This part of the state used to be orchard, but changes in distribution patterns, like they took out the narrow-gauge train in the early 50's, a lot of them have been bull dozed. There is one recently planted orchard way out on the edge of the Canyonlands National Monument, 40 acres of mixed fruit, a modern, high-tech orchard with drip and so on. Their location is perfect - no normal orchard pests, cool nights and warm days, and they avoid the nasty frosts we get. Anyway, the orchard has changed hands several times, couple bankruptcies in there, and was recently purchased by some folks who didn't get a chance to work it this year, so they let the public in to pick for free. What a bonanza. Everybody and their uncle were out there, tons and tons of free fruit. And yesterday I heard some folks bought up one of the best remaining peach orchards down in McElmo Canyon, and are going to bull doze that and build condos. I'll plant more fruit trees next spring.

L, when the girls were still in Scouts, we made a "cobbler" while camping that used peaches and cake mix. The girls gobbled it up. I think it could also be made in the oven instead of over a camp fire. PEACH COBBLER 1 yellow cake mix 2 cans peaches (15 oz? I think) 1/2 stick butter, melted Pour the peaches into a dutch oven, dump the cake mix over top and pour melted butter over top. Bake until bubbly and top is browned, 30-40 minutes. In an oven I'd say 350 for 40 minutes... Elery's Mother's southern cobbler is dead easy, though, and yummy. Southern Cobbler (Vola Barnes) 1 1⁄2-2cups peaches, peeled and sliced, sprinkled with 1/4 cup sugar 1cup flour 1cup sugar 2teaspoons baking powder 1⁄2teaspoon salt 1 stick butter, melted 1cup milk Mix dry ingredients, then add butter and milk. Mix until well blended and pour into a buttered casserole (I use a 2 quart Pyrex, but an 8 or 9 inch square would work, I think) Spoon fruit onto top, but don't stir, the fruit will sink and the cake will come to the top. Bake at 350F for 40 minutes or until batter is done and nicely browned. You can sprinkle with powdered sugar if you like, or serve warm with ice cream. I think those home canned peaches would be really good in this! Annie

Lilyfinch, try planting your brightly colored roses to draw the eye to the far corners of your yard. Warm colors advance, cool colors retreat. You can soften the hot red, oranges and yellows with white or creamy companion plants. Blues and lavenders will complement the hot colors. Moses, correct me if I'm way off base here. I bought Cinco de Mayo on a whim, and kicked myself all the way home. That first neon orange bud just about did me in. Was planning to dig the thing up and toss it. Then - it bloomed. I wasn't expecting a soft color from that florescent bud. Nothing neon about the bloom. The early stage is a mellow russet, not orange. Then, it changes to a smoky rose, then to a muted lavender. It is gorgeous planted with lavender or purple roses. I think it would look nice with Julia Child also, since they are mother and daughter, but may be a little too hot a combo for your taste. It blends nicely with pinks. The best thing about CdM is the blooming power. It completely covers itself with blooms and they are constant. It is a nicely shaped bush with no crazy gangly long arms. I liked mine so much, I bought another one. At least wait until you see the progression of color before you give up on it. Kathy9norcal posted a spectacular photo here where you can see the progression of color.

Peach Swirl (TEXpeaswi), a hybrid tea rose introduced in the US by Texas Rose Ventures (2017). Edmund’s' Roses has one of the best descriptions for this amazing rose, "Lavish swirls of peach, apricot and creamy yellow create a breathtaking display. Like a scoop of delectable ice cream, the large fragrant blooms of this phenomenal rose are a delight for the senses; one look, one whiff, and you can't help but come back for seconds. Long canes make this rose perfect for cutting so the decadence of the blooms can be indulged upon indoors, as well." . . This rose has everything one can ask for in a rose and more, beauty, form, fragrance, health, vase life... It belongs in my perfect rose category. Helen