If it's possible to propagate some of Frances Grate's Tea for Kippy to try, that would be the best thing, then she can how it does in her setting. I have a similar dilemma with Homere. I really don't like its little flowers and the way that they ball, but it's a gorgeous healthy plant and there are very few sources in the US. Take it out of my home garden or not? Every year, I consider doing it, and don't. The cemetery specializes in found roses, and I bought this from Paul Barden years ago. If it weren't a commercial rose, I'd dig it up, plant it in the cemetery and be glad that it's gone! (Peggy Martin said that she once saw a Homere that had huge flowers and she's coveted it ever since - mine are about the size of Mlle Cecile Brunner. Since Homere was another popular buttonhole rose, I think that my blooms are the right size...) Anita

I also think a venture would have to be designated as a non-profit or embrace some other acceptable mantle before funding would be bestowed. Unless investors are recruited - for a business that needs money in the first place because it is wobbling. There's lots of money out there, but you have to find someone interested in something besides building 20 million dollar garages for their racecars.

Many years ago, we grew a rose called 'Etoile de Lyon'. I don't remember for sure where we got it, but I would have thought Joyce and Virginia. It was a pure, true yellow, definitely not the same as 'Bermuda's Anna Olivier'; but of course it may not have been a "real" EdL. Bermuda's Anna does seem to be the same as what is now generally known as EdL. I wish I knew what our old one was, and I wish I still had it -- it was an unusually nice, very large-flowered pure yellow Tea. As I recall, it did ball badly in some weather.

How exciting for you all and I do wish I could be there, although in my case it wouldn't be only for the meetings, but as an occasional student of the Civil War, Fredericksburg was a major battle and the 154th anniversary of it comes up in just a few days time incidentally. Now you may not necessarily be interested in any of this, but a main segment of this battle took place on the ridges just west of town called 'Marye's Heights'.. where Confederates were dug in, especially behind a low wall where there is a sunken road. This wall might be visible from the town I think. The Union army made vain attempts at taking it but with tragic results - so many were slaughtered in the attempt that it was regarded as sheer ''butchery''... A Union defeat, President Lincoln was much blamed and he wrote ''If there is a hell, I am in it''... It was also noted for the bravery of a Confederate sergeant called Richard Kirkland, who left the wall to give water and aid to injured and dying Union men lying on the field a few yards in front.. this story may be embellished somewhat, there are reports of more than one man giving aid, but nonetheless I think there is a statue to this gentleman somewhere in the town... Ironically, just 5 months later they were all at it again at the same place, albeit a lesser battle as the main action then was at nearby Chancellorsville... I would really have to go pay my respects... I would also visit the little town of Falmouth, which is a suburb just across the Rappahannock river. When under British rule this was named after the little town of Falmouth, Cornwall, England - where I was born as a matter of fact... which also sits on a river, so presumably someone in the 1700's thought it reminded them of it.. how quaint.. I think this is where the Belmont House is located that is already on your itinerary, and now houses a fabulous art museum so I read.. Whatever, do have a lovely time.