live in Loveland CO, very similar to the eastern plains of our state.

The common problems with diseases are powdery mildew on new growth and
black
spot on the mature leaves. Rust is not very common and downy mildew is
also
uncommon. As to pests, thrip and aphids are the usual critters.

Well Tim, my description of where I was, 'eastern plains of CO' ? I too am
in Loveland. *g* I differentiate 'eastern plains' with my second abode in
the Roaring Fork Valley (I flyfish)....

And yes, the description above is what I remember was on them; although
there WERE little bug critter 'holes' in the leaves.

I'm going to take this seriously this year and follow along with you all on
the newsgroup. Tim, I know this is brash, but sometime after my roses all
get 'up', could I talk you into drifting by the homestead here to look them
over, hem and haw and make pronouncements ? Apologies if this is outside
realm of newsgroups.

cheers you all, thanks ! I have to be at H. Depot today and will pick up
the book suggested in one of the responses to my post.


SUE