This morning I was checking on the roses before work and noticed a fat bud on Honorine de Brabant, a rose I have had more than a year with no sign of wanting to bloom. I was set to give it away to make room for Nastarana, and now it wants to flower. I've heard of this happening to others, but the first time it happens to me.

Beautiful buds! The first blooms on a new rose are always so exciting.

Honorine bud

This year I'm adding Forest Ranch Pom Pom, Champagne Arches, Marianne, Great Western, and Blush Hip. Plus lots of non-rose things.

Great choices. Forest Ranch Pom Pom makes me think of the Moroccan Rose I bought from ARE last year. It's also a found HP/DP. It made a few buds a few weeks ago, but they balled. Hopefully it repeats so I can finally see the flowers.

My list of non-rose things grows every year.