June 21: Revisited Filoli garden's Eden rose. It was gorgeous and healthy in May. This time the plant was covered with rust spots and looked dreadful. Ironically right next to it was a sign saying "Disease Free". Still haven't purchased a rose for my trellis, and I'm now glad I didn't buy Eden. If Filoli, with all its resources, can't keep this plant healthy, I doubt I could do it. Besides, I don't have afternoon shade, which seems to be important according to a post below. The plant at Filoli was in full sun with no afternoon shade.

Here's the post I wrote in May: Just returned from Filoli gardens in Woodside, CA, where there's a large specimen of Eden in bloom now (late May), and I'm now convinced I want this rose. I put my nose to the test, sniffing several blooms, and could barely detect any fragrance at all. But everything else about this plant is terrific. The sign next to it said it was disease free, and the foliage did look better than most of those in the well-cared for rose garden at Filoli. I think Eden is a spectacular, old fashioned, romantic-looking rose. It's looks make up for the lack of perfume.