That sounds so wonderful ! Star of the Republic was a wise choice, I don't think it can be found anywhere else.

I envy you since I've only seen pictures of this beautiful place, and it would be a rare treat to visit. Please don't forget to update us on how your roses are doing. I have another Texas rose, Deanna Krause, which seems like a very tough rose in harsh, hot conditions, and I hope yours will do very well also.

I am so envious that you were able to visit ARE, boncrow, and you made some wise rose choices. I first learned of this wonderful place about 30 years ago in the old Victoria magazine and was inspired by the photos in that magazine. Much later I saw a photo of Star of the Republic on HMF as one of The Dark Lady's photo submissions, and vowed I would grow that rose--but haven't yet. Then more recently, I have seen photos of Fragrancenutter's fabulous Madame Isaac Pereire, and vowed again to grow that one--still haven't. But you have both, and I hope to see photos of your plants in bloom. I did receive an Abraham Darby in June from ARE, and was puzzled to see he had all his leaves removed (I have since learned that it is required in some states on plant material shipped in from other states). I cruelly nicknamed him Twig Darby. But he showed me--he's now nearly 3 feet tall, covered in lots of leaves and buds. He's been blooming all summer, and his first bloom showed up when the tiny Twig was less that a foot tall! That one is going to be something next year.

I await lots of beautiful photos of your new purchases, Boncrow, and am so glad you were able to visit ARE. Diane

Diane I'm glad to hear your Abe Darby is taking off, I know your were disappointed when your twig arrived. I really wanted Mlle de Sombreuil but it was unavailable so I got Star of the Republic instead and I'm glad I did, it looks to be a beautiful rose. My next trip will be in the spring and I'm hoping to get MDS at that time. I'm super excited about my roses and I can't wait for my first blooms of everything. I'll be sure to post lots of pics, I'll be like a new momma with her baby roses lol.

It turned out rather dark. It's cloudy this morning, but I'm not complaining! Lisa

What a wonderful side trip! I miss ARE. I haven't been to that part of TX in a long while. Sigh. I hope you had enough fun for all of us! Carol

Yes ARE is in a really pretty part of Texas, we truly enjoyed the drive. The only down side was the heat and the gnats and mosquitoes, ugh.

Lisa your Felicia is so pretty!