Then, there is the issue of these clematis vines. I have a couple of these red Bourbon clematis vines that actually stay short. I really like this variety which found its way onto an old chain link fence gate. It might not be elegant, but it works.

The hybrid tea California Dreamin' actually turned out to be a nice variety. It started to bloom some.

The floribunda Lavender Princess is finally looking much better. Last year was the first year it put on a serious effort to grow after having survived that bad Easter freeze of '07. I think this rose is rather rare.

The Austin rose Blythe Spirit always makes a good show and is currently loaded with buds. The flowers are fairly constant with respect to color, petal count, and size through the growing season. I like it, but it gets quite large and doesn't like hard pruning.

Now for a couple of surprises. Some of the Austin roses are quite variable as to color and petal count. This Lady Emma Hamilton has some extra petals. It is not normally this full.

Not to be outdone, Windrush put out a surprise for me because it usually has no more than 12-18 petals. This one was extra full.

I hope you like these.

I don't like what you said about Lady Emma Hamilton. :) I ordered that one this year, and I like the crammed in petal look. Oh well, we'll see.

I really like your clematis. So pretty. Really charming on your fence/gate.

Thanks for the look!!

Carol