As Baby Boomers age, allergies are increasing tremendously, far worse than with any other generation we have records of. I submit it likely has a great deal to do with the smog and other pollution in the environment they (we) grew up in. Yes, what your neighbor sprays or dumps greatly affects you, too. I completely understand the necessity of spraying roses in environments where most won't grow without it. If I had to live where extreme winter protection or frequent, regular use of sprays were required, I honestly doubt I would grow roses. My hat is off to you who do it as it just seems too much work from my point of view. Ingrid made a great point about the found roses from the area. A plant which has survived, even flourished, for decades without our intervention seems a perfect choice to enjoy. Many OGRs and earlier modern roses have survived in old gardens and cemeteries in the Deep South and California's Gold Country and they frequently make excellent landscape plants. It is truly a case of climatic suitability, what is happy where you garden. I'm very glad you brought up that point, Ingrid, thank you. Perhaps they aren't exactly the flower you might be looking for, but using a variety of those which are successful where you are then filling in the premium spot with the desired flower on a plant specifically selected because of its performance in your climate should provide you a beautiful personal environment with less effort, time, energy expense and exposure. Working with Nature instead of trying to bend it to our will requires a whole lot less of everything. Kim

Has Blooms Like: Brother Cadfael_________ Blooms That Last Like: Savoy Hotel__________ Has Repeat Bloom Like: Savoy Hotel__________ The Color Of: Brother Cadfael (but could also go for Crysler Imperial__________ The Fragrance Of: Crysler Imperial (but could also be Brother Cadfael________ The Bush(or climber)Form Of: Savoy Hotel__________ The Disease Resistance Of: Savoy Hotel__________ Pauline - Vancouver Island

I agree Sheila, and I garden completely organically. A garden as popular as the H. could do its part to reawaken interest in old roses instead of putting out the same modern roses that people are already familiar with. There would be so much more variety in height, type of blooms and foliage and growth habit, which would (in my view) make for a much more interesting and stimulating garden. The tea roses would do wonderfully well there, as would the short Bourbons, Chinas and polyanthas, not to mention climbers like Lamarque, Reve d'Or, etc. Perhaps they do have some of these, but the pergola seemed to have mostly modern roses on it.

Quietness IS beautiful! I’ve heard about it so many times, but why have I never noticed how lovely it is?!?! My head must have been in the sand. Carol, your right. Deborah shows such lovely pictures of hers in such a soothing pink. How I adore pink roses! Vap, I know you posted your pictures a while back, but who is the 2nd to last rose you posted? That one really got me! (Told you I was a sucker for pinks:) Your Clothilde Soupert looks perfect. I just love that little rose! Now that my Clothilde Soupert is finally planted in the ground it’s blooming SO white. I want my pink blooms back! I guess she needs a little more shade for the pink to last more than a day here. I’d better plant her a “shade casting partner” rose or plant. Goodness knows I have enough to choose from in the pot ghetto! I’m loving everyone’s perfect choices, here. I’m still thinking about mine, but having some trouble narrowing it down.....Lisa