Carol, the rain was predicted to start around 11 pm and it has, though Jim would call it Idaho drizzle. As I've said, we measure rain in hundredths of an inch......Hardy hibiscus likes full sun to part sun from what I've read, but the same "authority" said it lives five years. What??? All my hibiscus are around 18 years old. Don't believe the experts about anything is my motto, whether it's roses and their size, or how long something lives. On to more fun topics. I see we are treated to more beautiful blooms. Wish I had some. Your first four photos are gorgeous, and maybe Anni and Perfume Factory have that lovely extra pretty look. The first photo of Perfume Factory looks like a queen surrounded by her ladies in waiting. Great photo. And Sweet Madame Blue is really an outstanding bloomer. The big bunches of blooms remind me of Wild Blue Yonder's way of blooming. SMB is stunning. Well, I'm going to check on the rain or drizzle. Sorry Heirloom only carries an Eisvogel hydrangea, which I thought was ironic. I can't win. Diane

Munstead Wood in August. As hot as it was, I don't know how this rose did this.

Morden Sunrise

Thank you Nollie. Your MPs do very well for you, good little rose for a pot.

We had rain today, only 6mm but my goodness what a relief to hear the dripping into the water butts and smell the air. The roses in particularly have got very dusty/webby; probably spider mites and look so much better now. Mind you barely a hint of Blackspot anywhere which is unusual.

The only plus point of hot and dry weather, Tack, I too have had less BS this year, although it’s currently creeping back after a few bouts of rain.

A few more spots of colour appearing here and there - Versigny, Château de Vaumarcus, Souvenir de Marcel Proust, Molineux and La Bourbonnaise:

La Bourbonnaise - despite being a random ’wild card’ purchase and not really to my taste, is strangely growing on me! I’m still not convinced by the pink fade but it’s a healthy, cheerful little rose popular with pollinators. I will keep it as a pot pet for now and see how I feel about it next season..

William Shakespeare is the only one of my Austins giving me full-sized and fully fragrant blooms at the moment:

In contrast with Darcy Bussell’s pathetic efforts:

Gee, my Boscobel didn't die in no !@#$ pot. Diane