My 2 yr. old, own root Grand Dame was not cane hardy this year, however, this was one of the worst winters we've had. She had black canes to the ground. I pruned her so severely (literally to the ground) that I wasn't expecting her to come back. It took awhile, but she's back, still small, but has buds and looks healthy - deep green, glossy, perfect foliage. I think with normal z5 winters, she will be fine. I will add that I usually lose hybrid teas to winter, but sometimes, you just gotta try. This is a rose I'm willing to pamper and coddle and do whatever it takes to make her happy. Carol, I've never seen a Grand Dame as perfectly shaped as yours. Desertgarden, those are magnificent blooms! It must be a challenge growing roses in Las Vegas.

Ingrid, perhaps some of the following may help with getting your roses to last longer in the vase? :- "Collect the blooms early in the morning or in the evening and plunge them deep in water for several hours. The water and the container must be fresh and clean, at air temperature rather than cold. Commercial additives are generally worth using, but the traditional aids of copper coins, aspirin, charcoal and sugar in the water all help to keep the blooms fresh. As you place each stem into the arrangement, re-cut the stem under water in order to rid the stem of air pockets in the sap-stream. Splitting or scraping the stem allows more water to be taken up. Display your arrangement in a cool, draught-free position if possible, as the warmth of fires and appliances will dry out the flowers. An occasional fine spray of water through an atomising sprayer will keep them looking fresh." From: A Manual of Heritage Roses by Deane M Ross, 1989 (For anyone interested, this is a great little introduction to the whole subject of older roses from a local multi-generational family rose growing firm. It was my original basic 'bible' on the subject and I still refer to it quite often.) Comtesse :¬) PS Did a quick Google check and found an interesting variety of techniques suggested; one that sounded as if it might be especially good for hot areas/weather was adding plenty of ice to the water, renewing regularly - several commentators swore by this one. Has anyone else got other/ better tips?

Sam: I have the same questions as Msgirl, what's the name of that rose that turns such pretty color? Msgirl: The soufflé pancake is so yummy ... I look up the recipe, I'm thinking about making it for my kid. She turned her nose up on the boiled egg for breakfast !! Here's from Epicurious on Souffle Pancake 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted 1 cup golden raisins (5 ounces) 6 large eggs, separated 1 1/2 cups whole milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour Rounded 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons granulated sugar Confectioners sugar for dusting But Food. com has an easier recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/pancake-souffle-357947 1⁄2 cup butter5 eggs1 1⁄4 cups milk1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon vanillaPreheat oven to 425º. Place butter in bottom of 9X13 baking dish and melt in oven, while preheating. Place eggs in blender and beat on high. Add flour, milk and vanilla; mix together for 30 seconds. Pour mixture into dish with melted butter. Bake for 20 minutes. A reviewer on food.com wrote: " I'm almost embarrassed to admit how many times I've made this so far. I do cut the butter down to 4 TBS but I also add 1/8 cup of sugar. It is very very good and gobbled up my the entire family. PlumshadowJanuary 24, 2013

Sara-Ann - your roses are wonderful!!! I'm sure your GD will keep on blooming!!! Mine wasn't this good until its 3rd year. I especially love your Orchid Romance!!!! Wish I had one. :) Carol