THOSE MARVELOUS ADDICTIVE MINIS by Dr. Charold Baer Now that you have read the first (ARS Award of Merit winning) article in the July 2007 Chatter

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1 THOSE MARVELOUS ADDICTIVE MINIS by Dr. Charold Baer Now that you have read the first (ARS Award of Merit winning) article in the July 2007 Chatter about those marvelous addictive miniature roses, admit that you are either: a) a little intrigued; b) fairly fascinated; c) craving your own; d) all of the above; or e) already taking mini methadone and have gravitated to the hybrid tea and other type of roses to prevent a relapse. Most of you answered a, b, c, or d and the continuing discussion is directed to you. WARNING - if you really did answer e, please do not continuing reading the remainder of this article because it will be hazardous to your health. You MAY experience a relapse that will require your spouse, or friends, to quarantine you to your home and restrict all of your activities related to on line plant buying and catalogue perusal. Needless to say, you may be forced into rehabilitation and expected to adopt another hobby. But that s okay, because knitting and crocheting can result in nice extra Christmas gifts for others. For the rest of you, let me see if I can elicit some of the Acraving@ that resulted in my gardens of over 250 miniature rose bushes. When I begin pouring over the new mini rose catalogues, I am like the kid in the proverbial candy shop - I want it all! Then, of course, I get real because I know that I cannot have it all. And it is just not the lack of space that hinders me, it is of course, other common sense factors. (Have you ever tried justifying to Rich why you need space for 50 more minis because those are the new varieties that you just cannot live without? Hmm, I thought not.) So, I then assume the almost as bad attitude of one who goes to the grocery store hungry, but with a limited budget. At that point I must make decisions about exactly what I am hungry for and how much I can afford to purchase. And so the important decision making process goes. Perhaps the process could be simplified for others if I shared some information about what varieties do well for me in this climate. Obviously these are just my thoughts. If you want more information you can ask the ace miniature exhibitors like Karen Allen, Jim Cavanaugh, Shirley Pierce and John Sitton. Although, in general, we all tend to like the same varieties. So, here are some of my favorites by color class including not only miniatures, but single miniatures and Mini-Floras when appropriate. (However, being a true mini rose lover, I am not certain that the Mini- Floras are ever appropriate - pretty, but maybe not appropriate.) White Irresistible is one of the best minis available today. It was hybridized by Dee Bennett in It is a upright growing bush that easily reaches 30-36". The blooms are "across, white with a pale pink center, (sometimes with a greenish tinge in shade), with 43 petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and semi glossy. It does well in containers and as a cut flower. Grace Seward is a all time favorite for exhibitors in the single mini class. It is also a Dee Bennett creation from It is a vigorous growing bush that can be 3-4' tall. The blooms are about 2" in diameter, pure snow white with bright golden stamens and have 5 petals. The blooms are attractively set off by the medium sized, medium green semi glossy foliage. This bush makes a stunning display in the garden, in a vase, or on the show table. Peter Cottontail is a Mini-Flora from the creative hobby of well known exhibitor Bob Martin in Like all of the Mini-Floras, this is a great miniature rose that appears to have been on steroids. It is a very tall vigorous growing bush that stands upright at 3+ feet. The blooms are white, 2-2.5" in diameter, have 17 to 25 petals and consistently display great exhibition form. The foliage is medium to large, medium green and semi glossy. This bush is a sister seedling of the great exhibition Mini-Flora Butter Cream. Leading Lady is another spectacular Mini-Flora that could easily be mistaken for a floribunda, or even a small sized Pristine! This is an Award of Excellence winner for 2007 from Frank Benardella, also known in our household as the AMini Magician@ because of all of the wonderful miniature introductions that he has contributed from his magical breeding program. The bush grows upright about 2-3'. The blooms on this bush are gorgeous, but HUGE! They are white tinged with pink, " in diameter, 17 to 20+

