How about removing the pool and setting in place a striking gnome statuary collection in it's stead?

You can have a collection the red-capped little fellows lining a rose walk leading the eye to the horizon! Imagine all the "oohs" and "ahhs" of all your friends!

I think they would blend in well with the architecture of your house. Mushroom statuary may also be included.

Betty

Thank you so much for so many great responses. There are
so many great ideas to mull over, that have been posted.

Buford, you are so right about it looking sterile back
there. I had'nt thought of that word in connection with
the back of the property, but that's it!

I thought about containers sprinkled around back there,
but my neighbor told me that I would constantly have a
pool full of rose petals when the wind blew. I could
plant other things, but roses are my primary interest
in the garden. I have them planted all around the other
sides of the property. I just wanted a good piece of
land to create those magical gardens that you see in the
movies like "The Secret Garden". I guess I'm dreaming
again.

Rainbow 2007, I could'nt put a large French/English
garden in the front yard because it is primarily a
large courtyard, with a circular driveway, leading to
the front door.

Aprille, thank's and Jack sends a happy bark back to
Bella. By the way, I saw Bella's latest pic in the
post about pets. Wow, she is growing fast and so
beautiful.

Mjsee, thank's for that link to Landscape Design Forum.
That's probably where I should have posted this, so I
don't seem as foolish.

Lisa h, thank's for the link to your garden pics. Very
pretty! See, you have room to grow all kinds of roses
and perennials. Look's like a lush garden.
And to clarify about the lighthouse, I can see it from
a distance, but I have to walk a little down the coast
to take a good, close pic of it. I'm glad we're garden
forum friend's now.

Betty, a gnome walkway to the horizon???? I think you
jest with me. Thank's for the suggestion though.

Like I said, I appreciate all these responses and I
read them all. I thank the good people of this forum.

By the way Athenainwi, your idea of what kind of garden
to create back there, is very close to what I want to do.
AWESOME!!!!

Seems to me just another case of too much, like all the sand on a beach, when it suddenly seems much less worthy of honor than the hard to find "?" that you just cannot have with out great sacrifice.

Still life is too short to live it surrounded by things that your soul and spirit aches to be rid of, and that which stands in the way of those deep desired aspects that you truly want.

Also, pools do not always add to the resale value of the home. Not every one wants to deal with the upkeep of a pool that size, and there are even lots of people who simply refuse to get in the water or learn to swim. They would not pay more for the house just for that pool. Then again families with young children or grandchildren could also consider such a dominate pool as a death trap for their young children, so they certainly would not pay more for the house just because of the pool.

Same is true with gardens. Lots of people do not want to put the time in which it takes to maintain gardens and roses. So forget about the value mentioned above, and consider more working toward filling your deepest desires.

That might mean filling in the entire pool, or just parts of it, but in your heart you already know what to do, and how to be true to you. So start the journey, and take it step by step, No matter how long it takes, the journey could be even more valuable than you first could ever imagine.

Yes Devon your place is a palace, it is very beautiful and as much as I adore the kind of garden you are talking about, that pool is gorgeous. I could see a Florentine garden in it's place for sure. Have you ever been to Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC? They have a lovely one with long formal pond lots of standard roses and flowers and greenery everywhere - very semetrical but with a lovely feel about it. I could see that at your place, BUT you would be missing that pool. Hopefully, you can come up with some compromise. Thanks for showing your beautiful place - you must be proud.

......and on the otherhand I also like Athenainwi's take on it. All I can say is, I just cannot imagine the cost of any change to the existing!!

........and on the other, other hand, I think if you keep the pool and just add beautiful urns and pots of your favourites, greens, roses and flowers alike with lots of standard roses, I think it could be fabulous and you could enjoy the best of everything.

