Needless to say I am even more excited about the project. They are sendinge a work up of the cemetery so that I can draw out exactly where I will be planting what, and then will send it to them for approval. We agreed on next March as the time to implement the plan. I can't wait!

Josh

The Historic Rose Garden in the old Sacramento City Cemetery preserves old and rare roses, of course -- but it also has actually brought in enough money to do important repairs.

Jeri

Where is this cemetery located?

Josh

It's very heartening that the people in charge are so interested in your project. How nice that they don't want to convert the whole thing to an endless lawn that they can mow easily. When this comes to fruition we're all going to be immensely proud of the huge part you've played in this exciting endeavor.

Ingrid

I hope you can educate the guys in charge of 'maintenance'--they are the ones who shred the plants in the name of upkeep. Sounds like they are appreciative--as they should be. Best wishes :-)

Jeri

That is an important consideration for the project. I am still trying to figure out how exactly I will ensure the survival of the roses once they are in the ground. I may give Pam a call at the Earthlind trial gardens and ask her what their planting protocol was. One of the questions they had for me was if I had visited the trial gardens to see what would survive well, and they were pleased to hear I had done just that.

Jeri and Bluegirl,

Indeed. I am hopeful that they will leave the plants alone as well as direct the mow&blow guys to do the same. They offered to bring a tractor out with a rototiller attached as well as compost in order to make beds. I haven't decided yet if that's what I want or of the plants would do better as specimens planted throughout the cemetery. Either way, they made it clear that the ultimate responsibility for the care of the plants would fall to me. That suits me just fine because it means that it won't risk the plants falling into the hands of innocent ignorance.

Josh

I've googled the cemetery, lots of interesting articles on it. Texas history is so interesting to me, have figured out we're just a bunch of down homers, and wouldn't trade that for anything, lol!

If you can't make it over here in the next few weeks, I'll root the Rosa Moschata as well as others, and see if I can get them to grow. Also have a couple of books for you that you might be interested in.

ogrose

I have great respect for those who devote their time to continue important long-standing traditions. I think the artificial roses that appear at some grave sites are an eyesore, but understand why it may be done.

I do not now the scope of your project in terms of how many roses you will need or how much time it will take until completion, but you are welcome to a cutting of anything from my yard that will fit the space, and be compatible with the growing conditions. Many of my roses are babies and will need more time to grow, but please keep this in mind down the road.

Lynn

Thank you! The project will be a decent sized undertaking, but with the city behind it so enthusiastically I think I may actually save my back from all of the digging.

Right now I have:

Mme. Laurette Messimy
La Marne
Champney's Pink Cluster
Caldwell's Pink
Archduke Charles (China)
Marchioness de Londonderry
Souv. D'Elise Vardon
Alister Stella Grey
Crepuscule
Souv. De Francois Gaulain
Duchesse de Brabant
Cramoisi Supeurier
Reines des Violettes

Cuttings of these are rooting:
Mons Tillier
G. Nabonnand
Maggie (Bourbon)
Lamarque

I plan to definitely include:

Ducher
Madame Alfred Carriere

Oh gosh, I'm not sure I want that publicity. I'm not exactly the public face type. If the project results in a beautiful, historic garden then I'll be satisfied. The nice thing is that the cemetery has been deemed a historic site so the roses will remain protected from development.

I'll be sure to share pictures once it all gets under way! The city has already offered trailers full of compost and tilling equipment. I was very thankful to hear they would pitch in. This endeavor has become a bit expensive, with all of the rose purchases and rooting equipment. I also forgot to add that I have a 'Frederic II de Preusse' Hybrid China and a 'Milkmaid' Noisette on its way from Vintage. Connie is also sending a rose to add to the count. The pot ghetto is enormous!

I think the best part of this for me is the generosity and participation of all of the rose lovers across the nation. I have roses from California, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and soon to be Virginia. This has truly been a labor of love, courtesy of the Antique Rose Forums at Gardenweb.

Ya know, I posted a while back about what if we all came together to plant a garden. In a way, this project has become exactly that. Ogrose, Bluegirl, Desertgarden561, AquaEyes, Poorbutroserich, and Hartwood have all offered their advice as well as roses from their collections.

Honestly, you guys have all been my inspiration for continuing the project. From Ingrid's compassionate support to Jeri's enthusiasm, to your appreciation and kind words. This one is for you all here.

Josh