Ingrid, Greenmantle tends to send excellent plants, in two gallon pots like ARE. I've never been disappointed in them. With them being more "local" to you, I think it would be an ideal source.

Thank you, John, but on reading further I read they don't ship until January, which seems strange, but I'll keep them in mind if (and probably when) I decide I need more roses. I'm very glad to have had your recommendation.

Ingrid, it's great to see you back! Wishing you all the best in your garden and just in general.

I ordered from Greenmantle once and was delighted with the plants. She doesn't always have stuff in stock; in my case, I had to wait for 2 years for the rose I wanted (Cerise Bouquet). But it was well worth it, the plant was (and is) gorgeous. I think you can only contact her via phone, at least back when I ordered she didn't do email. But if you are close, maybe you could even drop by.

I too have ordered from Marissa at Greenmantle and been very satisfied. She would not want a dropin, just a phone call. I have gotten treasures from her. They are smaller to start than Heirloom or DA but very nice plants.

It is hard to beat ARE for nice sized plants that do wonderfully well. I am still loving the Teas you got me started on.

It would be quite an expedition to "drop in" in any case, as they are located in a pretty remote area (also why no internet/email). I spent part of my childhood on a ranch in that general region, and my uncles worked in the woods out of Garberville, Greenmantle's nominal address. Their location is nearer Ettersberg (pop. 10), toward the coast, where the noted fruit hybridizer, Albert Etter, had his orchards in the early 20th century -- part of the basis for Greenmantle's other product, heirloom fruit plants, apples in particular. As the saying goes, while it's not the ends of the Earth, you can see it from there.