Thanks again.
Pauline - Vancouver Island

Are you for real Devon
That is one gorgeous view.
That would be a real shame to get rid of your pool.
Just keep adding roses around it.
You will find space some how.
Niecey

You are living my dream! Love love love the pool, the house, the view! I'd do pots, if it were me. If you prune the rose early enough you won't have petals in the pool. Even if you do have some petals, it would be beautiful and worth the little extra work to scoup them out. Oh...to have your problem....

I forgot to mention, I see a lovely balcony that could be brimming with potted roses and cascading roses spilling over. Maybe roses growing up the pillars too.

And rose tree topiaries.... Okay, I'm done. Maybe...

devon--Where are you in Cali? There are some really outstanding landscape designers/architects there...and that is what I think you need. This really is when you need a pro. A good LD or LA might help you re-imagine the landscape in ways you haven't thought of. And s/he will understand why you might want to get rid of existing hardscape. It's gonna be an enormous project either way...a gunnite (sp?)pool is not the easiest thing to get rid of.

An LD or LA would also be able to advise you on the roses in pots thing--I'm not certain petals in the pool would be as big a problem as your neighbors think...but I do not know. I hope you get some good/useful responses over in LD.

melanie

I would be in that bloody pool EVERYDAY@!@..Your home and pool are just breathtakingly stunningly GORGEOUS!!..Why not remove some of the cement on the sides and make rose beds?.. maybe remove circles of the patio and plant roses lining the outer edge?...Or, if you are rich..LOL..duh.. ohhhhhhhhhhh Jeanne??...she looks rich..have someone come in and build a smaller pool and use the other part of the land for your roses..

My friend in Tucson had a similiar "problem". She had a huge walled-in backyard with a cement pool, very sterile. She ended up having that pool removed & replaced it with a faux stone pond/pool, complete with waterfalls. They incorporated lots of green plants in & around the stones & the effect is breathtaking. She still has her pool, but now it looks like it's all part of nature. HGTV frequently has designers on that redo peoples yards & it's incredible what they can do. You could get that basic element done for you & go from there with your gardens. It just depends on your style & what you like.

Thank you again for the great suggestions. You all have
convinced me to keep the pool. I was finding it hard
to find the courage anyway. This all came about because
I have been dreaming of making the entire back part of
the house, a grand formal garden. And looking down at
the pool, last Thursday morning, I decided to post on
this site, to see what you all thought, since it involved
creating a new rose garden. Silly me!

I hope I have'nt come across as frivilous and immature for
posting this dilemma. I feel wierd, having bewildered you all.
I suppose I need to discipline my rose-growing ways, that's all.
If I only have room for "X" amount of roses, I should just deal with it.
I mean I love my house and don't want to move. The views inspire me
and my wild imagination.

Jaxondel, thank's for the suggestion to buy the house next
door, but no thank you. I know what the house next door
would sell for. And no, I am not totally garden deprived.
I do have small gardening areas to use. So that's what
I'll do. I just like large, grand gardens.

Mjsee, I'm in Palos Verdes, in Southern California.

Devon---I grew up on a lake so I've always loved to be in the water-----
For several years we had an above ground pool--(nothing like yours) and I loved it but a couple of years ago the lining ripped and since the grandchildren are grown now my DH tore out the plastic lining and he is now growing tomatoes insde the metal frame which forms a fence to keep the deer away from his veggies. We have limited sun and this has worked out fine.

However I miss being in the water--

Do you need a grandmother ??? I'll be right over----LOL

I would love to have a pool like yours complete with a pool boy---!!!

May I ask who lives with you in this huge house??

I wouldn't take up much room---LOL LOL

Florence-----the water baby

Veelakin, I am Devon, a guy, not a she. The courtyard
areas are'nt so special. I have'nt done much with them.
I don't have time today, to go take pics of them. I won't be
home tonight, but look for something in the future. I'd
like to make them look better before posting pics of just
a plain, old, courtyard, stuffed with many potted roses.
It's a work in progress. I'm still learning how to make
the most of a garden, but I'm as green as my plants. I
need to arrange it all better. Hope you understand.

