Finally, we are getting a little bit of rain. Thus far in April we have only had about 1.5 inches of rain - and the bulk of that was 18 days ago. The perennial garden beds without mulch have big cracks forming as the clay soil dries out. I watered the rose 5 days ago or so and if the current rain does not amount to much I am going to do it again as soon as conditions permit.

Two weeks ago today, I potted up 4 new bare root roses from J&P. They looked real good when I potted them but sadly, none of these 4 has taken off yet. Plus the color is no longer a good green which has me worried. I moved them into the garage earlier in the week when we had freeze warnings for Wednesday and Thursday mornings (today is Friday) and today I put them back out in the North rose garden. Hopefully the rain and the warm temps (>70) coming for the next 5 days will bring them to life.

Earlier today I sprayed for the first time - fungicide and insecticide both at label strength. With all the bushes so small one gallon of spray was enough to get the job done. I was able to inspect every bush to see if the frost caused any problems and was happy to see that there were only minor casualties. There's no more frost in sight in the extended forecast. So hopefully that's it for 2024 with the really cold weather.

Next on the list is preparing the holes for my 13-rose order from Regan Nursery. They told me earlier today that my order will ship Monday or Tuesday next week. Hopefully that will permit the planting to occur on Saturday/Sunday next week. I have some helpers coming for the weekend so it would be nice to have the holes and roses all ready for planting.

Freeze warning in effect overnight. It's forecasted to be 31 degrees here at 5:00 AM. Hopefully that's not enough to do appreciable damage to tender young shoots. That's the last cold spell in sight for 2024. Let's hope that holds.

I'm letting Dr. Huey grow out some before I prune. There are very few surviving main canes. Not sure why as it was a mild winter. Usually, in Spring it's green to the tips. But not this year. There is a lot of basal growth so I think the good doctor will live on. Just won't be many blooms in 2024.

Changes 2024.
Spring 2023 was bone dry. Even the Calluna vulgaris dried up. From midsummer, the rain lasted till end of August. After an extended warm and wet autumn, winter suddenly arrived, lasting very long, being very cold. Spring 2024 repeatedly interrupted by new snow and frost, as well as tough storms. The era of weather extremes is here, which leads to new and harder demands.

1. Dead
Ghislaine de Feligonde -They just died. Grew very well last summer, fed well every year.
Big Ben -Too wet spot and too little sun last summer.
Orienta Laila -The last of the Orienta series from Tantau gave up.
Cecile Brünner climbing -Both as dead as the trust in Swedish government.
Rapsody in Blue
Golden Gate
Red Flame
Brillant
Trendy Babylon Eyes
Prairie Joy

2. New
Divina -Super climber in terms of scent and health. Supposed to be very hardy.
Skyline -Same as above.
Sparrieshoop -Been looking a long time for this one so have very high hopes. Excellent qualities!
Dortmund -No fragrance is normally a no but because of its exceptional qualities I got one.
Compassion -Not quite sure how tough it is, but otherwise great qualities.
Parfum de l'Hay -Strongly scented rugosa hybrid with peony-like, nodding flowers and non-rugosa leaves.
Allen Chambers -Beautiful! Not sure how hardy but some protection from the wall and roof. Supposed to be robust.
Ile de Fleurs -Excellent health, lovely colours, well branched and some scent.
See You In Pink -Terrible name and no scent but different and beautiful. Hardy?
Will Aldermann -Rugosa hybrid with extreme robustness and strong scent.

2024: PRIOR 2022: FREEDOMGARDENS: Emma June, Blush Hip, Brise Parfum, Perennial Blue. LongAgoRoses: Martine Guillot, Flamenco Rosita CPofR: Mme. Anisette, Jude the Obscure,PhloxyBaby, KatarenaZeimet. Gulistan: Bordeaux x2.

2023 alive through winter: AbeDarbyx1, Ghislaine de Feligonde x1, Mel'sHeritage x1, Bordeaux x1, FlamencoRosita x2, EmmaJune x1, MmeAnisette x2, Cinderella x2, DayDream x3BriseParfum x2.
Figs: Violette de Bordeaux x2.

Rootings Died over Winter:NOID, Seafoam x 3, DD x3, EJ x2, JTO x2, Abe x1, MGuillot x1, Bordeaux x1, Cinderella x1, Zaide x1, GdF x3.