I've only had Carding Mill for a few months (bought as a 5-gallon plant at a local nursery) and so far it seems like a winner. I see no sign of octopus arms, it blooms a lot, is very fragrant and has beautiful apricot blooms. I have it in a very hot position (and it's been 95+ degrees the last few days) and the foliage looks great although of course the blooms are a little lighter and don't last as long. I really think this rose is going to be a keeper. Ingrid

I've heard that SdlM balls in wet weather - the buds and flowers rot when they get wet. That's one reason why I didn't bought it last season. The experience can be very frustrating when you are waiting for the bud to open, and all of the sudden it balls. Because SdlM is a very popular rose and most botanical gardens/park would have this rose, I've decided to visit a nearby botanical garden to see the flowers in bloom rather than have it in my own garden. I think this is a great idea: buy roses that must one and the ones you don't have - go and visit nearby parks instead.

Though I've not grown them in your Texas climate, I have grown a number of older and more modern mosses in the mid CA desert where there was up to a one hundred degree temp difference between the lowest winter and highest summer extremes. Disease pressure wasn't very high, except early spring and late fall, but most did mildew, particularly on the peduncles and stems and some did experience some noticeable black spot. Two of the older types which rebloomed like regular floribundas, and didn't grow to enormous proportions in that climate were Gabrielle Noyelle and Deuil de Paul Fontaine. Gabrielle is more modern, but still resembled older types more than many more moderns. Lady Moss is a modern moss from Sequoia Nursery. It can have black spot issues here closer to the coast than my old garden, which is why I sent it off to a drier area. You may have a different race of BS, so that may not be an issue. Mel Hulse is a Paul Barden, relatively recent, older looking moss which you may enjoy. It is of very interesting breeding, a beautiful rose and named to memorialize a very dear, deceased friend who was instrumental in the creation and development of the Heritage Rose Garden in San Jose, CA. As a rule, mosses do tend to have more papery petals. Combine that papery texture with darker colors and you'll probably experience the fried blooms. There are miniature examples for you to enjoy, too, which can easily be tucked into smaller places or even pots. Your rebloom is more assured as long as you select one which is well known for reliably repeating. You can actually get to see some of the flowers better if you can shade them from the hottest sun of the day. Which ever you choose, I think (other than prickles in your fingers!) you'll enjoy them. Kim

Cameron, I love your beautiful cottage "estate". Never tire of looking at your photos. Wish you would post more and more often. Talk about "eyte candy"! Scrumptious! I grew the Spanish Lavender one year. It did not make it through the winter though. But it sure was pretty that summer. It is my fave of the Lavenders. I would sure like to try growing it again, but can't find the plants anymore. Only one nursery had it. It was sold as an "annual", but didn't sell well, so I guess she just quit stocking it. Such a lovely combo of the Spanish Lavender and Rose Campion. You and Brenda (GG) sure have an eye for combining plants in your gardens. ~Annie