I like the pool very much and don't find it sterile. I wouldn't mind having the house either. I doubt you'd need a landscape professional to give you ideas but you could bounce ideas off each other. If it were mine I think I'd put in some raised planters. Not sure what I'd make them out of...maybe something similar to the house, or maybe rock. Would have to have special drainage so they wouldn't mess up the area around the pool. I'd put in a mixture of plants...not just roses. I think HoovB has a great mix for CA, interesting succulents and spikey accents for example. I'd probably also like some big pots. THe clean lines are very nice though.
Linda

Dear Zeffyrose(Florence, a.k.a. water baby(LOL). I just
saw your message. You are such a sweet person, I think.

It must have been wonderful to grow up on a lake.
And I hope your husband's tomatoes are doing great.
I wish I could fly the pool over to you so you can
enjoy it(LOL).

And believe it or not, I live alone(at least right
now).

We have our 'dream' pool planned, and it would be done to look like a pond, with a dark aggregate shell so that you can't even see the bottom. And it would be roundish, with hot tub attached with the hot water spilling out into the big pool.

Now I will go to the store to get Lotto tickets.....

Erasmus(Linda), so very nice to hear from you. What great
ideas. Love them! Would'nt mind implementing those. I'd
been advised before, to keep it simple back there, to not
compete with the view. It's easy to throw the whole view
off.

And yes, I love Hoovb's walled garden. I saw it on a video
she had in Rose Gallery and loved it. She is an awesome
gardener. She really paints with her plants.

Linda, thank's again for your help. Take good care!

Dear devon,

Not a silly question at all.
You have plenty of room for roses,if you think vertically. You could replace the 2 long walkways on the sides of the pool, with a curving pathway which curves around roses on pillars. There are many climbing Noisettes and Tea-Noisettes which thrive in California, and are perfect for an English cottage garden effect, If it were my property I'd plant "Crepescule" (see helpmefind.com) on pillars, on the outermost sides of the paths, and at the bottom of the pillars, ultra-fragrant "Queen Charlotte" violets and other cottage flowers, alternating with the rose called California "Lamarque" , with "Vinyard Song" a short mauve Polyantha, near the foot of that pillar rose.
For a French style garden which is more formal, I'd keep paths straight and plant standard grafted plants of the French Romantica varieties,with lavender, and white Balcopa around them.
Often, roses in the ground thrive, where roses in pots merely survive. We grow hundreds of roses in Oakland, Ca and though we have 50 or so, roses in pots, they all need watering 3-4 times a week and more care in general.

Luxrosa

Dear Luxrosa, charming garden plan, so well thought out.
Great variety of roses and plants suggested. You should
be a landscape designer! It would look very magical, I'm
sure. And as it all matures, it would be heaven. Thank's
for the well thought out design.

Buford, That seems like it would be a great dream pool.
If your gonna play, like you said, play 6-26-8-23-35-40.
Good Luck!!!

GET TOGETHER AT DEVON'S HOUSE!!!! I'll bring the hot dogs!! We'll have a rose planting/pool party and dance under the stars!!!

Devon - gorgeous house and pool - I guess it IS hard for us in the rest of the world to take you seriously - my house has 1450 square feet and is the smallest on the block! But I agree with those who think some plants around/near the pool would be the way to go. Somehow, filling in that whole pool would be like filling in a lake to me...

I would fill in the circular spas at the sides with dirt. Line them well before hand, and voila, temporary garden space without ripping up an obviously expensive pool.

Devon,

When I lived in "L.A." I had an acquaintance there in your neighborhood.

As I recall, it was difficult to absorb the scale of the place from a variety of perspectives, not the least of which is its incredible natural beauty in an uber-urban setting.

Best wishes to you with your roses.

MichaelAT

While not a Californian, I agree with Buford, and find the view sterile. A smaller pool would still give one everything desired in a pool, including an impressive view and setting, but allow more room for plants, if the homeowner desires such.

Having said that, I can also easily see potted plants, certainly including roses, also working.

