As late at it is, the yard is going into bloom. This is about three weeks later than normal years. Black Spot and rust have been real problems this year. The roses got a false start in February and then had only rain and clouds. Their growth is much slower and weaker than in the past. But, many more seedlings have appeared this year. One small one already has a bud on it. I found it near a eclectic group of mini's and it appears this one will be a mini whereas the others I am tending look like they might be hugh.

The damp weather this year in Southern California have the roses off schedule from past years. Only Joseph's Coat is in full bloom here by the beach. Other roses are budding out getting ready for the mass bloom I am expecting anytime now.

On a really exciting note, I have 6 new babies potted. For the past three years I have found a seeding or two in the rose beds but they have never survived. Fuchia Meilland was the parent of those. But this year I have seedlings under Fourth of July (one of the only roses I leave the hips on) and in places where I could not begin to guess the parentage. I have taken the six seedlings and replanted them in pots and in the ground in safe places. One is already 6 inches tall. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will have a Gwen's Rose this year!

All the roses are cut back for the year. Some have buds and are ready to bloom. It takes me from the end of November to the end of January every year to cut back the 150+ roses in my small yard.