Louis, if you do not own the home you live in, I would recommend keeping them in large pots so you can easily move them with you. Just a thought. We are only trying to help you avoid wasting your hard earned money on a plant that could be disappointing, will die, or worse yet, infect your other roses. The Own-Root question: "Body bag" roses are generally roses that are grafted onto the root stock of a faster growing rose. This makes them grow faster in a shorter period of time. That's fine, unless the rose dies back and the root stock grows up instead. Then you are stuck with a very fast growing rootstock that will most likely disappoint you with climbing limbs and only one bloom in the spring. Own-root roses won't do that to you. That's just the tip of the iceberg--I am sure others can tell you their main reasons for own root preference. But some people don't really care much about own-root vs. grafted. I prefer own root, but it won't stop me from getting a grafted rose if the conditions are right. However, my 100-year-old house used to have a whole row of "Dr. Huey" (a common root stock) roses growing along the fence, and I guarantee you that at one time, every one of those Dr. Hueys was growing as something else. Trust me--we were all once newbies to roses. I used to buy the $5 plants in bags because it seemed economical at the time--but more often than not I was disappointed in the results and/or lost the rose. My husband always tells me that "We don't have the money to buy cheap s@!t." What he means is that when you buy junk, you have to keep spending money to replace the junk and eventually, you've spent a fortune on junk. But if you invest in a good, long-lasting product just once, you spend less money and have better results. I recommend that you invest a bit more money in fewer plants. That's just my two cents. Honestly, it sounds like you have a list of excuses to not listen to the advice. *shrugs* Think outside the box and consider other options rather than shooting them down. We're only trying to help.

Tony, can I ever relate. The only difference is that I had never made a thing grow in my life before. The plants I received during the many hospital stays, I managed to kill within the year. I had three failed back surgeries which left me with no use of my left leg and foot, a back that I can no longer bend, turn or twist and lately severe Arthritis has attacked my entire body (especially my hands) and horrific pain 24/7. I was in deep depression for a very long time and perhaps if my children would have helped and worried about me as you do about your Mom, I would have pulled myself out of my world of self-pity a long time ago. Alas, I was not that lucky, however, one can only live like that for so long, before thoughts of ending it all take over, and I thank G-d for giving me the strength to find the will to search every avenue to help myself. Also, I have a family physician who is modern and not adverse to giving me enough medication (even narcotics) to take the edge off of the pain. When my youngest moved across the ocean, I bought a samll computer to keep in touch with her. I taught myself how to send e-mails and then I started wandering around the Internet. It was then that I came across GardenWeb and after reading the different posts for days, I got the courage to post and ask questions. You would not believe the many replies I received with all kind of advice on how to start a garden (some giving me sites where to find more info) Last winter I kept myself very busy planning my little garden, searching through catalogues, gardening magazines and the Internet, looking for perennial plants that have "good garden manners", as my garden buddy Newt taught me.I have several container plants and start working on them when it is too cold to plant in the ground. My garden takes up most of my time (even the many long sleepless nights). I agree with the poster that said that outside help can be very frustrating, however, if you have the time to supervise then they will do as your Mom would like to have in done. Who knows, I just might find another hobby to add, that will ensure that I have no spare moments to dwell on all the things I can no longer do (I was not born disabled) Also, I am not adverse to getting a little psycological help now and them when I need it most. I have to digress here for a moment and tell you that the great friends I found here on GardenWeb gave me a new lease on life. I still write to some and they answer when they are able. We exchange jokes as well as gardening information,links where you can find more information for every subject and seeing that we are in the same boat, in one form or another, it gives me the strength to carry on. (We understnad each other) Perhaps that is why I am so grateful to GardenWeb,and to this new Forum. The advice you got in the previous posts are excellent, and if I may, I would like to suggest that if you do build a raised bed, sitting on the wall and twisting around to care for the plants does not always work for everyone. I know it doesn't for me. I don't know if my solution will work for your Mom, however, I had four large (tall) rock garden stones with relatively flat tops placed in strategic places so that I can move around on them (not have to twist my spine). That way I am closer to the ground and can get my hands in the dirt. I guess I will have to leave the composting to purchasing it in a bag (not quite the same as making your own, I understand, however,it's the best I can manage.) Just one last thing, I have purchased some excellent "Enabling tools" through a Catalogue,the name is called Gardenscape, they have a toll free number, which is: 1-888-472-3266, the are situated in Toronto 416-698-5339, they are very reliable, guarantee all purchases and ship promptly. The Catalogue is Free. (I believe they are a GardenWeb sponsor) Good Luck, and G-d Bless Punky.

I checked out Rose Petals and they do have several very intriguing offerings. But, wow! From Florida to California, they only offer the three day shipping. One rose, $15 plus $53 shipping. So, I figured, go in with some friends to soften the shipping. Four roses, $60, plus nearly $98 shipping. 8 roses were $120 plus $180.86 shipping. Oh, well.

Very helpful; many thanks. It does sound like LLassie blooms more or less at main rose season. Of the roses listed by Lily and Sheila I only have Crepuscule, but that never struck me as being late, and none of the Austins that I have -though they are different varieties-are late either. Plus I see that the bustopher (great name!) is in z6,so if it opens in May in that area, it ought to be fine in my area. Sheila, how long does Albertine's flowering last? Photos of this rose are luscious, and it's widely offered here in Italy, but I have read that it is one of those ramblers whose flowering is quite brief,which is a thing that I find disappointing( Paul's Himalayan Musk is like that in my climate). And how about Russeliana? That one's been on my wish list for a long time...