When these plants get larger with deeper roots and casting more shade farther out on the root zone, I think you'll have a longer bloom period as the years go on. The shade of that tree should help as well. I'm having good flowering in places that are partly shaded by trees in late spring and summer.

Hopefully your garden gets some good cloud cover these next few days and chances for some great pictures. I'm enjoying the ones you're posting.

Thank you Kitty. It drizzled a little today although not enough to matter, but I enjoyed not seeing the sun. Jackie, you're right about BD. As soon as it's over this flush I'm going to cut out everything dead. I cut this rose way down last year because of a similar problem, so I'm not sure what's going on, other than the drought and it being in a sunny spot. These days that's enough for some roses to go downhill fairly quickly.

Beautiful as always, Ingrid.. We had several hours of showers (I'm an optimist - I prefer that to "drizzle") today, and more is on the way, we're told.

I have "Georgetown Tea" which I think is the same as "Madame Lambard" - can anyone confirm? Mine is just a baby, but if I ever get even one bloom as lovely as yours, I'll be happy.

I do think this all qualifies for a Spring flush. I really appreciate the lovely pictures.

For some reason I forgot to post these two pics of The Incredible Mr. Fairchild. As you can see, it had begun to drizzle, and we actually seem to have a chance of more rain! Let's hope they're not lying to us again, Sylvia. I hope your baby grows up enough to have lots of blooms. I pinched off buds until I was blue in the face, but the bush is a good size and shapely, so it was worth it. Love the blooms too.

Thank you, dear Sheila. Your continuing encouragement is the greatest thing.