On Thu, 20 Mar 2003 03:36:20 GMT, "JimS."
wrote:

Kentucky Derby - grown by Nelson's Florida Roses, from a nursery off
of I-95.

Great red one. I bought a crappy Kentucky Derby my first year (Home Depot),
and even though she's down to only two canes from the bud union, they're
really big honkin' ones. Grows like a weed. Mine is pretty prone to
blackspot here in Seattle though.

Good to know it really is a strong grower, since it's not as fragrant
as the other reds. I like the foliage, too. I'd heard it was fairly
carefree as far as spraying for blackspot, so I guess I'll have to
keep an eye on it.


Blue Girl - another bagged rose rescue. Barely any roots, a hack job
of pruning, and one of the canes partly severed by string from
packaging. If Amnesty International ever takes on the packaged rose
industry, this could be their poster child. I planted her close to
Nearly Rootless Nick, so this miserable Blue Girl just had to be
nicknamed "Moaning Myrtle".

My Blue Girl ought to be named "Typhoid Mary". Probably the one rose I have
most prone to catch EVERYTHING, the little tramplette. Gotta really be
diligent with the spraying, but nice blooms when they're healthy.

Yikes. I guess if Moaning Myrtle doesn't make it through the spring
( I don't see how she could - she's been through the rose equivalent
of a slasher movie) it might not be such a tragedy after all.


Chrysler Imperial is new for me this year. I felt like it was one of those
Classics I just had to have. Looks good so far, but just getting
established. Europeana is probably my brightest red, love it. Seems to get
powdery mildew more than some of the others, and I wish it was more
prolific, but that might just be because of where I have it. You'll like
this one....

I already had one Chrysler Imperial that I bought last summer (to
replace a Home Depot rescue that didn't make it). Seems like a slow
but very steady grower. Nice bushy habit. And the blooms get darker
with age, even turning purple. Super cool. A particular female
friend of mine really digs it, which (since I'm single) naturally
makes me appreciate it even more.


Hey, if you really like reds, check out Taboo. Mine gets powdery mildew
sometimes, but if you keep on it, it's not too bad. Very strong grower,
mine's in a pot too. It's almost black, it's so dark, and very velvety.
Very cool.

Hmmm.... black velvet. Sounds as cool as the other side of the
pillow. I'll have to try it out. I'm also looking at Red Planet as
a possible future addition to the gallery of Reds.


Welcome to the obsession!

JimS.
Seattle


Most people choose their hobbies. Our hobby has chosen us.