I'm pretty new to rose growing so I don't have much but I'm very interested to see what more experienced rosarians say. I will say that I wish I knew about HMF in the very beginning.

I would tell myself:

"Before you buy, before you plant, find out what sorts of roses will do well in your conditions."

I will always thank the late Bob Edberg (Limberlost Roses) . . . One of the very few sellers of roses who would say:

"NO. That won't grow well for you.

Instead of THAT, buy THIS."

Yes to HMF and mine would be just because it is the same climate, the soil makes a huge difference...hard to beat that Willamette Valley soil...Heirloom roses enjoys fabulous soil!

A great thread, Brandon!

(1) Chiming in with a big YES for HMF.

(2) Also, this forum with its very experienced members and gardeners growing (and essentially testing) rose cultivars all over the globe.

(3) I wish someone had told me very early on that Gallicas and other OGRs travel, which ones leap and which ones creep and how to best keep them in check in a small garden with mixed plantings. It has taken years of trial and error to figure out the best way to grow the various personalities in that group of historical beauties!

Carol