For me (I'm not big into pools), I wouldn't buy this property.

Devon, just please forget the very FEW negative comments here and look at all the positive ones. Most of us genuinely want to answer you question seriously, though are still in awe of your beautiful home. It is fabulous, no bones about it. Your obvious love for roses is very evident on this board and lets face it, that is why we are all here. Just too bad that a small handful of posters, I am sure without intent, are appearing to be cruel. TAKE NO NOTICE, because the large majority appreciate your enthrawling posts and look forward to many more. Please go with the majority and ignore the rest.
The best to you! Pauline - Vancvouer Island

Yes, Devon, what Pauline said. Ignore the silly mistake. Please.

I enjoy all of your posts, Devon. A Lot of us Do.
Thanks.
Now , with such a nice place, When Is it you are hosting a rose forum member gathering? (Just kidding.)
Samuel

Devon,
My backyard is on a much smaller scale, but I sympathize. I used to have a typical Southern California jacuzzi and deck that filled most of the yard. I had it removed years ago so I could have more space for roses and other flowers. I'm glad I did.

Ruth

Hmm, wonder what it would cost to ship the pool here. Some not so close neighbors built this tiny pool with a deck and if I could not build a decent size pool, I don't think I'd bother. When I win the lottery, I'm gonna have a rosey pool!
That aside, I love your pool, I try to do water aerobics at least 4x a week. Devon, I can't help you here, I'm not in shape to make any big decisions right now but I wish you luck and your pool is gorgeous!!

Carla
:-)

Devon,
You have a gorgeous house with a million dollar view. Your garden has a very formal design with symmetrical flow and lines. I agree that vertical elements will add an additional dimension to the design. But in a formal setting like your garden, it is very easy to disturb the overall formal structure unwittingly. In my opinion, a jewel of a property like yours needs an experienced landscape designer to built in the desired elements that will add value to the view, not detract from it. Even as your love of roses makes you compelled to add these plants to the scene, a landscape designer should be able to incoporate these into the scheme.

As for the "negative" comments, I agree - ignore those. Some comments are designed to illicit adverse reactions from you. If you ignore those comments completely, you will deprive those posters of the "satisfaction" of having riled you up. But, I can't tell from the wording of those posts if they are written in jest, with the purpose of honest, playful "ribbing" or if they are intended to truely rile you up. If in doubt, ignore them, do not acknowledge that they even exist.

And, by the way, your request for advice on this forum is hardly "silly". In fact, most of us truly enjoyed your pictures and a view of what a magnificent abode can truely be.

Have you tried posting the subject on the landscape design forum?

My 2 cents' worth... I apologize if it's already been said. Didn't have time to read the whole post...
Leave the pool and redesign the surrounding area, which seems like a lot of pavement, for your roses. Of course, there should be a lounging area for those that are using the pool, but it looks like you should be able to accommodate both roses with a little design help. A good landscape designer should be able to help you get what you want without sacrificing the pool or its value. I would love to be able to see more of the backyard since it's hard to see exactly how big the area is and how much room you have to work with out of the shots.
You could sacrifice the symmetry of having the two small pools (are they fountains or hot tubs?) on either side. And the section that looks like big slab of pavement at the bottom of the 1st picture would be gone if it were my yard.
I've seen quite a number of English style rose gardens in various magazines that had a very natural looking swimming pool present. It is definitely a possibility. And if you're not very attached to the formal courtyards in the front, have the designer redo them while they're there. It's very possible that you could have gorgeous roses in that formal setting, too.
Good luck and please share the finish product's results with us. You have a beautiful home.

Devon,
I hope you continue to post to this forum too! :0) Your photos are gorgeous and your request for advice was not silly at all!
I posted something a few weeks ago, and most of the responses were very positive and helpful. There were a few whose replies came off as a little bit harsh, but I am developing a thicker skin finally.
Anyway, don't leave us! You are very much appreciated on this forum! :0) Phyl

Devon---I just came back to this post and I implore you not to leave us--I look forward to all your posts--You are truly a breath of fresh air.

