Baronne Prevost could probably be trained on a pillar but it is fiercely prickly - the big, pointed kinds - I would not want to be the one to tie it up! We have Mme Joseph Schwarz growing in almost total shade in the Sacramento cemetery where it stays clean and blooms. I'm pretty sure it's a sport of Duchesse de Brabant since it sometimes throws pink flowers, but it performs much better. DdB gets mildew here, too, although our summer heat discourages it so the mildew is spring and fall. I heard a European speaker (don't remember who) extoll Mme Joseph Schwatz's virtues as a much superior plant to DdB, and that's been my experience too. Some teas are big. Some are huge. Mrs. Dudley Cross is in that category. Mme Antoine Mari is the closest to a moderate-sized tea that I've encountered but even that is building in our garden. Anita

'Marachal Niel' is my favorite yellow rose of any class. I had an own root plant that did not grow a good root system (after 3 years it died and I dug it up and the root ball could have filled 1 and 1/2 bread boxes, and so I am learning to graft roses just to own a vigorous M.N. . If I had a second choice I would choose 'Duchess d' Auerstadt' for its' rich fruity fragrance. My Celine Forestier' blooms heavily in the spring, not at all in summer and lightly in the autumn and it's five years old. Nearly everyone who sees 'Reve d'Or' asks "What is that rose?" It grows amongst 180 other rose cultivars. so I love the fact that it stands out among more vividly colored roses. I also like the fact it can be grown as a self supporting "tree rose" shaped own-root plant of c. 5 and 1/2 feet tall, or grown as a climber. I'm planning to propagate 2 for the end of my sidewalk in front of my porch. I also have Lady Hillingdon (which took me awhile to take too as the color kept reminding me of Josephs aspirins for some reason.. and 'Le Pactole' (The Goldmine) which was, I'm told originally sold as a Noisette. It has very dainty and lovely dark green small leaflets that show off the cream blooms with lemony yellow centers, very well. Its a beauty but a slowwwww grower. 'Alister Stella Gray' is a wonderful rose and I wish I had another one instead of choosing Malvern Hills' because of an unrealistic photo of it showing large blooms. I love all the Tea and Tea-Noisettes. Lux.

Hi Passionvine, Welcome to Washington. If you are anywhere near Spokane , you can visit Northland Rosarium in a few months and see the roses in bloom. Every winter I start strolling through their website inventory. They might give you some ideas of what will be hardy for your area. They don't have Souvenir du Dr Jamain right now but I think they did last year. i am not sure about the health but have heard it is quite beautful and fragrant. wish I would have ordered it then.

I'm intrigued! I'd want to focus on looking outward, through the arches, the atrium and to the landscape beyond. Is there enough wall space on the brick walls between the arches for your pull- down movie screen? Could you position your seating to take advantage of both the outdoor view and the screen? The contrast of the ceiling distracts from your brick because of the competing pattern of the arrangement of the beams. Is it in the budget to paint the ceiling a less contrasting color? I know it may seem like it would darken the room, but a softer neutral, but not dark, will help the room feel less cavernous. At first I was going to suggest painting the beams to match the ceiling, but when I look at your stairs and woodwork, then there may not be a clear "division" for doing so. I can't tell. I'd love to see photos of your atrium. I'd want to make it inviting and comfortable. Greenery, seating, softness, etc. Is there a history or an architect attributed to this house? Is that white floor tile original or added? The wood floor color makes it look like replacement, too. You'll want lots of lamps! What are the dimensions of the wood floor area? Was it originally a combined dining and living? I see so many things that could be done, depending on your needs/wants and budget. Don't rush it.