"Martin H. Eastburn" wrote in message
...
Good to hear there is rain down under!

We are getting our share now and our roses are starting to put out
new growth.
Turning spring here - and warming up for a change.

Now is the time for both of us to enjoy the nice temps before winter
and summer swap!

Best Regards,
Martin

Janet Lillie wrote:
After our hot dry Summer we have had a couple of weeks of rain and
my roses have started flowering again.
The white Icebergs led the way, then the burgundy Iceberg and
surprise! the Blue Moon.
Next was the climbing Cecille Brunner, though not as profusely as
in spring, and then Apricot Nectar and Angel Face .
Bettina produced a flower and the next two days were 35 - 38
degrees Celsius so it is sulking again.(The same thing happened
when it last produced a flower at the beginning of summer)
Lili Marlene and Double delight have buds.
Only Maria Callas and Yellow Charles Austin are recalcitrant though
they are growing healthy green shoots and foliage. In Maria's
favour she is doing well considering I decided to reposition her in
the height of summer.
During the worst of the drought I was watering them one day a week
with grey water, when the rain started I raced out and scattered
cow manure around. Now that it is hot and humid the icebergs are
getting black spot of course but all I ever do is cut off the
affected foliage. Not a lot of work for heaps of pleasure.
Janet

I'll add to Martin's greetings. I've had
the pleasure of visiting New Zealand twice.
The first time was early spring and most
roses were not in bloom. I made a
point to visit the second time in late
summer when the roses were gorgeous.

We also have lots of new growth but winter
was late enough that few bushes have
flower buds. I'm looking forward to the
blooms.

"Not a lot of work for heaps of pleasure"
certainly sums up my view about my
roses!

Gail
near San Antonio TX Zone 8 USA