I've been hurt a few times on the web but now I just ignore negative posts.

I even sent a copy of one of your posts to my daughter-----
It was inspiring.

Now about living alone---Hopefully that won't always be the case and maybe some little ones will come along and then you will be happy to have the pool.

the always hopeful grandmom-----

Florence

Must have been all those years in Montana.I am sitting here feeling like one legs shorter than the other.

If I were you, I would:

1. Keep the pool

2. Ignore rude forumers

3. But the best idea-invest in some of those huge, antique
urns! Every now and then I look around the internet for
them-
You should look, just to see what you like or get ideas.
Large, impressive urns filled with roses, reflecting on
the water...sky's the limit!

Look at the stuff on the link below, beautiful stuff-
it's from the UK, but good to get ideas from.

Alida
p.s. I did not see you appear foolish at all.

Here is a link that might be useful: agos antique garden ornament & statuary

OK, scrap the gnome idea. I'd leave everything as is. I would not add anything else to the view. If you start adding froo froo stuff you will cause the eye to focus on those things instead of your ocean view, which I think is your best asset.

From the shot you gave us, our eye is directed to the blue horizon. That's as it should be. I don't feel any sterility there, the grassy geometric designs on the ground breaks things up and keeps it interesting.

I'd put my roses in at the sides of the house, away from that ocean view. Keep it simple, keep it clean the way it is.

Betty

I want to thank each and everyone who posted, with so
much sincere encouragement and support. I really do
appreciate it. I guess I should take note of how many
great people are on this site. It sure is nice to know
you are all out there. A MILLION THANK YOU"S!!!!!!!!!

And I love all the suggestions that have been offered.
Glad to read all these great ideas that we're given.

By the way, for anyone wondering about the "Too Sensitive"
post, I guess the site pulled it off, I suppose at the
request of the rude people featured. And this post was
somehow cleaned up. Go figure!

Also, in the "How Old Are You-Follow Up" thread, that view
of the Pacific, is an open patch to the west of my property. I was
trying to show the ocean there, not my back property,
lest anyone misunderstand.

Devon,
"Ignore rude forumers" amen!
I see giant pots with palms and more pots with roses. You need a cabana for Pagan and I to stay in. LOL
Is there room in front of the house sorta behind the pool as I see it in the picture? I am sure a landscape architect could turn that into a dream for the $$$.
I adore your pool.

Carla

This thread is great Devon, look at all the replies you got.
As for the pool, if you don't use it, ... lose it.
As for the rose garden, in coastal Ca., well, I'm in Coastal Ca also, and have a tough time finding the mildew resistant roses that do well. This year has been especially bad.
If you're in a sunnier part of the coast, and love to garden, and are willing to take the time, then go for it.
On the other hand, it looks like we're headed into drought conditions so, I don't know what's going to use more water.
I suppose it depends on how many roses you have.
Gorgeous house!!! I really think if you don't use it and don't care about losing property value, then that view would look great with a garden and some 'water features'

Good luck with whatever you decide.
Janet

Devon I send you an email yesterday
Hope you got it.

Good luck on whatever you decide
and please don't you stop coming around here
I really do enjoys reading all your posting

Niecey
P.S. Be strong and yes ignore negative vibes.

Nicecy

Ok, neighbor (I live down by LAX), I'll throw in a couple more cents. First of all, no, you're not silly, you just shocked the heck out of us is all...I think it was the evening view toward the house that did it!!!

Secondly, don't give up your questions because you do want to make *some* changes otherwise you wouldn't have asked. It sounds like the 'sterile' observation hit a chord, so work with that. I can't tell from just the two pics, but is this a fairly new property, because the landscaping seems small, either young or groomed that way. As someone with a passion for gardening and I would think the feeling you have being in the garden may be add odds with the straight, although beautiful, lines of the columns and house since you had the idea for the English garden. Sooo, take a deep breath, with any house, let alone a large one, it's a marathon, not a race, and there's always things that need changing. So, since you asked, here's some thoughts that come to my mind, in no order....

