You for got the eternal questions of spray vs no-spray, what do do about blackspot and (in the east) Jap beetles, which fertilizers and how to prune.

Education on a subject is the key. Yet, our best learning experiences come from the mistakes we make. ;-)

My first year growing roses, I was having mild success (1991). They advertised on TV something that would make plants double in 30 days. Greedy little thing that I was, I sprayed my roses with it, and my ficus.

The ficus grew to be 40 by 40 feet! A monster. My roses, however died, some immediately, some lingering like the VIRUS. Every last one of my first year eventually died.

Sigh, we learn. I just hope my Phoenix experience will allow me to grow the same roses here. Here's to luck!

Always,
Beth

The part in Point 3 concerning viruses is too simplistic: "Virused plants often live for years, producing many flowers."

SUGGESTED REVISION

Virused roses with a weaker strain of a single virus infection, in warmer climates (heat allows the immune system to suppress the infection), often live for years, producing many flowers.

Unfortunately, I know zip about cold climes, so I stand corrected. One of my favorite bushes had the virus, Voodoo, and it was ten when I got shovel pruned.

One more thing that never changes. People get the bug, and they add and add roses. Eventually, it becomes more of a chore than a joy to care for them; some people just stick it out longer. But I know more than a few EX rosarians.

Of course, I am really brave posting this. I had 150 in Phoenix. Here, I only have a 12 x 12 foot plot of earth; helps a great deal in the self control department (chuckle).

Beth

The ficus grew to be 40 by 40 feet! A monster.

Never saw a ficus that wasn't a monster. ;)

Have you noticed how many of the posters here genuinely care about each other? We hope that all posters will have success, and we do our very best to help each other?

I love this forum, and cannot tell if you are merely judging us, then moving on, or if you want to become involved again. If you want to stay, I welcome you.

Sammy

You were shovel pruned? I'm sorry to hear that.

It's a great forum -- I check in almost every day!

Dear Sammy,

If that post was aimed at me, and I think it was, I assure you I never judge. I am afraid my writing style comes with being a "shrink", and I too need to be accepted for myself.

I too made many friends the five years I was on GardenWeb, some have written to me since I am back from being shovel pruned. (Yes, buford, and thank you for the empathy.) I did not leave before because I gave up on anyone; my personal life interfered with my roses, and it hurt too much to come here. It took me two years to feel settled enough to plant again.

Who else would understand the total passion I feel for these plants, and me spending more than I can afford in this terrible economy, to have a garden again. Even if it is a modest 13 cultivars.

So if you will take me to your heart, which is what I understand you are saying about others here, I will do the same. Please, do not confuse my writing style for judgment. I live by the motto, "Try hard to be yourself, because everyone else is taken." I hope we can all do the same.

Always,
Beth

Like I said, Welcome.

I was taken back, and needed to say something. "Some things never change". Stereotype here, and stereotype there." I had to speak up, and am pleased that you responded.

I hope you do not like to rehash, since we are on the same page now.

I sincerely hope that you stay with us and share your passion for gardening.

Sammy

It wasn't meant as a negative, but a reference to the fact that new rose people keep making the same mistakes we made, and I made, and we keep "rehashing".

Wish you lived closer, Sammy, I would love to make your acquaintance and could use the help right now.

Beth

Sammy and Beth, well done ladies getting to the gist and without offense. I have to say Beth that I was taken aback by what I perceived as a critical tone also but didn't know how to ask about it without returning the same.

Beth, welcome back to GW and gardening as well. I'm sorry you don't have your old space but glad you can at least get your fingers in the dirt, I think it will make you feel good! ;-)

Beth,
Just wondering if you are the Beth who was/is a practicing psychiatrist who lived in Arizona or a more recent Beth who lived in Arizona?
Your wondering about someone who's missing would depend on which Beth you are as we've had a number of folks drop out for various reasons.