Re: [Rose-list] Re: Soil Condition

**"* R* F* <a*@erols.com>**

My "backyard" is a cresecent shape that ends in a deck and a slope to
the creek--a few hundred square feet. The shade is fairly heavy, with a
few sunny patches where I think I'll put in a clematis, amongst others.
Last year I put in a couple climbing hydrangeas and I'm continuing what
my friends call "The Fern Project". I even, in a mad moment, dug a small
lilly/fish pond --still trying to figure out why I did that.

I was hell-bent on roses everywhere, but this list's discussions have
persuaded me that mixed beds, with stiking use of roses, will be better
in the sunny front yard.

The slope to the creek is park land, so I can't do much more than blow
fallen leaves into it, and go down to cut the wild grape vines out of
the trees.

I've already had my annual "conscience struggle", as I call it: about
once a year, on a warm, balmy evening, I hear sounds down there. I look
over the railing, and spy a young couple in some state of undress,
performing the rites of spring. Since it's public land, I don't feel
territorial about this, but I have the same thought every year: "Should
I interrupt and tell them about the poison ivy?" Every year, alas, and I
publicly confess it, I fail in this good duty and tell myself, "Nah.
They'll find out about it soon enough." I guess word spreads about the
poison ivy, because it only seems to happen once a year.

I have an upper deck level, attached to the house, that I'm
experimenting with growing things in containers. So far, I've only got
as far as annuals and herbs, but I'm always open to suggestions on what
else grows well--miniature roses, maybe?

Anthony Franks
Takoma Park, Md.  

rosenlund wrote:
> 
> Wow, our soil is really rather nice. Three years is a long time, but
> a good place for composting.  How big of an area is it?  What are you
> planting now, Anthony?  Mixed beds with roses?
> 
> Sincerely,
> ~Carleen~
> Keeper of Sheep & Old Roses

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