bellevue Manor Turf Farm 828/433-5071 Greg Craver 744 Bost Road Morganton, NC 28655 bellvuemanorturf@bellsouth.net 2.- Slater Turf Farm 828/894-5113 800/737-TURF Dave Slater 5554 Hunting Country Road Tryon, NC 28782 slaterturf@slaterturf.com 3.- Turf Mountain Sod, Inc. 828/685-3642 888/685-3642 Fred Pittillo 3277 Chimney Rock Rd Hendersonville, NC 28792 turfmountain@bellsouth.net Bentgrass: L-93, Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue: Black Beauty They all have their own custom blend, call them and ask them exactly what it is. I will still apply a bag or 2 of Scotts Starter Fertilizer with SIDURON and water every day in the morning and mid-day to cool the turf. Avoid watering at night at all cost, always in the morning for about 10 to 15 minutes each time. If you can afford the sod, that's the best and fastest way to do it; specially Kentucky Bluegrass (it take forever to get the seed to germinate and mature) The biggest problems with seeding vs sod are the weeds and the amount of water you're going to use to keep the baby grasses alive during the heat of the day. Sod is mature grass, but the roots still need to grow which is difficult during the summer, but very possible with irrigation. Don't put any pre-emergent prior to seeding or sodding, starter fertilizer with Siduron at 1 lb per 1,000 sf of actual nitrogen, and water, water, water... Post emergent herbicides can be used after 30 days or so, then in September you can apply a soil pre-emergent to prevent POA Annua and other pesky weeds from germinating in your new sod. Make sure you grade the soil properly and remove all construction debris and rocks, stones, etc, prio seeding or sod installation. Check your soil PH, now is the time to add if needed. It wouln't hurt to order a few cubic yards of screened topsoil and till it in with your existing soil. Compost will work as well. Let me know if you have any other questions. Regards, Auteck

When I posted last night, I hadn't done a proper inventory and couldn't remember half of what I'd bought. By the way, Randy will still be doing cuttings for the Lynchburg Cemetary and Monticello, and anyone else who wants things. (I probably should have posted this on Antiques) Here's my damage, in no order whatsoever: Coquette des Blanches Blanc Double de Couvert Marie Bugnet Leonie Lamesch Rose de Roi a Fleures Pourpres Cl Clotilde Soupert Cardinal Richlieu Jens Munk Tuscanny Suberb Westerland Unknown Salmon Pink Sea Foam China Doll Cuthbert Grant Rosa Rugosa Fairy Queen Wildberry Breeze Ballerina Yoland de Aragon Nur Mahal Blanc de Vibert Prosperity Moonlight Pink Soupert Polareis Henri Martin Morden Fireglow ShailerÂs Provence Alfred de Dalmas Rosa palustris Ullrich Brunnerfils Gifts (I already have them): Rosa Glauca Daybreak Rosa Rugosa Coquette des Blanches (got two by mistake) Robin Hood EVS From VG: Catherine Seyton La France Lagerfeld Rosa Sancta Carnea Plena Ophelia Moje Hammarberg R. sinowilsonii -- replaces the one I put in earlier this spring that my neighbor kindly mowed down while I was out of town

Just wanted to post an update. I got Penelope from Palatine. Only time will say, if this experiment would work, i.e. growing shade tolerant roses in shade. I honestly can't say how much sunlight it receives, but I can affirm that it is less than "part shade", more or less dappled shade. The shade is due to a sprawling Manitoba Maple and a dense cherry tree, which I hope some day to have pruned. However by September, Penelope should be receiving much more sunlight... The plant for the time being is around 3 feet tall with 3 main branches. We had a lot of rain in June (every 2nd day) and rather cool temperatures. To my surprise, several weeks ago, I saw flower buds on all branches. And she flowered on July 1st. This is one of the most beautiful roses, I've ever seen. So many variations going from the most delicate pink to pure white. For the time being there is a very light fragrance. If I recall well, my Felicia didn't have much scent the first year. Thanks again all.... Penelope's maiden bloom.....

I'd vote for 'Cornelia' for best pink Hybrid Musk, with its' strong musk and rose wafting scent, followed by 'Felicia' which smells of watermelon to me. . I think the dark green foliage of Cornelia makes it one of the best landscaping roses for it is a lovely plant to look at even between bloom cycles. Lyda rose is very fragrant but the prickles have stabbed me so many times I'm glad she's in my back yard and nowhere near a walkway. . They are all excellent roses. Lux.