I have learned many, many things about gardening with roses, some that are general to gardening itself and some specific to roses. Thus, some of my discoveries are general (and I still need to remind myself of them from time to time), and some are rose-related only, hopefully they'll help you too: I have two general rules- First, determine which style of gardener you are, and which type of garden you desire. How much time, energy, tolerance for chemical intervention, and area do you have to work with? (i.e. no HT's or spraying for me thank you!) Next, consider function (and this is where size does matter!) in addition to, and perhaps before, aesthetic concerns. What do you wish to achieve, screening out a bad view, the neighbors? Perhaps a canopy of shade and fragrance for a cool sitting spot in summer. Do you need visual excitement for a boring spot in the yard or a restful oasis after a long day at the office? Perhaps your only requirement is pure and simple delight, which is a noble function in itself. Your garden, your choice. And really only one related to roses (that actually translates to my general gardening philosophy)- Roses look best with contrasting texture, structure, and foliage color. Always plant roses with companions unless used as a specimen.(This rule I never forget.) Smaller, but important lessons I've learned specific to roses: Don't plant roses in double or more rows, unless you like to inflict bodily harm upon yourself, especially if you cannot access the garden from both sides. (Thank you for mentioning this Melissa!) Color coordination can be difficult when you have to base your assumptions on plant tags, internet or catalog photos or hearsay. Be prepared to move things around after they bloom in your own garden. Yes, hoovb - daylilies are probably the most difficult to get right. Luckily they are easy to move. Better them than the rose. Restraint can be a good thing! (She said after viewing her entire garden from a long distance vantage point that made it look like a bad acid trip.) Know when to just go with green. Having said all that, here are some examples from my garden taken just this week. Lots of perennials yet to bloom. A mixed border of contrasting colors and textures - my orange and purple garden, not unlike your "crayola" garden! (Note RdV in the foreground - gotta move, first year, lovely blooms, but WRONG color, not purple folks!)There are 6 roses in this bed Function - framing a view of the pergola (covered with Awakening) with Bubble Bath and KO on a fence Contrasting textures - Rotesmeer with miscanthus Coordinating colors - Autumn Sunset and honeysuckle More color harmonies - Carefree Delight with kniphofia Contrasting colors - Westerland, siberian iris and salvia Love this thread, let's hear more!

RoRo's other parent is platynema, where Highway Beauty has bituminosa as the other parent and grows up to be a much larger plant due to the bituminosa influence. That is according to Andrew Steens and he has pictures of the two of them (both albo-marginated)in his new book. I also have the variegated vorms of both of them and should be able to tell you the difference between them, size-wise, in a couple of years. What I did find is that both of them get much nicer colour grown in very bright light, even with a bit of direct sun. Japie

Hi Kurln! Maybe a sofa table under the window is a good idea. I don't like that empty space. And put the couch backing up to the opening I think wouldn't be "inviting" for those who are entering the space. I've heard that it's always good to have the space opened for those who are entering, so they feel welcomed.

I love the hot pink carpet one. Boy I would have them going along the entire length of our fence at the back :D But not sure if the ones whom own the senior building would allow it. Also too I have yet to see any of them in our garden centers here. But maybe I could keep an eye out for one next year as well as an Aurora borealis. Would have better luck getting the last one I bet. My bus trips are limited during the week due to the corona virus crisis Also too anybody that had a vehicle to get any had an advantage over my having to take the bus. Finding it hard too to find the hanging planters of flowers. Seemed they all went as fast as what the toilet paper did:) Usually can get one from Walmart but not this year. Only other way is to buy an empty hanging basket and buy like some sun type begonias or impatiens or wave petunias and some dirt and do one myself.