2 petals, and have great form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and glossy. The blooms are long lasting and hold well in the vase. This is a great large rose for the garden or home and it has already been seen on many show tables. Light Yellow - This color class has only a few really good roses, buy they are outstanding. Fairhope is an excellent introduction from Taylor in This is a medium to tall vigorously growing bush of 2-3' in height. The blooms are a pure light yellow, 1.5-2" in diameter, have petals and great exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green semi glossy. This bush does well in the garden, containers, vases and especially show tables. Luis Desamero is a great exhibition rose from Dee Bennett It is a great growing bush that can easily reach 3-4'. The blooms are a pastel yellow, 2" in diameter, 28 petals and have great exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green semi glossy. The rose has been exceptional ever since it was introduced. It is named for a very active, very passionate rose grower, exhibitor and member of the Tinseltown Rose Society. Medium Yellow Breath of Spring is a 2002 introduction from Dennis Bridges. It is special to me because it won me my very first miniature queen. I had always been either a king or princess when I was fortunate enough to be in court, until 2007 and Breath of Spring. This is a vigorous upright bush that grows 18" to 2" tall. It has pure medium yellow blooms, 1.5" in diameter, petals and great exhibition form. The foliage is abundant and is medium sized, dark green semi glossy. It does well in the garden, in the house, or on the show table. Behold is a 1996 introduction of Harm Saville. It is has compact, medium, bushy growth and is 18 to 24" tall. The blooms are a clear, bright medium yellow, 1-1.5" in diameter, have petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium, medium green semi glossy. My Sunshine is a 1986 introduction from Dee Bennett. It is another great single mini. It grows upright and bushy 14-20". The bloom is medium yellow with bright yellow stamens, 1.5" in diameter and has 5 petals. The foliage is medium sized, medium green semi glossy. This bush makes a very bright cheery display in the garden, in a vase, or on the show table. Butter Cream is another result of the creative endeavors of Bob Martin in This is a vigorous, tall growing Mini-Flora that easily attains heights of 2-3'. The blooms are a creamy butter yellow, very large at 2+@, with petals and exquisite exhibition form. The foliage is large, medium green, leathery and disease resistant. This rose is great in the garden, excellent in the garden and spends a lot of time on the trophy tables across the country. Deep Yellow June Laver was introduced by Keith Laver in 1987 and obviously was named for a nuclear family member. It is a compact bushy growing plant that reaches 12-18". The blooms are a dark yellow aging to a softer yellow, 1" in diameter, have petals and great exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and matte. This rose is sometimes stingy with its blooms for me, but when it does produce, they are wonderful. Sweet Diana was a 2002 Award of Excellence winner for Harm Saville. It quickly became one of my favorites, which is unheard of, because as many of you know, I really do not care for yellow or orange roses. This plant is an upright, vigorous, bushy grower attaining heights of 14 to 18". The blooms are a glorious brilliant daffodil yellow, " in diameter, with 20+petals and great exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green, matte and disease resistant. This is a great rose and it had to be for Harm to name it for his youngest daughter. Yellow Blend Hot Tamale is a 1993 introduction from the great hybridizer from Jackson & Perkins, Dr. Keith Zary. The plant is a medium, bushy grower of 12-15" in height. One of the most wonderful aspects of this little gem is its continual array of changing colors. It progresses from its yellow-orange blend to a yellow-pink

3 blend and finishes pink. The blooms are " in diameter, have petals and great exhibition form. The foliage is small sized, dark green, semi glossy. This rose was an Award of Excellence winner in 1994 and it just keeps on winning. Bees Knees is another introduction from Keith Zary in This rose is so good that it was awarded the Member s Choice Award from the ARS in Its color and form probably account for its widespread popularity. It is a bushy upright plant that easily attains 3' in height. The blooms are a wonderful yellow and pink blend, 2-2.5" in diameter, with petals and great exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and matte. This rose makes a great display in the garden, in a vase, or on the show table. It has been a proven winner throughout the country. Dancing Flame is a 2001 introduction from Robbie Tucker. It is a medium sized bush that grows to about 2". The blooms are light yellow with bright pink edges, 2-2.5" in diameter, with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and glossy. This rose is rapidly becoming a favorite of mini enthusiasts as well as exhibitors. It does as well on show tables as it does in the garden. Autumn Splendor was introduced by Ben Williams in This Mini-Flora is a huge hit and it grows just as hugely. It grows very vigorously, tall and spreading and easily tops 3-4' in height. It would be right at home among the floribundas. However, the blooms are gorgeous, so I let it remain in the Mini-Flora portion of the minibeds. The blooms are very large, 2-2.5" in diameter, red with yellow in the middle and on the reverse, with petals and exhibition form. It progresses through so many differing colors as it ages, that it is truly delightful to watch. The foliage is large, medium green and semi glossy. This rose won an Award of Excellence in Solar