Its funny but just today I was marveling at how incredibly glossy and healthy the leaves of Rosarium Uetersen are (I live in zone 4 so its still about 3 weeks before the first blooms open so for now its the shiny, holly-like leaves that I oooh and aaahhh over). Mine was purchased about 3 years ago from Roses Unlimited and it has been impressive. Year One and Year Two it didn't climb yet (remember, I have very short summers and it was an own-root) but made a very bushy shrub with humongous clusters of flowers and nary a speck of disease. Even the insects and Japanese Beetles left it alone, so that it was one of the only rosebushes out of 300 in July that was completely intact. This year, Year Three, it is now a climber and is halfway around the arch, and its smothered with buds which will be bursting open in a few weeks. It blooms in very large clusters and is very free with its beauty all summer long. It even winters-over well here in cold and snowy zone 4, with some dieback at the tips but not terrible. The only negative I can think of is that there isn't any fragrance that I can detect, but then I have tons of roses I grow for their scent so its no big deal. Celeste Here it was in Year One, when it was still short and bushy (it is in foreground by the fountain). This year it is about 5 feet tall on the arbor.

I planted 3 "Fire Chief" heucheras in a total shade garden 3 years ago. Water them almost daily with a light watering. They have not thrived. They come back after winter (I'm Z8), but remain small (only 3"-4" off the ground) 3 years in a row now. They do set 1-2 bloom stalks in early spring, but are so small I have to struggle hard to even see them. My Lime variety got 10" tall, but died off after one hard winter. That was also a shade setting with watering every 3rd day. Maybe these plants want more sun? or perhaps more frequent feeding.

Thanks! Minnie, making baskets is either a love or hate relationship! But once you've made one, you at least appreciate the work that goes into one. I must say that you might have enjoyed it more if it had been a little bigger basket. The smaller they are the harder they are! If I can find some of my old pics, I'll post them. Otherwise, it will take me a few days to get pics taken and posted. I have to download them to another computer, then transfer them to this one. I'll definitly check out the web site you posted, Jenni, and the dollar store like you suggested, perk2. Tami

I have a Tassimo and love it....give me a specific question and maybe I can help. Can run you thru the steps here: turn on switch in back after making sure there is water in the canister. Put a pod in the holder and wait until the green light comes on ( could take a minute or two). Hit the big round button and you will hear it "wetting" the pod, then it will start brewing. Wait until the orange light comes on and then either push the large button again for a weaker brew or if satisfied open the top and remove the pod, turn off the switch and you are good to go.