-For sure keep the view from the house to the ocean open, it looks nearly like an infinity pool, is stunning, and I would think very relaxing and good for the spirit. As mentioned, taking out the pool entirely is probably not the best thing if you move, and if you're not old enough for a jacuzzi yet but you will be eventually so that's a must keeper if they are the pools on the sides! ;-) Or, for that matter, if you re-arrange the pool a bit later, I'd keep the 'therapy' water in the design. Folks may not swim, but most everyone has a bad back, etc. and what better than enjoy the therapy looking out over the ocean???

-Is that a balcony in the middle of the house? What about some _modest_ sized, so as not to eliminate the lines of the house trailing plants or even roses? Bouganville would be monsters unless you could find a small variety, but would be drought tolerant and match the style of the house.

-Urns would match the decor, but not soften the appearance if that's where you're going. Also, don't forget, unless you specifically drain water away from pots, they'll stain the concrete around the pool and it will look ghastly.

-I have to agree about finding a professional for more guidance in the pool area. There must be a ton that work up there. There are so many landscape designs up there drive around at least for ideas, and if you're really brave, knock on the door on a weekend to see if they'll share. If nothing else, they should take the question as a compliment.

-Knowing not what I know not, I wonder if there are pool people that could change the style of the pool to (it sounds like?) something elegant but more garden appropriate, more pond-like as mentioned above, ie, darker bottom, garden waterfall into it, etc. If it's chlorine you can have a gizmo put in that somehow makes chlorine for you, eliminating some of the maintanance, or go for salt water, some people like it, I don't know the pros and cons.

-Weather. It gets chilly up there in the afternoon, let alone other than the summer season. And foggy. If you do make changes, do keep in mind some protected space if you don't have it elsewhere, if you want to sit outdoors and enjoy the view of your new garden design and the ocean.

Ok, gotta get back to work, but do take to heart that although I'm sure you love your new house and the view is amazing, you wouldn't have posted if you were 'comfortable' in the pool area. Follow your instincts and see where you go. It's your space, keep asking questions until you're happy with it. Best wishes!

Carla, always good to hear from you. There is some room
beyond the pool, but my dream was for an elaborate, formal
rose garden, like you see in the movies. I did'nt want to just
work with the back of the pool. But at any rate, I decided
to do what you said and just keep the pool and embellish
the area, here and there. If I ever decide to change it all,
I'll contact a landscape architect like you say. So I'm done
with it for now. Thank's for the support and encouragement!
You are one of the shining lights on this forum. And your words
mean alot to me.
I hope all is well with you. I hope you are able to
relax and find some peace of mind. Whether it be, read-
ing a good book, or taking a drive to some pretty park
nearby, I wish you all the best.

Janetta, thank you for posting. You are right about
finding mildew resistant roses. But there are alot
that are. Jubilee Celebration is a good one, for
example. And you make a good point about drought
conditions. Rain has been scarce for awhile. Maybe
it's a good thing to have a limited amount of roses
right now. Thank's for the input!

Niecey, I did get your e-mail. Thank you for that.
I enjoyed reading it. I have'nt had time to respond
to all my e-mails.
You are a very cool person to have as a friend on this
forum. I so appreciate your positivity and all your support.
You are the real deal. You are one of the stars on this site.
Thank you, with all my heart, for being who you are.

Dear lagomorphmom, nice to have you as nearby neighbor.
You are very astute! The amount of detail you captured
from just two pics, outstanding!
What a brilliant assessment on what to do with the pool!
I like the pool you describe. And that is indeed a balcony
in the middle, with glass panels. Great suggestions! It
is a fairly new place. About seven years old. Very good!
Thank you for your input. I'm glad you posted, because I
did need some quick feedback.