Flair is a Mini-Flora that was introduced by Frank Benardella in It is a vigorous, upright growing plant that reaches 2-3'. The blooms are 2" in diameter, yellow with bright red edges, with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and semi glossy. This rose has a long vase life when cut and does equally well in the garden as it does on the show table. (To be continued)t THOSE MARVELOUS ADDICTIVE MINIS by Dr. Charold Baer (This is a continuation of this article that was started in the March Chatter) Apricot and Apricot Blend Jean Kenneally is a 1984 introduction from Dee Bennett that won an Award of Excellence in It continued to excel, performed so well and gained so much popularity that it was inducted into the Miniature Rose Hall of Fame. It grows upright, bushy and 24-30". The blooms are small, 1.1.5", pale to medium apricot, with 22 petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and semi glossy. This is a classically good rose that does well in containers, the garden, the vase, or on the show table. It seems to be black spot resistant, but may be prone to mildew. Michel Cholet was a 2001 introduction from Betty Jacobs and it also won the Award of Excellence in that year. It is an upright growing bush that reaches 24-30". The blooms are 2" in diameter, a glorious rich, dark apricot, (and this is high praise from someone who does not routinely like apricot roses), with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium to dark green and semi glossy. This rose looks good anywhere. Arcanum is a 2000 introduction from Robbie Tucker. This is a tall vigorously Michel Cholet of exhibitors all over the country. Jean Kenneally growing plant that easily reaches 3'. The blooms are creamy white with a deep apricot edging, 2" in diameter, with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and glossy. This rose has rapidly become a favorite

4 Nancy Jean is a 2004 introduction from Vernon Rickard. This is an upright tall growing bush that attains about 3' in height. The blooms are large " in diameter, soft apricot with an apricot blend reverse, with petals and nice exhibition form. The foliage is large, dark green and glossy. This relative newcomer has already won the hearts of exhibitors. The manner in which it grows in my garden suggests that perhaps it should really be classed as a Mini-Flora. Seattle Sunrise is a Mini-Flora that was a 2005 introduction from the Pacific Northwest's own Mitchie Moe. It was named to honor the 2006 ARS Spring National Convention in Seattle. It is a vigorous upright growing bush that reaches 2' in height. Its blooms are magnificent in form and color. They are 2-2.5" in diameter, soft apricot blend that is infused with pink and yellow as they age, with 25+ petals and exquisite exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and glossy. The colors in this rose truly mimic those of a true Seattle Sunrise, so Mitchie really selected the appropriate name for this beauty. Orange and Orange Blend Sweet Revenge is a1995 introduction from Dee Bennett. As I have mentioned previously, I am not fond of orange and yellow roses, however, I have loved this rose from the beginning. When I first planted this rose, it was named "Pat O'Brien" for Dee's son-in-law. However, after a few years and the divorce of Dee's daughter, Sue, the name was changed to "Sweet Revenge", perhaps appropriately so. This is a wonderful growing bush that thrives in this climate. It is a vigorous upright growing plant that easily attains 2-3'. The blooms Sweet Revenge are its best feature. They are a soft orange with a blush of darker orange that ages to pink, 1.5" in diameter, with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and semi glossy. This rose makes a great display anywhere. Play Gold is a 1997 Single introduction from Ralph Moore that won the Award of Excellence in This is a compact growing plant. It is bushy and stays in the 12-15" height range. The blooms are bright golden orange with a slight tinge of red at the edges, 1" inch in diameter, with 6-14 petals and single exhibition form. The foliage is small, medium green and glossy. This rose makes a very Play Gold striking display in the garden, in the vase, or on the show table. Crazy Dottie is a 1988 Single introduction from Sean McCann. It is a upright growing bush that reaches 20-24" in height. The blooms are an orange blend orange red with a star shaped yellow center, 1-2" in diameter, 5 petals and single exhibition form. The foliage is small, medium green and semi glossy. This is a very attractive single mini for all types of uses. Crazy Dottie Orange Pink Pierrine is a 1988 introduction from Michael Williams that has become so popular that it was inducted into the Miniature Rose Hall of Fame. This is an upright growing plant that attains 14-20" in height. The blooms are a medium orange pink with a lighter reverse, 1.5" in diameter, with 40 petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green semi glossy with serrated edges. Pierrine Anytime is a Single 1973 introduction from the well know hybridizer, Sam McGredy. This is a medium growing upright bush that can reach 2' in height. The blooms are a very novel smoky salmon orange color that is quite striking in the garden and bouquets. The blooms are.5-1" in diameter, with 5 petals, and single exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and semi glossy. Orange RedRuby Baby is a 2001 introduction from Lonnie Christopher who discovered it as a sport of "Hot Tamale". This plant grows very similarly to its mother plant in that it is Ruby Baby

