Hi everyone! My name is Lyuba and I moved to Tulsa, Ok from Ukraine in November 2007. I used to work as a translator until I met and married my husband. I had my condo filled with every color of African violets, but I couldn't bring any of them over. My mom and dad, grandma and grandpa gardened. It is in my blood to continue the tradition. I planted my first 3 bare root Lowes climbing roses this April. By now I've joined the Tulsa Rose Society, have 5 climbers, 5 English roses, and the rest are HTs and floribundas, so far 21 total, but it is not final. I have big plans and wish lists and my husband warns me about addiction every time I bring home a new rose bush : ) I've never been on any forums in my life, so I learn as I go. Sometimes make my share of mistakes like posting my pictures in another person's blog, not knowing and with best intentions. I did this on the Rose Gallery Forum while trying to learn how to post follow-ups. I want to thank every one of the Rose Masters for their gorgeous pictures, they are of such inspiration to all of us. I find myself checking the Rose Gallery for new pictures every morning. Thank you so much! I will post a few of mine. This particular rose is very special to me. My grandmother in Ukraine used to have a similar rose in front of the kitchen window, we collected the petals to make jam. When I saw the Spirit of Freedom in the local nursery I had tears in my eyes, it reminded me of grandma and childhood, and everything good and sweet. Pat Austin was purchased to commemorate my orange cat named Carson, he is a street kitty from Donetsk, Ukraine, that grew into the Feline King. We joke that Carson could teach Garfield a few tricks : ) His life here is great, except for one mocking bird that my dear husband named Deathwish. The bird follows him to every window, screeches offences and flaps its wings. Carson has to sleep with the blinds down : ) Life is never boring around here. I'm looking forward to learning more about growing roses and thanks again for sharing your great pictures. Lyuba

Confection! Pretty name.

Jasminerose, I’m SO glad I just looked at this thread again! The picture you took of ‘Sweet Mademoiselle’ makes me feel much better about mine. I’ve been feeling a bit alarmed since the buds have shown color. I was afraid they would open too orange for my taste, but that picture is great! I have a Green Thumb Nursery, here in San Marcos, as well. Don’t you just love that place? Here’s my Sweet Mademoiselle buds today. While I’m at it, Moonlight Romantica has lots of buds. Princess Charlene de Monaco is too pretty to pass up. Both bushes are on their second flushes. I just love her. Violet’s Pride is blooming today, too. I really should do some cutting for bouquets. Lisa

I was able to get 5 standard “Life of the Party” roses in early spring from Lowe’s 50% off! First bought one and went back for all they had after I saw how romantic they looked in the garden! The fragrance is incredible.... just love them! I’m in Silverado Canyon, California.