That looks like a wonderful show. We badly need to celebrate heirloom products of all types. I wanted to grab some produce off that gorgeous pile of squash and pumpkins! There's something so precious and life-affirming about these beautiful, natural-looking products. Not a square tomato among them! Not the best time of the year for the roses, unfortunately.

No -- But the NoCal folks will have some blooms to bring and share. I probably won't. Not much bloomin' here.

And thank YOU for the photos, Kim. I was able to make a plant tag for it.

And, Ingrid . . . Every year, we take a photo of our Therapy Dogs with the Tower of Squash. This was last year:

The squash are amazing, a cornucopia. It looks like a fun time, wish I could be there. The roses are irresistible. Great photos!

Oh, the doggie/squash photos are the best of all. These pups always looks so patient and willing to please. I'm sure you take wonderful care of them.

Hi Jeri,

Thanks so much for sharing those awesome pictures! Wish I could be there! In particular, I wish I could go there to snatch that Quinceanera! Kim, your Quinceanera is so BEAUTIFUL! The ruffled medium pink bloom really calls to me! I looked at the website of the nursery carrying Quinceanera (according to HMF), Grace Rose Farm, but it doesn't seem to do retail for potted roses? Do you know how/where I can order your rose?

--Lin

Thanks, Lin. Unfortunately, there isn't anywhere to order Quinceanera. No nursery carries it.

That's a shame Kim - such a beautiful rose not being in commerce! I really envy the lucky person who can buy that precious one at the National Heirloom Exposition.

Thank you. This was a seedling jimofshermanoaks, who was a long-time forum member here, a cherished friend and who passed several years ago, really loved. He bugged me for the longest time to give it a name as he wanted to get it spread around. I'd given him a plant of it and he loved it. Driving home one afternoon, there was a lovely, pink satin Quinceaneara dress hanging in the front window of a shop, the same color as this rose. It told me its name.

What a lovely story behind that name, and the remarkable rose bearing that name! Thank you for sharing it!

Thank you! I'm delighted you enjoyed it.

I’m.looking forward to seeing you all again this year!

I enjoyed myself a lot there last year and may be able to make it this week. If so, I'll see you at the HRG table!

There's a very nice area under some shady trees where you can enjoy a picnic and listen to the musicians. The really wonderful singer/yodeler of old Western songs, Sourdough Slim, was there last year and per his website, will be there again. Very highly recommended! (The music program/schedule is not on the Expo's website for some reason.) And there were some good food vendors, or you can bring your own lunch.

However -- and this is somewhat OT but I can't help myself -- I'm very sorry to see that the Expo is giving a very prominent and active anti-vaxer a podium at the event--an event that speaks of protecting children and the environment. This bugs me -- bigly. The data on measles and vaccination are very clear and conclusive.

Also, I see that the Expo's heirloom poultry show has been canceled due to Newcastle disease, a very contagious poultry virus that is spread mostly via poor hygiene and unclean conditions. But there are also -- yes -- vaccines for this virus. I'm not sure how they are currently viewed by veterinary experts and if they are considered a best practice or not, but hard for me not to be struck by the irony.

Sheba

The ONLY bad bit was that on the afternoon of the final day, the temperature was 97 in Santa Rosa, but clearly over 100 at the fairgrounds . .
Otherwise, it was terrific.

Thank you, Sheba, for supporting science. Misinformation is so dangerous and it is not like the planet doesn't have enough trouble already.

Jeri, great photos!

Great pictures! Looks like it was a lot of fun, even if it was a tad bit warm!

The roses are so beautiful, thanks for sharing these photos. The signs for HRG with the roses on them are really nice, as well.

Great pics and the bouquets look absolutely stunning. Wish, I was there :(

jin

Krista -- THX. I'm really happy with the way my banners looked.