Glassquilt, I know it is too hot to do much outside but do your best. You can always walk up and down steps. That is what I have to do when it rains (if it rains) here. I just go down then up 5 times and do that several times during the day. Scraphappy, I have started the 5-6 "feedings" a day. They are really too small to be meals. I do eat 1 good meal, usually about lunch, but the rest of them are smaller. I find I do better if I have something to look forward to in "just a little while". We have structured our day so we have breakfast, do our bike ride, have lemonade and fruit on the swing, do some yard work or something (since we are nasty anyway), then clean up for lunch. Then the rest of the day is mine (except for babysitting) especially weeks DH works 2-midnight. So far that has worked well for us. So far I have done pretty good with my chips and crackers. I did break down and have graham crackers for my late snack while we were camping, but I did limit it to 2 squares. I don't generally eat them at home so that should not be a problem. The chips on the other hand have been difficult. But when I want a munchie I just brush my teeth, have some water and look forward to my next "feeding" time. I have found a regular routine helps me keep on track. Keep up the good work everyone. beverly

VERY INEXPENSIVE SEEDS. It always hurts financially to pay $5 for a packet of a few seeds, plus $5-8 postage if mail order. This seed distribution project of Val's is wonderful. And I want to introduce newbies to an additional source of great quality almost-free seed. There is a seed company called American that is always sold at Walmart and sometimes at dollar or discount stores. I have never understood how this company can make much profit because printing the paper seed packets probably costs more than they charge. Their seed packets are about 30-50 cents each. They only sell open-polinated, but often the best cultivars of the OPs. The seed packets are put out in Ohio in walmart in March, and generally sell out very fast. I buy all my herb seed from American at Walmart, most of my vegetables (other than tomatoes), and some flower seeds. I have bought this seed for many, many years, and have always been very hsppy with my plants. When I read about Val's wonderful project, I thought I would buy American seed next March to contribute. Then I realized that the postage would cost more than the price of seeds. So it would be less expensive for people to buy this seed themselves instead of paying more postage.

Every year I vow to read more. My problem is I don't have time to read during the day and if I try to read at night, I fall asleep. I only read non fiction. Tried to force myself to read fiction but it doesn't hold my interest. I have 2 books here that I want to read....American Sniper and Lone Survivor. However I will say that when Stacy describes a book she has read, they always sound so interesting. Reminds me of when I was taking care of Ken. He read all the time and would pick up a book and read it all the way through, hardly laying it down. I would get a book to read and not have time, so I would give it to him and say, " Read it and tell me about it."

Mustang, those are very detailed photos and descriptions of your planting plan! The sites are so clear to my mind. Your rose choices are lovely. Your garden is going to be a most beautiful and fragrant experience to behold with all senses in a very few years! I've been reflecting on a couple of issues that may be affecting the health and flower production of your plants. The first is the one that always catches me when I plant young roses. Most take several years to grow and flower. The first year is the root establishment year and requires enormous patience. I always forget this in my excitement. However, as you have noted, sunlight and water access/drainage considerations may also be affecting your roses. If the native soil is pulling away from the planting areas, it sounds like the soil does indeed need attention. If the original holes were large enough (what size breadth and depth?), then you may have some soil contrast issues. It's a good idea to blend native soil with the planting mix in the VERY large holes so the rose roots aren't stopped in their tracks when they hit the transition between the hole and uncultivated ground. Also, this mixture, gently pressed down upon and added to as it settles helps prevent the separation issue you encountered. If deep watering is a problem, soaker hoses are my go-to for good hydration and solid root establishment. Running the soakers all along the rose area will help the surounding native soil to become hydrated as well so that the amended soil retains more moisture and the transition from amended soil to native is bridged for the developing roots. Since your fenceline is under trees which not only prevent rainfall from reaching your roses but also compete for access to groundwater via big, established roots, I'm thinking soakers (or another consistent and thorough watering system) is needed. Shade can also be an issue, and since morning sun only is half of full sun, some roses are not as happy to thrive and bloom. Many will grow in morning only sun and some even produce lovelier, better preserved blooms in this condition. Certain Austins, Hybrid Musks, Gallicas and Albas all come to mind. For me, the shade issue is frequently a wait and see one. Please DO keep us updated on the forum. I look forward to the unfolding of your garden's maturity! I agree Gertrude is one of the most deliciously scented Austins. I grow her ancestor, Comte de Chambord, and look forward to sinking my nose into his blooms each summer! All the best - Carol