Another Open Garden, which went by in its usual blur. I hugged and said hi to a lot of people but there were so many that I didn't get to meet, didn't get to see, and certainly didn't get to talk with! It's an intense experience when you are in the middle of the annual hurricane of rose frenzy. (Many of you know that I am the volunteer manager of the garden.) It was an INCREDIBLE DAY despite the heat. The roses are now a bit crispy from the heat, but they were wonderful on Saturday. I truly don't think there has ever been a day that the garden has looked better. I can't begin to list the people but here are a few. Peggy Martin is here, and spoke to a small group. I wish that we had publicized it better because it was simply wonderful hearing her speak. Fred Boutin and Gregg Lowery were here. Carolyn Parker came, and Mendocino Rose (Pamela). Capt Thomas' great-granddaughter (he's the breeder of Dr. Huey and many other roses, many of which are lost) came with his photo album and other memorabilia. Fred, his wife and several other people joined our curator, Barbara Oliva, in being recognized as original founders of the garden 20 years ago. It is so exciting to see what has developed from it. I remember there being a GW gathering at El Cerrito years ago. At future Open Gardens, maybe we should set a time and meeting place (the Rose Hotel would be perfect) for people to say hi to one another. We could also set out name badges and have people write GW and the name that we know you by. But you don't have to wait a year - do come to the symposium Oct 13-15! Anita PS no photos from me - I just get too busy. PPS Daun you scored big with those roses. I don't know the Mrs. Keays rose - we are adding it to our collection - but the rest are wonderful. Bengal Fire blooms as well in December and March as it does repeatedly throughout the year, and is a special favorite of mine.

The rose garden is beautiful and full of blooms. Please come by and visit Saturday morning before it gets above 80 :). Free. No admission price; however donations gladly accepted.

Rain or shine. We've rented an event canopy. Wear your waterproofs. Come have fun.

Yes. it rained off and on, but it didn't dampen enthusiasm for the plant sale and the garden. We usually have 65 people in line for the roses before the rope is cut. This year, it was 80! We sold all but 30 roses and some companion plants. We had 300 people, slightly down from previous years. They didn't linger nearly as long - the rose hotel didn't have much business! - but there were soggy smiles all around. A very successful day, all things considered.