I'd love to hear the news and see the pictures too, Paula. I honestly have no idea how the day went! When you are putting on an event, and leading tours, the day goes by much too quickly. I took not a single photo, and hope that folks who did come are willing to share. I saw Daun, and Michael AT, and several of the Vintage friends, so folks certainly turned out. If Aprille was here, I didn't get to meet her. From my perspective, it was a great day, although it was quite hot. The roses loved it, and many opened obligingly throughout the day. Many people bought roses, and I think that we are set with enough money in the budget for another year's operations. Heartfelt thanks to everybody who came to help (Jeri and Clay for the great catalog, especially) and everyone who came for a lovely day. The folks who stayed overnight are planning to meet up tomorrow morning for just a little more time in the cemetery. It's hard to tear away... Anita

Aprons - denim shirts - tshirts - there are other ways to spend your money at Open Garden! We have some heirloom iris too. Of course, we would not turn down a donation either. We are doing some big-ticket items this year after building up a fund - new markers for the plots, a new Historic Rose Garden sign, a new structure - we are making some wonderful improvements. Very exciting. Rather expensive (and totally out of our non-profit funds)! Whether or not you can support us financially or with your time, we'd love to have you come and enjoy the roses. Anita

Hey Anita: Thanks for posting that. I had it marked on my calendar already:) Last year my MIL and husband went down for me and had great fun. That was when I got Lupe's Buttons which was such a find. I'm really excited for this event. Now about that catalog can a person got one in advance? Or just on the 18th? Thanks again for all that is done to make the Open Garden sale happen. Kate

We really do have some special roses this year. We'll have a 'Lupe's Buttons,' one of Col. Mel Hulse's favorite seedlings from the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden. Kate, I hope that yours has worked out well. I owe Jeri the "final" list of Silent Auction roses and an introductory article for the sales catalog. I'm hopeful that I can get my stuff to her by this weekend so that I don't hold her up. We try to get the catalog on-line by the beginning of April. We have no idea what this recent rain will do to our bloom by April 16th. It looked like bloom would be early, and now I'm wondering if it will be late, and if we'll have enough bloom for my "Early Bloom" tour on Mar 26th. Being a gardener is very humbling. We are in nature's hands. Anita