United States

First tried my hand at roses as a 10 year old living in Olympia, Washington, it was 1977, the year of Star Wars! My family had a nice vegetable garden we all worked in, but no flowers to speak of. I knew nothing of preparing planting sites for success, and started with three bare root roses ordered from a newspaper insert---Mr. Lincoln, Peace, and Queen Elizabeth, ....but somehow the poor plants bloomed for me anyway. I learned a lot from books over the years, but in adulthood relocated to the Gulf South, an utterly different climate and gardening environment. I had to start over in many ways, and joined local rose societies, which taught me a lot. All of this was pre-internet era.
I have done a little bit of exhibiting, learning just the basics about it, but I mainly enjoy the gardening experience and yard display. At age 51, I now have around 3 dozen plants, from minis to climbers (I have had more in the past) which is enough for me to stay happy with it, ...at least until I retire and will have more free time.
Current varieties as of fall of 2018:
Climbers: New Dawn, Climbing Crimson Glory, Peggy Martin, Royal Sunset, Fortuniana (shrub)
Bushes: Double Knock Out, Belinda's Dream, Poseidon, Dick Clark, Mme. Antoine Marie, Beverly, Sunny Skies, Bride's Dream, Firefighter, Buxom Beauty, Sugar Moon, Sweetness, Grande Amore, Osiana, Camara, Blue Moon, Over the Moon, Paradise, Veteran's Honor, Love & Peace, Desperado, Oklahoma, Wedding Bells, Gaye Hammond, and Elle.
Minis/minifloras: Dr. John Dickman, Joy, Caliente, Memphis Magic, Erin Alonzo, Bees Knees, Autumn Splendor, Always a Lady, Hot Tamale,

Very experienced (46 years)

Last visit: More than a year ago