Do you know what I really hate? Seeing a beautiful or highly unusual rose bush somewhere and not knowing what the name is.

I might be thinking about getting that type of rose for my own garden, but how can I do that when I do not even know the name? I may just be curious to know what the name is called, or the bush my not even have any blooms on it and I am curious what type of blooms will appear on it later. When we moved into the house many years ago there were already several well established rose bushes in the yard, and it was frustrating not knowing what type they were.

I think all rose bushes should be permanently labeled with a little metal plate tied on with some twisted wire. That way people can come back many years later and check to see what variety they are if they want to know. Even if you are the one who bought all the roses, in a garden with 30+ rose bushes it's difficult to keep track of them all and remember.

Some of you must know what I am talking about. You have seen those little circular metal tags that are twisted on the base of high end rose plants? The label has the name of the rose variety stamped in.