Kathy's mention of moving to south or central Florida from a northern state is not the same as moving to a nearby county where your growing conditions won't be much if any different. But it does remind me, about fortuniana rootstock, Kathy, you might consider looking for vendors (or even fellow-rosarians in Florida) who do custom rooting. I understand Jim Mills in Buckatuna, MS will custom root roses. You can buy a rose (at least off-patent ones) and provide budwood to the person grafting, then you can get the variety you want on that rootstock. Probably somewhat pricey, but for old favorates that are otherwise hard to find, it could be worth it. I have a couple roses that are no longer commercially available as far as I know. So I would hate to just leave them behind. It is certainly some trouble moving roses, but when you consider the expense of replacing them, it may very well be worth it. Fortuniana is reportedly more challenging to graft onto than some other rootstocks. I've never even tried it. I tried to bud onto several Dr. Hueys many years ago, mostly out of curiosity. None of mine were successful, so I haven't even felt tempted to try fortuniana. Besides, after I moved from Mobile to New Orleans, I have since then grown roses exclusively in pots. Its easier for me living in a neighborhood with tremendously invasive tree roots. Plus, I'm limited to space for a maxiumum of about 40 roses, so I like to swap a few out each year as well as rearrange what I have from time to time. Keeps the garden interesting, and it is worlds easier with potted roses. I'm talking about 16-18 inch diameter pots for minis and 20-24in for the hybrid teas. Anyway, for potted roses, ownroot is just easier and seems to adapt to the confined space the best. Mike

Richie, I started a post called, 'Richie, where are you?' Can we continue on the new thread..this one is a tad long, and takes forever to download. I'll never remember the questions you asked, so I might as well answer here..lol First, how are YOU doing? I hope your're well. And your mom? G/f? About my new Gardenias, I'm very upset. I guess the weather did more harm than I thought..I doubt any gardenias will make it..the temps were just too cold. I dont know if I should notify the owner or not, since he waited a long time before shipping. All the leaves are frosted, every last one. I dont know what to do. They turned black and crisp. I didn't mention it because I was in denial, hoping I was wrong, but they've pretty much had it. BTW, the nursery ships wonderful plants, it's not his fault. It's my fault for not asking him to hold them longer. Sounds like you got a bunch of new plants too..it must be the season, or maybe we can blame it on a full moon..lol For us in Il it's the season..tonight rain AND snow! I dont want to see snow until next year..lol Foxtail, Ming, Spreng and Plumosia Ferns are well, but need new, big pots..they are huge. In fact, you know those huge square pots to plant outdoor plants? The pots I'm talking about are orange, square. I might end up potting ferns inside each planter..the problem is I need 4 and they've gone up in cost. If they're 7.00, I can afford it, but if they're over 10.00 I'll have to devise another plan. Dividing! Variegated Ginger needs a huge pot too..gotta find a place that 'gives away' free pots..lol.. You're lucky you finished gardening..family helps..my family have no interest in gardening, so I don't ask. A lot of digging and planting..sigh..I feel like spraying weed killer, but won't..can't because of the dogs for one. Our little dog would be rolling in it..lol.. We had to give him an emergency bath a few mins ago..dh took them to the woods, and that little brat found a mud area..of course he came home with 4" of mud on his little body. He ran up to me, telling me he needed a bath which he got. The sink was filthy..he had enough dirt to fill up a plant pot..lol.. Richie, dont forget..I started the thread here on GW looking for you. Please answer on that thread..my puter takes too long to dl long threads..thanks, and I know I can speak for others, we're glad you're back..hugs, Toni

Oh, man, they are wonderful. Those first two, Mount Brandon and Mephistopheles are so striking the way the light is striking the flowers. Simply stunning. Love your double, Take Heart also. Great group of pictures.

Sorry, guys, Thanksgiving got a little busier than I thought. First it was just going to be the two of us, then three, then five, then seven, and hosting another dinner tonight. Whew! If I could get that many people to come and look at my house every day or two, it would probably be sold by now, lol. And yes, I have removed the plant stand, and the shelves next to the desk, and photos and art, and other lah-di-dahs. I did repair the pass through. I found new nightstands for the blue bedroom too -- and purchased a more colorful shower curtain and new towels. Most of the pictures in the listing are old ones. I do not understand why our Realtor didn't take them down (along with the cat box photo) when the new pictures were taken. In my her defense: She really is the best one in town. She has more listings and more sales than anyone else. She's been doing it longer. She is extraordinarily personable and between her large extended family and her other affiliations, she is very well connected in the area. I think she knows the market too, at least here. I do think her agency is behind the times on technology -- but no more so than other real estate firms in our part of the state. As for the photos, yeah, I think most of them don't do much to entice buyers - but I have to defend her in that too. Our pictures are actually better than a lot of others I've seen. For instance, in the listing for the most expensive home for sale in our area every single photo is blurry and pixelated. And then there's the one I'm linking. At $147,000, it is in the above average price range for our town. It's in a nice newer development. I understand that a Realtor can't work miracles; they can only sell what is for sale ... but really? They couldn't move the vaccuum cleaner, the can of Lysol or the roll of toilet paper? I'm not saying you guys are wrong, just that things are different here. If I give our Realtor very specific instructions about which photos to keep and which ones to ditch - she will do as I ask. She might secretly roll her eyes and swear under her breath about 'big city ways', but she'll do it. So thank you, thank you for taking the time to provide your opinions and guidance. I'll let you know if traffic picks up. Here is a link that might be useful: How People Sell Homes in Fly Over Country