Thank you Kathy. I'm feeling ever more emboldened by the minute. I should tell you about where we did end up planting it last year. This last year we rested the ground in a corner of the yard used for pumpkins. We call the area (if you will excuse my french) 'the corner from hell' as it gets all day sun and reflective heat from the fence. Anyway because we did not grow pumpkins we had space there and practically only there for a homeless rose:) On top of what Karl said it was in my opinion far too hot and unkind there for NO. Plus I really under watered. I just dropped the ball period. I think next year in its new spot it will be much happier. If it comes to resemble its appearance from when I purchased the rose I will be thrilled. All tall with tons of long, bud heavy canes. I'm excited. Kate

Thanks, everyone! I am having so much fun growing roses, I never liked gardening at all until I started with the roses last spring and now it is nice to see the rewards from all of that hard work! jaceysgranny -- thanks! I am really enjoying monkey business, I mainly bought it because I thought my kids would get a kick out of the name and I was intrigued by the "licorice" scent that was mentioned when I bought it (although I haven't really noticed it yet) Sara-Ann -- if I were to only have one striped one it would be Rock n Roll, I am just so impressed with the blooms and the rich colors. Give it a try and I think you'll love it too! Ingrid -- thank you for the compliments! RCT is great, I believe it was introduced in Europe under another name. My Julio bush is not that big but it sure likes to bloom! Lesley -- thank you :) Tammy -- Thanks!! I wonder what is up with your Grimaldi? Did you say it was still in a pot? Mine went straight into the ground from RU and it has loved it. I didn't get many blooms last year (a handful) but maybe it appreciated the Michigan winter? It did have a significant amount of die back but has bounced right back. I just noticed a huge basal cane coming up this morning so I am excited! My Raspberry C.T. is also from Edmunds and I cannot believe the growth on that one -- the most of all the roses I planted -- I'd say give it a lot of space if you can! Jeannie -- thank you! I think you'll love Raspberry Cream Twirl if you give it a chance. I got mine from Edmunds and it has been such a strong grower. Carol -- thanks, I love those stripey roses! My Paradise has no scent either but I love the blooms, they are shapely and seem to last quite a while on the bush without losing form. I bought a 3rd Paradise this year since my two from last year were such strong bloomer. I have one in a not so sunny location and it does surprisingly well so maybe it appreciates a little shade. How is yours with sun?

Thanks so much everyone. Judy, I love seeing all the beautiful roses you cut, they're gorgeous. Carol, you definitely make the most of your short growing season, I love your roses! Seil, I agree, everything does look beautiful and healthy when they begin to bloom. Patty, in this picture I have Bewitched, Tiffany, Pink Peace, Perfume Delight and the one lonely yellow is Midas Touch. It used to be my favorite yellow HT, it was so vigorous and healthy. I was looking at the bush this evening and it is looking a lot better, hope it really starts doing its thing next year. Ingrid, I do hope you start getting the rain I know you need and you can get really excited about your roses again. I can relate somewhat to your situation, but I don't think we've had it quite as bad here.

Ingrid, I’m SO sorry about the critters doing so much damage. I know it must be discouraging, especially when you provide food and water for them elsewhere! It must have something to do with our lack of winter rains, at least that’s what I think in my case it is with the gophers. I’ve never before experienced such an onslaught! Your photos are still very lovely. I do hope you’re getting some of this morning’s drizzle. It took me by surprise. We surely need it, and I’ll take any little drop, right now. I managed to remove the two dead cuttings of ‘Potter and Moore’, without hurting the one that’s living. I’m still not seeing the roots, but surely by now it’s developing some. Hasn’t it been at least 3 months? I try to fuss with it as little as possible, in fact removing the two dead moldy cuttings was the first time I opened the soda bottle. I sprayed the remaining cutting with a “rootstock” solution and watered it with the same, before taping the bottle back together. I then held my breath, hoping it wouldn’t wilt. So far, so good! The one that’s thriving, is the one YOU cut! You must have the magic touch. I’m beginning to feel hopeful about it taking. Both your gifts of ‘Wild Edric’ and ‘Annie Laurie McDowell’ are slowly growing new leaves, and I see the beginnings of new canes on ALMD. She only gave me those two beautiful blooms in the beginning, and is now growing. I think of you so fondly every time I look at each of them. Hope your both doing well. Your garden is STILL gorgeous! Lisa PS. Sorry, this turned into an “email” of sorts.