After 3.5 months, called away to our northern farm - we are back in South Florida. The rose garden is overgrown, neglected and sad. Lost about 8 roses so far. Several more are struggling. I've set up a 'hospital' inside, under 24/7 grow lights to save them if I can. Note to self: In ground survived, in pots did not once the irrigation stopped working. Time to rethink and replan.

Hot, humid, intense. So hot (for me) that it's almost impossible to get more digging done. All the roses are in pots, getting sun, afternoon showers. Interesting to see who picks up blackspot. Still they are bouncing back. The small bands are growing well in nursery pots should be ready by fall to plant. Just picked up Cinderella Fairytale, Maggie (old china found rose) and Portlanda online. They should ship here about 2 weeks. Long Ago Roses, excellent customer service and shipping. This will be my 2nd order from her.

The huge Royal Poinciana tree in the front yard is gone. The 30' tall Plumeria has been pruned a slight bit to help shape it (was actually growing UNDER the Royal Poinciana, and so was lopsided). Stump of the RP was ground down and we have retraced the property lines. The area has a lot more sun now, in 2 weeks the grass has explosively grown. What once was a sand path is now mostly grass. Amazing. Re-designing that part of the garden bed system, trying to add layering to create interest and depth.

Ordered Plum Perfect, Moonlight Romantica, Celestial Nights and Kiss Me Kate from High Country Roses.