Hi, Daun - I'm not snubbing you, just have been down at Hearst Castle. What an enchanted couple of days it has been. Essential roses - an interesting idea - it certainly varies based on where you live and how much space you have. The essential roses in the cemetery are very different from what I grow at home, because I just don't have much space. Thinking about it, I guess it's a question of what rose would I never shovel prune, or would I want to plant if I have to reconstitute a garden at some point. At home, the most rewarding rose is Archduke Charles, for sheer flower volume and the range of color. White Pearl in Red Dragon's Mouth will always have a place in my garden, too. I get great joy from Lady Hillingdon, and Barbara's Pasture Rose (La Reine, perhaps). I don't want to live without Portland from Glendora, even though she is encroaching on my walkway and is going to need cinching back once I'm home. I also love, love, love my eglantine, another rose that is much too big but makes me happy every single day with its fragrant foliage and beautiful hips (the flowers are nice but not the reason to grow this rose). I have a Perle d'Or at home, and agree that it's pretty essential. I also really love Paul Neyron, which performs quite well for me and breaks my heart with its fat, peony-like buds and cabbage roses. Two other roses that I would not want to be without at home are Alfred de Dalmas, which reblooms well and is so delicate, and Cristata, which is incredibly fragrant and interesting. If I didn't have access to a number of Autumn Damasks in the cemetery, I'd probably have to plant one at home, just for the fragrance. My list of essential roses for the cemetery would probably number at least 50. I'm not even going to start! Anita

I had this cat named CAT I used to talk about. He was huge, coal black with green eyes. He disappeared in a thunderstorm right before Halloween. There are cats,and then there are CATS. He had magical powers and used to go around screaming at empty spots in the house and yard. I guessed he saw ghosts. He killed a magpie, a pretty amazing accomplishment since they are so big. They called in all the relatives and attempted to kill him. For years they hassled him everywhere, hazing him back to the house. He'd be eleven years old right now. What a magical CAT. I guess it's quality versus quantity. I am glad I remembered where to get Comtesse de Rouquigny, so you can plant it in memory.

Having received e-mail about this post, will address several of the comments. 1) “Underlining of “found” roses, having an official AEN was not indicated, and could cause some confusion”. (I now realize that in “Word”, the underling of information does not appear when posted on the GW) 2) “Additional data on any “found” roses having an AEN would be helpful”. 3) “The fact, that “found” roses can be exhibited in a show that has a special class for “found” roses”. While they cannot receive ARS awards, are shown strictly for their educational value. (This being one of the main purposes of posting this list. That if a show schedule did have a special class for them, the exhibitor would at least have an idea of what roses are considered “found” roses). With this posting it will move down the line, replaced in the near future with one with more complete detailed information. Any comments or suggestions please use this post. Thanks

Please use the December Rose List, Thank you. Happy New Year, Ronald Schwerdt