If you want a Delbard from Ashdown, you have to request it from their library. I think they've had very high demand on these roses which is why they don't often get listed for sale. Both of my Delbard's, Grimaldi and Edgar Degas, did very well in their first winter. Grimaldi is already a large bush and just started blooming. I got Henri Matisse and Imperatrice Farah this year, and I'm hoping to get a few more next year.

Nicole, "one of those 18X zoom 'almost' dslr's" I think you have listen too much to salesmen. Those cameras are SERIOUS CAPABLE DSLRs. Those 18X zoom 'almost' DLSR's are able to take equally great pictures as 4 times more expensive cameras. Do not believe the salesman telling that twice as much expensive camera takes better pictures. The difference between those cameras is very, very, very small. You may check the following webpage: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm I have a Nikon D200 camera with 18-200 lens (I paid $2,500 for it), and my wife has D40 with this 18X zoom (she bought them refurbished for $380). Guess what? In many situations she is able to take better pictures than me. When I travel I take her camera, because is lighter. When I take Wedding pictures, then I take my D200 because it has a lot of buttons, and it is easier to customize it. I can do the same customization with D40, but I need to go to the menus. Also take in consideration that whatever camera you buy, it will cost a half the price in three years, and a quarter of the original price in 5 years. Then it is not worth to pay a lot of money, especially in your situation, when you want to try SLR to see if it will be something you would like. Also there is a lot of to learn about the camera, lenses, digital processing. You may need money for a better computer, a program to improve the pictures, maybe a good photo printer, a tripod, macro lenses, more memory, photo books, etc. The camera is only the tip of the iceberg. BTW, I've just been to Costco, they have D60 with two lenses 18-55, and 55-200 VR for $697. Here is a link that might be useful: Recommended cameras

I've grown all three you mention and they're all BS resistant, more than most roses. Like Predfern I really love Nahema, and it grows quickly and blooms very nicely off and on all season. Madame Bovary is a very nice climber also - in its second year, it was blooming all along the fence in my "secret garden" photo. Both have very double blooms and are basically trouble free and hardy. Souv. de Louis Amade was one of the least exciting Delbards I grow - it was supposed to be lilac purple but was just a washed out white. When it didn't overwinter after 2-3 years, I didn't bother replacing it - and I LOVE Delbard as a breeder, so that was a tough admission. Dames des Chenonceau is still relatively young in my yard, but has overwintered well and is BS resistant. Delbard, like Kordes, is a good rose breeder for cold zones with BS pressure, since they're usually both hardy and disease resistant. Hope this helps! Cynthia

mwenrick: I tried looking up "Traviata" but nothing came up in regards to roses? Is that the correct name? I'm a big fan of red roses too, but you're right. I haven't come across very many that was highly fragrance. However I wouldn't mind that it didn't smelled if the beauty lasts and lasts. Thank you!