Debra, you are so right about the way in which gardening interests evolve. At my former home I made use of cottage garden designs, with a very high ratio of roses to other species, and would always pack my plants in "cheek by jowl" with no space to spare (you could hardly see the mulch). But then I would see more "strucutred" gardens and think to myself how attractive they were with their neat appearances, and would think to myself that I might like to try that some time.
So that's what I'm doing here at the new house. I'm leaving more open space and breathing room between the plants, and making more use of shrubs to "anchor" the garden, give it some variety in terms of structure and height, as well as give it some winter interest for when the perennials die back. And I hesitate to admit it, but my ratio of roses to other plant varieties is lower than it used to be. (I'm not sure how I feel about that, but I've enjoyed getting to know more about shrubs and dwarf trees).
I'm already seeing a difference in plant health. With more air circulation around the plants, I have a lower incidence of black spot among the roses, less rot among the Lamb's Ears, etc., and don't have to spray fungicides as often. Also, since the roses are in a much less tight formation, I'm having a much easier time managing / preventing Rose Midge. (Pray you never get this microscopic flying insect in your garden... imagine hundreds of roses with lots of canes and an abundance of healthy foliage, and not a single bloom in sight. That's a Rose Midge infestation, and there is no organic or contact insecticide that will remedy the situation. Only the nicatoids and a select few other systemic insecticides can combat this insidious pest, and I hate to use them given their non-selective impact on beneficial insects.)
All that being said, I look back on the photos of my former garden, and have to admit that I miss the riot of colors and forms that looked like a "spilt box of crayons" as one visitor described it.
I'm not sure I'll ever be satisfied.
