When I saw this post I knew I had to go out and take some pictures so you could see what the rose looked like. Boy I would hate to wait for the new introductions...I want to try almost all of them to see what they look like and how they perform and not least smell the different fragrances. Yes I did post pictures of Claire Austin and Munstead Wood since I drove to Albrighton when I was in England/Wales in may and got a potted plant of each. Claire Austin are doing good, but sure did not like the cold rainy summer we have had this year (many flowers just rotted). It seems to be a vigorous rose, like Heritage but is more compact in growth habit. It has had good disease resistance and a strong sweet honey like rose fragrance: Munstead Wood looks almost like the Austin Rose Tradescant, but the flowers are not so dark. It is however a bit more vigorous and have a more upright growth habit. It has many buds right now but the flowers do not look so good since it has been raining almost 4-5 days every week. Disease resitance has been excellent. The fragrance is very nice .. similar to William Shakespeare 2000: I am going to get 3 more of each plant since I plant Austins in groups of 3 to form a really impressive bush. I posted some pictures of both Summer Song And Lady Emma Hamilton yesterday in the Antique roses gallery. Lady Emma Hamilton is a strange roses since the leaves and buds(sepals) are so dark!!! almost blackish green and brown: I was also surprised that it was not darker, I had expected a more warm apricot colour, but mine have the almost the same colour as Jude The Obcure, but are pale pink on the outer petals. Fragrance is similiar to Jude the Obscure, but it is not as strong: Hope that gave you a tasters test and something to look forward to when they become more available in USA/ Australia. I have planted Summer Song in a new border along with lady Emma Hamilton, Pat Austin, And golden Celebration. with various hot coloured perennials, bulbs and annuals.

Wow - This is the year for Lone Grove to remember for bad weather, first a tornado, and now a blizzard. Most of my family are self employed so they have some control over that, but several of them have cattle so that part can't wait. We are still above freezing temps and have had high winds most of the day, but right now it is VERY still, almost too still. We are not big gift buyers and mostly just send checks to the grandkids so that was done earlier. I was surprised last week when I heard a vehicle in my yard. I looked at the kitchen window and my husband and son were backing into the yard with a new front load washer and dryer. I guess my husband had given up on me because I hadn't replaced my squecking washer. He and my son had gone shopping and bought me a new set. They wanted it higher than the pedestals that you can buy for them (for $200 each) and so my son and DIL built a base for them so that I don't even have to bend over to use either of them. It is great. And yes, I am OK with a practical gift because most anything else would be a waste of money for something I wouldn't use. I guess my husband felt a little guilty that it was a "work" gift, so he told me I could go buy him a new microwave. LOL Ours went out the day after Thanksgiving and I have been using the one from the bunkhouse and it is less than adequate for everyday use. I am sure that I can make it through the holiday season because I am not going out today to buy one. I know that they are glad they bought early and got all of the installation done while the weather was nice. My daughter called from Tuttle this morning and said they were getting pounded. It started with sleet and snow at 5 AM and from the looks of the weather map, it is still snowing heavily there. Talk about a white Christmas. No snow here yet.

Hi! We’re currently building our Northfield Manor (finally!) with a few modifications similar to the photos displayed on the Frank Betz website. Framing is complete with roofing, windows/doors and roughs starting this week! We moved the pantry door so that you enter via the breakfast nook. Does anyone have a photo of how they did any built-in shelving in there to maximize the space? Thanks in advance!

I saw them about two years ago. Yes, they come every year (I am in greater San Diego). It was great, I was glad I went. It was visually beautiful, the dancers/dancing are outstanding. Definitely something the whole family of all ages would/could enjoy. Though I likely won't go again at least for a while - I would recommend it. (I am into ballet so my time/attention leads me to those performances first.) DH wasn't interested so I recruited a friend, we did get good seats. Don't be too close though, you want to be far enough back to see the entire stage, there is a lot going on.