Growers are continuing to come up with new lower care varieties, these are my current interest. Unfortunately, I learned that two of my older plants in one bed have been sporting crown galls (Agrobacter) which means at least part of the property is infested. Today I bought this one, on account of the divine fragrance it wafts. Contrary to its depiction there were (already!) some spots on the leaves - we'll see how it goes after it gets in the ground. Roses displayed here in pots at outlets, growing in soil-less potting media often manifest fungus infestations that you don't see (at least to the same extent) on the same kinds when they are in the ground. Since there is supposedly a nutrient deficiency involved when blackspot, mildew or rust become well developed, that could explain the difference. The one I bought did have a palish looking base color to the leaves, as though needing much more serious fertilization. A new cultivar of grandiflora rose, Rosa `BAIsme`, characterized by its clusters of double flowers that are a blend of rosy-pink and apricot in color, its upright mounded plant habit, and its abundant flowers present in May and June and recurrently throughout the season over medium green, satiny, foliage that is resistant to rose blackspot and powdery mildew. The new variety is readily propagated on its own roots and hardy in U.S.D.A. Zones 5 to 9 Here is a link that might be useful: United States Patent: PP18506

Hi Colleen! I would love to see pictures as you go through your master bath remodel! I'll eventually be remodeling my main bathroom and the 1/2 bath in the master. In the main bath I'm taking out the tub/shower surround and replacing with a "petite" claw foot tub, no shower. New toilet, new vanity/sink, and a small baker's rack for extra storage. Putting in a medicine cabinet/mirror, frosting the window so I don't need a window treatment, and a new towel rack. Also new flooring, paint, fan, light. I'm not sure what I'm doing in the 1/2 bath, except I know I'm stealing a little room from the bedroom to put in a walk-in shower. SO...I'd love to see your progress and hear about the whole experience! Do you have colors and flooring, etc. picked out yet? Haha! Cathy--so true about the garden tub. :-)

I love this site, and don't know where I would go for a garden-friends fix if it were gone. I'm still working full time as a Hospice and Palliative Doc, and my current job requires an hour commute each way. So, I don't get to be in my garden, much, let alone on line. But, it is so wonderful to know there are like-minded folks across the country paying attention to the peril facing all of our insect friends. I was enthusiastic over the winter when Washington had a big campaign to support pollinators, but that news has faded behind the much more crowd-pleasing election campaign news. I fear the world is going to get the message far too late to make a difference. Miss Sherry, I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's illness. Unfortunately, I can imagine all too well what you are facing. Please consider getting in touch with a Hospice or Palliative group sooner rather than later. Every day I hear people say they wish they had done it sooner. No one will hasten the end, but only assist you both in maximizing his enjoyment of what time he has left. In fact, studies show that many patients live longer on hospice, because they avoid infections in hospitals and also complications from treatments that can't really help, any way. If you would like to speak to me, I would be honored to answer any questions you might have. I haven't had time to check my Houzz messages in months, but if you check in here and warn me, I'll go there. Martha

Thanks for the information Maifleur! Elmer - I did discuss the vaccine with my RA doctor at my last appointment right before Christmas and she didn't have any reservations about me getting the vaccine. She also did say that at that point in time it was unclear whether having RA and taking immuno-suppressant drugs increased the severity of the disease or put one at greater risk.