Gruss an Aachen

Jean Giono

I have a bright yellow osteospermum and an orange arctosis planted at the base of Jean Giono to compliment it.

Pat Austin is paired with my absolute favorite abutilon, 'Paisely'
http://davesgarden.com/guides/...
and the blue blooms of Sweet Iris 'Aurea Variegata' are ready to open.

A small patch of color in the front yard bed

First bloom on Kordes 'Aloha', a gorgeous climber.

So lovely, Sue. I especially like your Jean Giono grouping.

I've been lax about posting daily pics, so I have about 100 roses waiting to be posted. I guess I'll do an April parade.

I'm really enjoying the show and wish I could add something.

Only Abe Darby, Hermosa, Mons Tillier, Rainbow Sorbet and Cherry Parfait have leafed out, here. Playboy, Jude the Obscure, and Apricot Nectar are being cleaned of new leaves daily by pesky nibblers (at least they eat a balanced diet that includes lots of snails/slugs.) Bare root roses bought this year are starting to make leaves. Buds are on my new VG order. And I can't resist leaving them on until I can be sure of what I got. Only one more dip below freezing is forcasted ... I think it's possible that the garden will take off.

We've just passed the One Year anniversary for the rose garden. And we doubled the number of roses in it this year. Here's hoping that in three or four years we'll have something to look at - something to add to this column besides deserved praise and heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful photos of Sue and Zuzu.

Cherry parfait

Hi Zuzu and Sue,

Did seedpicker ever make to cubits? I think of her often because those first rooted cuttings she sent me have turned into big beautiful roses.

Here is Lady Banks as she looked today. She is always the first to bloom here. Not as big as yours I am sure , Zuzu.

BTW, I am heading your way mid June. Hoping my sister will take me out to Annie's annuals.

No, Joann, I haven't seen Seedpicker here. Your Lady Banks is fabulous.

I certainly hope your sister will take you to Annie's. It's so much fun. Please come here also if you can. I'd love to see you and Len again.

He isn't coming my oldest daughter and granddaughter and I are driving down for my niece's 8th grade promotion/graduation. My sister and niece have so little family close; we want to do something special for her. I just wish Mary would move back to Oregon.

Speaking of moving, are you still heading east someday?

Nope, not moving.

Come anyway. I'd love to see you without Len too.