I used to live in Georgetown so know how hot it gets. I think Mike's suggestion of arbors is excellent. You could also consider a couple of crepe myrtle trees - White Natchez crepe myrtle is a tree that can take alot of punishment and survive well and bloom in the summer. The Natchez has a really pretty arching form and can give some height and interest to the wall and perhaps a bit of shade to the roses. In back of my horse barn in an area with all day hot sun, I have crepe myrtles and old garden roses [Maman Cochet, Mrs. BR Cant, Mon. Tillier, Mme. Berkeley, Georgetown Tea] planted together - the effect is beautiful. I have differing colors of the crepe myrtles - lavender [here is where you could include your lavender color], hot pink, light pink, white, red - really is striking in the hot summer when the roses are resting. I have also found that it really is true that mulching is important. I mulch my roses with horse compost then topdress with wood mulch from Home Depot. The roses thrive - the ones I didnt mulch dont look nearly as good. My suggestion would be to plant old garden roses first - and I also highly recommend the Antique Rose Emporium and Chamblees. I was just at ARE - bought several of the Pioneer roses that are supposed to be really tough. Also, I would like to recommend the Buck roses. Carefree Beauty is a good one. There are many other good ones - Eutin is a red that has literally hundreds of buds on it - really an eyecatcher. The noisettes - and I adore Crepuscule! - are very hardy. The ARE had a store in San Antonio, now closed, but I would call P.K. at the Independence store - tell her your growing conditions, and let her recommend. Get their color catalog and look that over. I think the really important thing for first year roses is to mulch and water. I did that with my above mentioned bed - now I never water them and they are fabulous. If you dont have much experience with roses, you will succeed with the old gardens - then branch out to the hybrid teas if you like. If you built an arbor, you might have some luck growing a couple of the Austin roses under it where they can get a bit of shade. A couple of tough reds are Cadenza and Cameron Bohls. I have both and love them. Dont forget about the Lady Banksia rose - both white and creamy yellow. They are marvelous in the spring. New Dawn should do well also. From what I recall of soil in your area - be sure and dig a big hole and incorporate good soil with the native soil. I have also heard - bought some, going to try it next time I plant - that a cupful of shale, which holds then releases water, is good to put in the hole of roses growing in dry hot areas. Good luck! Love the limestone on your house....

This was the thread that helped me put a name to the style of garden that I love best. I have been working towards the cottage style for many years and never get tired of the evolution of it. Loved reading them all again today. Cheryl

Ron and I had a wonderful time. He commented that I might actually have come home with less than I took, which is exceptional!! Thank you Charlotte for a great get together. It was wonderful seeing everyone and I am very pleased with all the plants I have acquired. Bob, thank you for answering my plant identification questions. I can't wait til spring! I also think there was a nice diversity in the plants. Ally & Lindsey - I will be digging purple iris' this weekend and promise to get them in the mail by monday. Lindsay you should be getting mail today, it's the seeds you wanted. It was wonderful meeting new swappers as well as seeing people from the last swap. Thank you to everyone who came and hopefully we will see you all in the spring! Jani & Ron San Marcos & Round Rock

Hi swap friends! I found some of the info Teri posted from our spring swap which still applies this time around: San Marcos, Rio Vista Park, Pavilion B. It's near the restrooms. Here are some directions, and below that is a website for San Marcos, where you may find more information on the park. Rio Vista Park is just west of I-35 bordered by Riverside Dr. on the north and CM Allen Parkway on the south. The park address is 555 Cheatham Street, which connects Riverside and CM Allen Parkway. Reynolds Street is a spur street off of Cheatham going west into the park. Pavilion B is across Reynolds Street from the pool area. www.ci.san-marcos.tx.us We will again have a potluck lunch if you can bring something you make or get from the store. We will also have door prizes if anyone would like to make or donate an item for the drawings. If I've left anything out don't hesitate to post your questions! LS