All these photos are just incredible. I can't imagine in my wildest dreams of disbudding hundreds of Evelyn blooms. Mine are good bloomers, but not that good! Fragrance, besides your first class roses, you have the nicest sweet peas! The sweet peas I planted last spring got about 6" tall with a couple of blooms, but now that it's cold they've started growing. I doubt they will bloom now though.

Kristine, I'm glad your Veranda Cream is finally looking good for you. It's such a good rose. Mine was prettier last year than this year. Must have been the heat and the fact that my hose doesn't reach that spot without a struggle. I wouldn't mind having another one.

Cori Ann, those lilies will be the focal point of your garden when they're in bloom. They're excellent rose companions and don't take up too much space, being tall and slender and a lot of bang for your buck. Archduke Charles is lovely and one I would love to grow, but I'd be pushing the zone big time. Your husband collecting pet crates for people in the fire zones brought tears to my eyes. He's a compassionate guy. It's people like him who actually do something that makes a difference, rather than those who stand by and wring their hands. Commendable! You, as well, by volunteering at the hospital.

Lisa, photos of Poseidon always make me want to order one, but your bouquet really did it this time. I hope it will grow in my climate and soil conditions. Love Song refuses to cooperate.

Ann, seeing your roses must be such a welcome relief when you go back to check on your home. They don't seem to mind the air quality, judging from those blooms. I'm thrilled for you that the end of this is in sight.

We're going to have a heat wave this week - up to 60˚, so I can finish up my garden chores without freezing. Nights have been in the 30s for awhile now. We've already blown out the pipes and put blankets in the cars, etc. It seems like such a long time until spring.

The trees are almost bare. It looks like more in the pics than in person. They're prettier when the sun shines through the leaves, but it's gloomy today. My So. Calif. kids are here and have been gasping at all the color around town where it's much nicer than up here where there's nothing but pines. These two maples are my only colorful ones - same two I posted last time. Those peonies will be cut to the ground this week. And, I think Samuel and Cori Ann wanted to see more of the pines around the yard. They're nothing special except for the few tamaracks, which turn yellow in the fall, drop their needles, and are lime green in the spring with new growth. Love those! There are very few deciduous conifers.