Welcome to the Triangle and tri.gardens, Kathie!

I heartily second Marcy's comments about visiting Raulston Arboretum
http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/, etc. and the warning about plants
that we knew as "sun-loving" in the North.

I think you are definitely on the right track in a year of "watch and
ait" -- it's important to get an idea of the sun patterns in your yard,
say in the winter when the shade trees have no leaves, etc.

As for the roses, I hear you! I had never grown roses until I moved here,
and I was entranced by the fact that one was still blooming when we moved in
in December! (We moved here from northern Vermont.) However, there are
days when I really wonder if I was out of my mind to plant more roses,
though! I often think I should have stuck with azaleas, a
newly-rediscovered delight that I missed in northern New England.

Speaking of azaleas, depending on the type of shade you have, azaleas,
rhododendrons, and dogwood might do well for you. I suggest you visit
various neighborhoods next May(?) to see the dogwood & azaleas in full
bloom. (If you really want to see dogwoods that are glorious, check out
some of the older neighborhoods -- that's where you'll usually find the
mature plantings.)

As for the "extraneous roses," I know of a couple local gardeners on
rec.gardens.roses, and I'll forward your post to them by email (*not*
posting to another newsgroup).

Good luck,

Anne Lurie
NE Raleigh


"Kathie" wrote in message
...

Hi!
I'm transplanted Zone 5 master gardener who is trying to be something
other than a master dummy down here in Zone 7/8.
I have just purchased an acre of lovely--if slightly overrun--shade
garden, and am happily going through my first year of watch and
wait...learning what I have and what to do with it. Any hints on
Triangle gardening in general, and hydrangeas iin particular? When do
I trim back, and how much. Also, am I the only gardener down here who
doesn't have the patience for the much-vaunted rose...? Will I be
accepted in the community if my yard bears not a single rose
bush...???...and does anybody want the ones I have...?


--
Kathie

Kat ~=^..^=~
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