A little private history about the house. It was purchased,
when newly built, by my grandfather, a Scottish rogue, as
an investment. He prefers to live in Laguna Beach. He gave
me the house a few years back. I make a good living,
but..............c'mon! He still has his name on the deed
though, so I better watch it(LOL).
I was born and raised in California, as we're my parents.
I am Scottish/Italian. Just a little background, that for
some reason, I felt compelled to provide because of the
curiousity factor. For a living, I am a Trend Forecaster for
a major firm.
Well, that's as far as I go with the private stuff.
And I think, for privacy reasons and to not cause any
more misunderstandings, I should just stick to posting
pics of my roses.

I wish that I could recall the lady in the midwest, St. Louis or Kansas City or one of those places who'd posted photos of her pool area a few years ago.

It was an impressive pool and the roses surrounding it were stellar.

It can be done :):):)

MichaelAT

I totally agree with those who have suggested getting a (or a few) professional landscape designer(s) opinion(s). With such a beautiful piece of property, you definitely want to add to, not detract from, the beauty and value of your property. A professional would know best how to do this.

Deanna

While not a Californian, I agree with Buford, and find the view sterile.

I was not trying to be rude. What I did not make clear was that I find the ocean part of the view spectacular. I am not crazy about the spread of concrete. That's what I find sterile.

Your mileage may vary.

Devon I love your home and the pool and the wonderful view of the ocean. I personally would find it very hard nigh impossible to change too much of what is already there. It is gorgeous and I love it. But what matters is what you like, love, and want in your life. If you truly do not like the pool and don't really want to use it I wouldn't blame you a minute if you got rid of it and put in something that you can afford and makes you happy, whatever that may be. Life is too short to go around not being happy, especially if you have the ability and means to change what doesn't make you happy. If you must make changes to make you happy, more power to you my friend.
By the way, I love your name Devon and the way it is spelled is novel. Usually when I rarely see the name it is usually spelled "Devin" but I like "Devon" much better.
You see, certainly this not meant to degrade you by comparing you to an animal, but I had a very special buff show champion Cocker Spaniel dog named and spelled exactly as you do. He was a beautiful top group winning dog on the dog show circuit and went on to sire many beautiful Best in show and National Specialty winning champion offspring. Seeing your name and the way it is spelled brings back so many wonderful memories of him and the pleasure he brought me. He passed 12 years ago and I miss him every day as I was his human manservant. I cared for him day and night from his daily grooming, training, and conditioning and weekly bathing and trimming that had to be done to make him the top winner/producer that he was. He was a once in a lifetime sweet companion and my special friend. In his later years I was his nursemaid as he succumbed to cancer at age 16 with a quiet dignity that broke my heart.
Do what makes you happy Devon. It is your life and your property to do with as you please.

I use the garden as an Escape. It is a beautiful place in which you can create your own environment. Hopefully I can spend a while there each day to have this feeling. Then I take pictures to share with my friends on this forum.
Devon is one of them.
This is Devons Post.

While on here you play nice by the rose forums rules. This is Devons post on the rose forum. You are welcome to get your own post. I am sure Devon will not ruin it for you.
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Hey Devon! Here is pictures of my flowers...... with the fences. I recently had to Increase the fences. Fences are unfortunate but necessary.
Sam

Here is a link that might be useful: Why I love a rose garden

Devon, in one of your previous posts you mentioned having a circular driveway of some sort in the front yard. Have you given any thought to lining that driveway in one way or another with some climbing-type roses on umbrella trellises? In between each trellis you could have smaller bush roses or other flowers as you see fit, but the effect could be quite dramatic if done right. It's just a thought.

Hi Devon, Wow, you got a lot of feedback on your question. My pool is being demolished in November and we're so glad to reclaim the back yard for our current life, which no longer includes a pool. It was fun for a lot of years, but now is just a drain of money and energy for nothing, since no one has been in it for a few years. I've been in contact with others who've done the deed and none so far has any regrets, other than waiting so long to do it. Like us, they were just done with it. Bye Bye Pool! Linda