5 compact and attains heights of 1-2'. The blooms are vibrant orange red, 1.1.5" in diameter, with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green, semi glossy and somewhat disease resistant. Oriental Simplex is a single 1987 introduction from Ernest Williams. The plant grows 12-18" tall and is bushy. The blooms are bright orange red with a creamy yellow reverse, 1" in diameter, 5 petals and single exhibition form. The foliage is small, medium green and glossy. This rose is quite striking in its coloration. Light Pink Amy Grant is a Mini Flora introduced by Robbie Tucker in 1998 and named for the popular Country and Western singer. This is an upright bush reaching 18-24" in height. The blooms are large, 1.5-2", light pink to egg shell white, with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and glossy. This is a great rose but it tends to open quickly. Medium Pink Giggles is a 1987 introduction from Gene King that rapidly gain in popularity and was Amy Grant inducted into the Miniature Rose Hall of Fame. It is a tall, upright growing plant that easily exceeds 3 to 3.5'. The blooms are a medium pink with a light to dark pink reverse, fading to a light pink, 1.5" in diameter with 18 petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and matte. This rose does well in the garden, in containers, in the vase, or on show tables. (This review of miniature roses will be continued in the next Chatter as space allows. Giggles T HOSE MARVELOUS ADDICTIVE MINIS by Dr. Charold Baer (This is a continuation of the article that was started in the March Chatter and continued in the April Chatter and will be finished in the next issue.) MEDIUM PINK Baby Boomer is a 2001 introduction from Frank Benardella that won the 2003 Award of Excellence. This is a truly outstanding miniature rose. The plant is a vigorous medium grower of 2-3' in height. The blooms are a clear medium pink, 2" in diameter with petals and exquisite exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green, semi glossy and disease resistant. BABY BOOMER Heather Sproul is a 2004 introduction from James Sproul. It is an upright plant growing from 18-24" tall. The blooms are a clear pink, 2" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green, semi glossy and somewhat disease resistant. This is a nice rose but it is sometimes stingy with its blooms. DEEP PINK Aristocrat is a 2003 introduction from Wendy White. The plant is bushy and compact growing 15-20" tall. The blooms are wonderful. They are deep pink with a lighter pink reverse, 1.5" in diameter with petals and exquisite exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and semi glossy. This is a great rose for the garden, HEATHER SPROUL ARISTOCRAT

6 is long lasting in the vase and has appeared on many show tables across the country. Just For You is a 1991 introduction from Ralph Moore that won the Award of Excellence. This is an upright growing plant that reaches 24-30" in height. The blooms are a deep pink to a light red with a lighter reverse, 2" in diameter with 35 petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and semi glossy. This is a great rose for the garden, vase, or show table. Doris Morgan is a 2002 introduction from Dennis Bridges that won the Award of Excellence in This is a vigorous upright growing bush that easily reaches 30-36" in height, but has been a little slow growing for me. The blooms are a blend of deep pink and DORIS MORGAN JUST FOR YOU light pink, 1.25" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and semi glossy. This rose has great color and form. Rachel is a Mini Flora 2005 introduction from Vernon Rickard. It is a vigorous growing plant that averages about 30" in height. The blooms are deep pink with a medium pink reverse. 1.5" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and semi glossy. This rose is quite an encore to Rickard's Nancy Jean and it has already been seen on many show tables. PINK BLEND Those of you who know me know that the pink blend roses are my favorites, so deciding what to include in this section was a heart rending decision. I really have tried to include the best of the best in this color class. Mother's Love is a 1988 introduction from Dee Bennett. This is an upright bushy growing plant that attains heights from 24-30" The blooms are pastel pink blending to yellow at the base, 1-1.5" in diameter with 23 MOTHER'S LOVE petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and semi glossy. This is a great rose and not just because of the name. It does equally well in the garden, in a vase, or on a show table. Kay Denise is a 1995 introduction from Dee Bennett. This plant is upright, bushy and grows 30" or more. The blooms are magnificent. They are a soft creamy pink with a pink blush on the edges, 1-1.5" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and semi glossy. The rose does well in any context, garden, vase, or show table. Angelica Renae is a 1996 introduction from Verlie Wells and it won an Award of Excellence that year. The plant grows upright and bushy to about 24-30". The blooms are bright medium pink blend, 1-1.5" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and matte. Minnie Pearl is a 1982 introduction from Harm Saville. This is a terrific rose that is as classy as the comedian for who it was named. It has continued to gain popularity and was inducted into the Miniature Rose Hall of Fame. The plant is a vigorous, bushy grower attaining heights from 24-30". The blooms are an exquisite light MINNIE PEARL

