Roses that don't smell like roses..it's just SUCH a disappointment when leaning down, taking a deep breath.....and...nothing. I would wave that magic wand across all roses and restore them to their natural state of fragrance. I was tempted to say make 'em disease-free, but that's just too obvious ;> And for my question: I grow my roses in containers, and would like to add a companion plant to the container. This companion need not "do" anything, like have bug or disease repelling properties (but wouldn't hurt!) It can just look pretty...something that won't clash in growing habit or compete for habitat. What have others have had success with?

These tips are all great! I use the "pack 'em in" theory of gardening to cut down on the weeds as others do. It also cuts down on the chore and expense of mulching. I used to deadhead, but the goldfinches and other birds really appreciate the seed heads, so now I do lots of my garden clean-up in the spring. Actually the plant material is brown and dried up at that point and I've found usually I can rake an area and the dead stems come right up. As opposed to clipping back in the fall when I have to cut each stem. There simply seems to be "less" plant material to get rid of after a winter since it's all dried and shriveled up, if that makes sense at all. I am really learning to settle down about getting it all done. This summer I haven't worked too much in the garden (because of the heat) and it has been so enjoyable finding other fun things to do (like the beach, etc!). The thread about garden seating pushed me to add adirondack chairs to the backyard and lately after work I come home and read a magazine out there instead of weeding. Much more enjoyable. What LL said is true. If people aren't gardeners they won't even know they're weeds and I really think that most gardeners going through a garden that has weeds think to themselves "PHEW! I'm SO glad to see that they have weeds too!!" Let's face it, ALL gardeners fight the weed battle and can appreciate weeds in any garden. I still have not learned to garden the size I can take care of. I'm only on phase 3 of my yard and have another 2 or 3 fairly sizable areas to work on. However, I have learned to pace myself and work for about 5 years on a certain phase of building an area before moving on to another area. During that time I think a lot about the next phase (plant material, design, most especially how will it be watered, etc....) So far we've been OK with the amount of space we've gardened. I'm wondering in which phase I say "Uh Oh, now I've bitten off more than I should have!" I know someday that will happen but for now I'm going to keep my phased approach and hope for the best. Unfortunately, once all the phases are done, I'll be 15 years older and at that point will be looking at how to pare down the garden!! LOL! Pfmstin, I've never heard of that material and it sounds very interesting. I'm definitely going to check that out. Xantippe, what type of edger to you have? Do you have a machine? So far, my DH is my machine! We're (OK, really HE) is edging many new garden beds and anything we (HE) can do to reduce time/energy would be great to know. You see, the less time he spends on edging, the more time he'll have to help me with other things! LOL!! Gardenweed, Amen to planting more fall plants. The garden season for those of us in northern climates can be extended into November with flowers and color. There are so many great fall plants and shrubs out there that are worthy to extend the season. You know, I've heard many times about cardboard and newspaper under mulch and have "thought" about doing that for weed control. But some of you brought up a very good, important point with that tip in that the worms love it. I hadn't thought about that before so thank you for mentioning it. I am going to use this tip in the backyard where it's a new area and needs to be covered.

Thanks everyone! Parma...it's never too late to learn! Go get yourself a machine and sign up for a class. You might want to check with a sewing shop about a used machine. Sometimes you can pick up some really nice ones for a song (with free beginner classes). Make your MIL something and put a tag on it that says "Handmade by the exceptionally talented Parma". LOL

What a sick SOB. There is a case up here of Dru Sjodin I'm sure a few have heard of it. The guy the convicted of rape,torture,and murder has now filed an appeal. Saying his case wasn't tried fairly or something. OH CRY ME A RIVER! Do you think Dru was given a fair chance?????? I know what I could do to all these slimeballs without a second thought, but I'd better not mention it here.