I promise, no stalking. You're not terribly far from me, and we have similar climate conditions. I've found the worst problems with blackspot occur when the humidity condenses at night and the air is still. It's so thick in the air that sometimes the roses are still wet at 11 am, even with no rain having fallen for days. I don't think your chameleon plant contributed to the blackspot--but that's just a guess. I think it's the nature of where we live. I spray BEFORE I notice blackspot getting a foothold, and that has worked better for me than spraying as a reaction to it. One thing I know nothing about is Kentucky soil. Here in Illinois it may be alkaline at times, but it's generally pretty darn good. Just drive through our state in July and look at all the corn & beans! I really haven't found a need to amend my soil. I dig a nice hole, plant the rose, mulch it, and feed it a couple of times throughout the summer. I go for the simplest method possible, since I truly hate Rocket Science. I totally agree with never putting potting soil in your planting hole. It doesn't compact in the same manner & I've seen a plant 'sink' when the potting soil was used to fill the hole. One thing I will mention is to fill your hole with water before you plant anything & check the runoff rate. You may be shocked at how long the water sits there with heavy clay, and not realize that just because the top inch of soil is dry that there's a TON of moisture just below the surface.

Carburetor - from the original Greek word carbutaum which means don't mess with it Channel Locks - a substitute for every wrench you don't have Screw Driver - a chisel in hiding DVM - the best $3 you'll never spend at Harbor Freight Fuse - a hidden switch to turn something electrical on your tractor OFF

Just for a quick and superficial comparison, here's a photo I took a couple of years ago of my Mr. Lincoln bloom. The white HT is a mystery rescue rose. If anyone can suggest a possible identity, please feel free. I haven't a clue. Both Lincoln and the white HT are very fragrant. The room was filled with perfume from these two. My Lincoln has finished its first flush, so I can't post a current, detailed photo at this time. Carol This post was edited by PortlandMysteryRose on Wed, Jun 11, 14 at 3:04

We have an MD central vac system in our home. Love it. Previous owners didn’t hook anything up to the piping that was installed when the house was built, so we bit the bullet and bought two hoses (we have a two story) and one power head. We also bought a fabric “sleeve” for each hose, and have had zero issues with any wall dings. Hose is not light but it is lighter than hauling a vacuum cleaner around. I’m in my mid 70’s and have zero issues moving the hose around or taking the power head up and down the stairs.