Hi, Connie, it's good to hear from you!

Great to have you back, Connie. You're lucky that you've missed the "birthing pains" of our transition to Houzz. It was not a fun time, although the response to our complaints was really very good. We just wanted the old forum back! I've probably forgotten, in case you mentioned it, but what was the reason for the garden going to ruin? Was it the horrible winters? I'm glad everything seems to be on the way to mending. Hope we'll see some pictures soon.

Good to hear from you. I'll put your Garden Day on my calendar. I understand the one-woman weed show. From mid-April on, my life is dedicated to pulling weeds. By the time I have the all the beds weeded, I have to start again at the beginning. And this time of year, with all the rain, both the weeds and the grass grow like crazy. I'm doing a lot of experimenting with groundcovers and ornamental grasses, both of which help deter the deer. And last year, a friend gave me half of flat of yellow marigolds she didn't have time to plant. I just stuck them in anywhere among the roses, with no expectations, and they bloomed fabulously, helped keep down the weeds, discouraged deer and insects. So I'm planting more this year.

"One-Woman Weed Show" ... I like that!

Hi Connie! Nice to see you here!

Catsrose, I pulled weeds for 6 hours yesterday, and I wasn't even working with the roses. I so understand the concept of the one woman weed show.

Rosefolly

Hi Connie! Glad your giving Houzz a chance.

I can relate to what you said about garden going to ruin. I've been rehabbing mine after getting behind the curve for a few years. Those weeds and tree seedlings can take hold fast! Hard work, but satisfying. I scaled my beds back and (gasp) reduced my rose collection so I have less to weed, but I'm enjoying what I have remaining more and overall looking better this year than last. You have to pick and choose your battles. Sounds like you're doing some of that too.

Hi Connie. I was thinking of you today when I was enjoying my Echo that I got from you. I love this rose...it makes such pretty bouquets on the bush.

kay

One funny side-effect of our monstrous drought: Fewer weeds!

Lori, it was really great to catch up with you last year! I have been doing some selective reducing in my own rose collection. It's been difficult to realize that I'm not really a super hero, and I can't do it all ... pick my battles, choose roses and garden practices that please me, and concentrate on enjoying my garden more ... that's my goal.

Kay, your Echo looks fabulous!!

We have your rain, Jeri, and the weeds love it as much or more than the roses do. The term 'growing like a week' must have had its origin in a garden like mine.

Connie---I've been wondering about you so it is nice to see you posting-----I understand how quickly a garden can go to ruin-----I just can't garden like I used to and it can be depressing but I'm thankful to be able to do some limited gardening ----and at least walk around and enjoy the roses that have survived the ravages of RRD---keep us posted on your progress---I'm also on FB-----

Florence

Hi Connie - good to see you here. I, too, have cut back the size of my rose collection and overall gardens when I moved to a smaller house with a smaller yard. Once upon a time, my old gardens were gorgeous and I was very proud of them but they weren't fun to maintain anymore and after neglecting them the first years after I lost my DH, it was just too much work to bring them back! The move forced me to really think hard about each rose I had to dig, pot and
move - and whether it was worth it or not. Overall I am much happier
with a garden one fourth the size - and so much easier on me
physically.
Hope to see photos from you this year.
Cheers!
Anne

Hi Connie, Best wishes for you and your garden.

Hi Connie. Nice to meet you.

Hi Connie, one of these years I will get up to see your garden. Promise!

I remember when you moved----downsizing is very difficult-----It is difficult to part with treasures----including roses and all kinds of collections

Thinking of you

Florence

Hi Connie! It's great to hear from you! I spent 3 hours weeding the 200+ roses I brought to my new home. I will make the move permanent in about 2 weeks. Today we celebrate my grandmother's birthday...104 years! She still asks about you. She'll be happy to hear you're doing ok. Call me sometime! Ribert

Glad to hear that you have moved, since I know that it was a goal of yours. Please give your grandmother birthday greetings from me.