My parents were on their way home from their condo in Hawaii, and decided to stop in and see my favourite rose breeder in Vancouver, Brad Jalbert. He isn't even open for business yet because, as I said it's winter. But my Dad charged right on in (it's a family owned farm/business) saying he was buying roses for his daughter way up in Quesnel (six hundred miles away), and would not have another chance. Then of course, Brad knew who he was talking about, as I have bought roses through him for years.
So wonderful Brad went out into the field, my dad traipsing behind, and dug my own root roses up right then! Brad is such a sweetheart. He can never turn down a true rose gardener!
So my parents returned home with Rosemary Harkness, a salmon/pink blend floribunda with a very strong, sweet fragrance (this is always a must for any rose I buy).
The other they brought was Frederic Mistral, a soft pink Meilland hybrid tea, also strongly fragrant, that when it opens, looks like a David Austin.
Of course they are still dormant and sitting in my cold room, but I can't wait to add them to my garden!!
Val
