The last flowers of my once-bloomers faded yesterday--one Apothecary and La Touterelle. The 2020 season in my European section lasted two months, having begun on April 9th with the first blooms of Indica Major. The early start following an unusually warm winter and cold weather in April and May contributed to a spectacular display despite the loss of many buds from freezing or near-freezing nights and strong winds that tangled roses in their own canes.

My rose garden is divided into three sections; the European and European-hybrids are in the north east and have been the best performers. The central section was devoted to Teas and Chinas , but all except two Teas have died and they are in a part of the central section which is less exposed to the north wind. In the southeastern part of the garden, sheltered by a small, two-story house which we use mainly for storage, Lamarque and Devoniensis have survived since 2004 although both are smaller today than they were in the past.

The European section is partially enclosed. This winter, I moved the fence and added two plants of two of Great Maiden's Blush and one Madame Plantier (which were crowded by azaleas in other part of the yard) , and there is room along the new fence line for an Eglantine which I will move when the weather turns cold. At the same time, I will move three pretty red hybrids (possibly Malton) to positions along the walk outside of the enclosure. These changes will make more room inside for any Damask Perpetuals I might buy and Koningen von Danemark which I am trying to root.

I am working now on the central section. The Chinas and Noisettes which have survived there--Champneys'. Blush Noisette, Cramoisie, and Old Blush--will remain. I am adding another Marchesa Boccella (perhaps two) , another of a rose I think may be Blanche Lafitte, and La Reine as replacements for the dead teas. In February moved SDLM, which was already in this section to a better position. The other rose I am considering is Heritage--the only Austin in my collection.

Safrano, Rosette Delizy, two pots of shrub Devoniensis, and a pot of Spice will go into the southeastern section.

Lindsey