My very favorite slicing tomato by far is 'Brandywine'. It was created by the Amish. It is fabulous. And easy to grow from seed. (It's kinda hard to buy the plant around here) One thing you have to remember about these things though is that when ripe they are a 'pinkish' color. Contrary to their name, they will not turn a 'brandy' nor a 'wine' nor a 'brandy-wine' color!! hehehe Tsmith, I agree, I relaly liked the original Homestead when I tried them a few years ago. But have been unable to find them since then. And that 'improved' variety bites! hehe, and not in a good way.....I think that sometimes when they 'improve' a variety, what they really improve is the shape and color and lose taste in the process.

Dear Newsview, I am no expert, but I can share what I have learned in 12 years of growing roses in the hot Central Valley. Winter watering is critical. Water is restricted where I live, so I try to irrigate in winter in dry years to help my roses grow a good root system through the winter months. I second your idea of pruning in early summer. Many of my best roses quite sensibly take a nap during summer months. You might want to interplant with some aromatic plants--I particularly like lavender--for summer interest and to help repel insects. Weeding, my worst failing, is also critcal. There is simply not enough water to support the roses and the weeds. Herbs, like the lavender just mentioned, rosemary, etc. have fairly low water requirements. Also, I hope you are spreading a thick mulch to feed your plants and suppress weeds. I have had very good results with alfalfa pellets, available from feed stores, spread around the roots of my rose bushes. These can be covered with a layer of composted manure--available at Savemart at a very low cost--wood chips, or other mulch for appearance. You might want to consider switching to some organic methods, which I think--nonexpert personal opinion--might work for stressed plants. I have had good results with alfalfa tea; there are recipes here on the organic care forum. The search function should turn one up for you. Essentially, you soak some alfala in a fairly large amount of water untill you can't stand the smell, then dilute and use as a soil drench. I have all but given up on bareroots--body bags as they are called on this forum. They might do well in cold climates, but in our warm springs, the tops are happily growing while the roots are still dormant. Some expert CA gardeners still buy them and report good results, but I have found I prefer ownroot plants. And do check out the website for Sequoia Nursery. World renowned breeder Ralph Moore, from Visalia, CA, has introduced wonderful cultivars which do particularly well in warm climates. At $12.50 each for his newest floribundas plus shipping to your location, you will still pay less than at your local garden center for a far superior plant. I have also learned to plant in fall and winter, and never later than April. Unfortunately, what is sold at one's local garden center is not necesarily what grows well in one's local climate. I, and many other gardeners, have to do our own research to learn about what we can and can't grow. You might want to visit one of the splendid public gardens in S. CA. to see what kind of roses you might like to try. I am partial to Noisettes and Teas, but this is a matter of taste.

Thanks for sharing, there is a meyer lemon (since my meyer lemons just keep coming) scone I'm ready to try on there..

My brother makes the best Greek pasta salad. Cook the macaroni al dente Add choppped tomatoes, green peppers and sliced olives - he uses the canned sliced black olives (drain first) Mix a good amount of feta cheese with olive oil and lemon juice - the bottle lemon juice actually works better than using real lemons and then mix into the macaroni and tomatoes. I always add more feta cheese just before serving and some wedges of lemons. I don't like oregano but it would be a good addition to the salad. If tomatoes don't have a good flavour I use cherry or grape tomatoes cut in half. Mix everything together. Anne