Neil, you know I have to say something about roses here. I don't think you could call me a snob, my poor beauties are on their own with the exception of a pruning out of the deadwood and taking the weed whacker to the noxious weeds occasionally. They are all old garden roses and for most, one bloom is all we get, but when they do bloom, watch out! I am quite allergic to their lovely scent and rose 'bites' almost always cause some kind of a reaction, but they can be well worth the (little) effort I put into them.
That said, I am very fond of composites. Ox-eye daisies, which have become very happy living in North America, are very high on my list and I let them roam around the gardens as they will. Cutting them back to the new growth at the ground gives me daisies almost all summer and into the fall. And the native autumn asters are right up there with them, all of the blues and purple and pinks to say nothing of the small whites. I have lots of dandelions in the spring, they make a lovely contrast to the forget-me-nots, and can almost out-thug them.
Irises here are those that were left by former owners, lots of old fashioned purple and browns and some of small stature in pale blue and yellow. There are also Japanese iris, which I am quite fond of, and some Siberian that make the most wonderful bouquets.
Enough out of me. All is well as can be in a dry summer. 90F predicted for today, so I'm off to bake the bread early.
best to all,
Kathleen