7 pink with a darker pink reverse and the edges turn a darker pink as the sun shines on it, 1.5" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is small, medium green, semi glossy and disease resistant. Heartbreaker is a 1989 introduction from Tom Carruth. This plant is an upright vigorous grower that easily reaches heights of 3+'. The blooms are white based with deep pink edges, 2" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. Even if this rose did not have the great form, I would keep it anyway because it makes an outstanding, striking display anywhere. The foliage is small, dark green and glossy. I like this rose so much that I even have a tree rose of it sitting just outside my kitchen window! HEARTBREAKER X-RATED X-Rated is a 1993 introduction from Dee Bennett. This is a very vigorous growing plant that easily reaches 2-3' in height. The blooms are a striking creamy white edged with a soft coral pink, 1.5" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is small, medium green and glossy. This is a great garden or show rose. Tiffany Lynn is a 1985 Mini Flora introduction from Nelson Jolly. Of course, there were no mini floras in 1985, so it was introduced as a miniature and then changed to the mini flora class later. This is a vigorous, tall growing plant that certainly exhibits all of the traits of a true mini flora, reach heights of 3-4'. The blooms are large, 2-2.5", light to medium pink tending to white in the center with 21 petals and exhibition form. The foliage is large, medium green with dark red edges in the spring and semi glossy. This is a great rose for cutting and showing. MEDIUM RED Maurine Neuberger is a 1989 introduction from Ray Spooner. The plant is an upright grower of about 18-24". The blooms are medium red, 1.5" in diameter with 30 petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and matte. This is a very nice clear medium red rose for combining with other roses. TIFFANY LYNN Chelsea Belle is a 1987 introduction from Pete and Kay Taylor. This is tall, upright, vigorous growing bush that easily reaches 3-4' in height. The blooms are very striking. They are medium red with a white base and a MAURINE NEUBERGER whitish reverse, 1.5-2" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and semi glossy. This rose continues to perform well in the garden, in vases and on show tables. Miss Flippins is a 1997 introduction from Robbie Tucker that was named for his daughter s nickname. This plant is a vigorous grower of 24-30" in height. The blooms have terrific form which makes it a great exhibition rose. They are medium red with a deep pink reverse, 1.5" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium, dark green, glossy and somewhat disease resistant. This rose is prone to mildew. MISS FLIPPINS

8 Peggy T is a 1988 Single introduction from Gene King. This is one of the best single minis available. The plant grows upright to about 2-3' in height. The blooms are rosy red shading to yellow at the center with bright yellow stamens and a white reverse, 2-2.5" in diameter with 5 petals and single exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and matte. (To be continued ) THOSE MARVELOUS ADDICTIVE MINIS BY Dr. Charold Baer This is a continuation of the article that was started in the March Chatter and continued in the April and May Chatters. Dark Red Black Jade is a 1985 introduction from Frank Benardella that won an Award of Excellence for that year. It continues to grow in popularity even today. The plant grows upright 18-24". The blooms are nearly black in the bud stage and deep dark red as they open, 1-1.5" in diameter with 35 petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and semi glossy. This is a good rose in the garden, in a vase, or on the show table. Caliente is another great dark red rose from Frank Benardella, this one in 2004 that won an Award of Excellence in This one may be even better than Black Jade! The plant grows upright to about 2'. The blooms are deep dark red maturing to an almost fire engine red, 2" in diameter with petals and great exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and semi Black Jade glossy. This is definitely another of Benardella's winners! Red Blend Merlot is a 2002 introduction from Frank Benardella that won an Award of Excellence that year. This is a vigorous medium growing plant that reaches 2-3' in height. The blooms are dark red with a white center and a white reverse, 2" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green, semi glossy and disease resistant. This is a good rose for the garden, in a vase, or on the show table. Sweet Caroline is a 1998 introduction from Michael Williams that won an Award of Excellence in This is a tall growing bush that is slightly spreading. It usually grows about 3' in height. The blooms are white with a medium red on the outer edges, 1.5" in diameter with petals and Sweet Caroline exhibition form. These blooms tend to open sooner than I would like for exhibition. