Oh, please yack away, Pat- I appreciate it!
I'm so glad you mentioned covering the bud union, I've always done that in the past, but lately have wondered if I should be uncovering it during the growing season. I also found that several plants have developed strong root systems above the graft, and once was even able to cut a large rooted piece off and ended up with 2 nice, large plants! I picked up a couple of Kordes roses for the first time this year, and they have both performed beautifully. The fairytale series is on my list- I NEED all of those beauties!