Beautiful. I've sat here for the past 20 minutes watching the slide show. When I lived in Winter Haven I use to stop by the collage once or twice a week after work just to walk the campus and the rose gardens. I remember when the school was doing the virus test on all the Double Delights out in front of the gym. If I remember correctly there were 32(?) Double Delights out there. Thank you for making sure the campus stay in roses all the time. Fantastic memories on my part. I know this will be a breath taking sight during the last part of April.

johnb51: That's what I have heard: that SW side is more economical and less crowded but it probably depends on 'where' exactly lol. I would have to be zoned agriculture and away from the larger cities a little bit since I have chickens and loud roosters. They do make good fertilizer! :P I was also born in L.A. but later moved to Phx AZ. I love it in FL. The humidity took some getting used to compared to the Southwest. I've been out here 3 years now. marinfla: I like your mango story. Its funny how little things can change our lives. Your yard sounds like paradise. I can't wait until I can put my fruit trees in the ground and not worry about freezes so much. Bob1016: Sounds like you had quite an education in fruit trees since you were very young. What a nice environment to grow up in! I can imagine that you miss it and your grandfather quite a bit. njoasis: Sounds fun! I just bet they do! Can you make a good mojito? lol

Malcolm, this sounds so fun and wonderful! I wish I could be there - Jackie from Northern Calif

Jin, Peter Schneider writes the Combined Rose List and is also the author of the very useful book, Right Rose, Right Place, which is a treasure trove of info for us more northerly growers. If you ever come to Ohio we could make the sojourn to his open house. He's about 4 hours from me, but I combined my trip with ones to the Columbus Park of Roses and the Garden of Roses of Legend and Romance in Wooster, Oh. It was my dream birthday weekend last year. My brain was in overdrive.