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and semi glossy. This is a very striking bush in the garden. Glowing Amber is a 1996 introduction from George Mander. The plant grows upright, bushy and to about 16-24". The blooms are scarlet red with a deep yellow reverse and center, 1.5-2" in diameter with petals and a quilled exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and glossy. This bush makes a very colorful striking display in the garden and the bloom has appeared on many a show table. Whistle Stop is a 1989 Single introduction from Sam McGredy. This is a compact bushy plant that grows 12-18". The blooms are red and white striped, 1-1.5" in diameter with 5-8 petals and single exhibition form. The foliage is small, medium green and semi glossy. This is one of Sam's novel roses. Roller Coaster is a 1987 Single introduction from Sam McGredy. This is a medium, bushy growing plant that reaches 1-2' in height. The blooms are red and white striped. 1.5" in diameter with 6-14 petals and single exhibition form. The foliage is small, medium green and glossy. And yes, this is Roller Coaster

9 another of Sam's novel looking roses. They make a striking display in the garden. Charismatic is a Mini Flora introduction from David Clemons in The plant grows typically like other mini floras, upright and tall gaining about 3+' in height. The blooms are outstanding. They are red and white blend with a deeper red edging, 2" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and semi glossy. The red edging on this beauty intensifies in the sun creating a great looking bloom. Charismatic Mauve Incognito is 1995 introduction from Dennis Bridges. This is one of the most outstanding miniature rose to come along in many years. The plant grows upright and tall, reaching 30-34" in height. The blooms are a mauve blend with a yellow reverse, 1.5" in diameter with petals and exquisite exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and semi glossy. This is a great rose that has been dominating trophy table all across the country. Vista is a 1994 introduction from Harm Saville. It is a vigorous upright compact bush that is 16-20" in height. The blooms are a soft lavender, 1.5" in diameter with Incognito petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and semi glossy. Make Believe is a Single1980 introduction from Ralph Moore. This plant is upright and vigorous, reaching 18-24" in height. The Make Believe blooms are mauve and white blend with a reddish purple reverse, 2" in diameter with 10 petals and single exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and semi glossy. This is a good single for the garden, vase, or show table. Luscious Lucy is a 2004 Mini Flora introduction from Robbie Tucker. It grows in typical mini flora fashion, tall with heights of 30-36". The blooms are gorgeous and they happen to be my favorite color - pink! Yes, Robbie has classed it as a mauve, but in Portland, it is anything but mauve. The blooms are mauve (really pink), 2" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green and glossy. This is a great rose and once it gets passed the judges problem of thinking it is misplaced in the color class, it often appears on the show table. Luscious Lucy Dr. John Dickman is a 2002 Mini Flora introduction from Dennis Bridges that was for an outstanding rosarian who wrote the "Beginners" column for the American Rose Magazine for many years. This is a tall growing upright bush that easily reaches 3-4' in height. The blooms are a glorious lavender with a red overlay that is somewhat reminiscent of Paradise. The blooms are 2" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, dark green, glossy and disease resistant. This is a great Mini Flora that does well everywhere. Dr. John Dickman

10 Russet Teddy Bear is a 1989 introduction from Harm Saville. Many people buy this rose just for its name. The plant is a compact bushy plant that is 16-20" in height. The blooms are terra cotta aging to a mauve pink, 1.5" in diameter with 28 petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium, dark green and semi glossy. This rose makes a unique, novel display in the garden. This is the Day is a 2003 introduction from James Sproul that won the Award of Excellence in The plant is an upright grower that attains 22-30" in height. The blooms are an orange red with a hint of russet, 1.5" in diameter with petals and exhibition form. The foliage is medium sized, medium green and matte. This is a great rose in the garden, in the vase, or on the show table. Hopefully this overview of some of my favorite minis will help you as you Teddy Bear decide how to design your own mini garden. I can promise you much delight from whatever you choose to plant. Remember, those marvelous minis are also mood altering and can improve your overall outlook on life.