Two exciting crosses today that will hopefully produce excellent for-Florida roses.....both were (Duchesse de Brabant X New Dawn).

http://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.1661.7



http://www.helpmefind.com/rose/l.php?l=2.4460

Tomorrow at Publix I am buying my annual 'Caribbean Red' papaya for the seeds to sprout, but this year directly in the gardens for MUCH quicker growth. No more starting the seeds in pots first.....direct sowing gives me MUCH bigger plants and sooner, like this seven months old one in my east bed by the driveway. Since my soil is so fertile, I wonder if the root growth is why they do so well.

Three more pollinations today: (Old Blush X Eugene de Beauharnais) and (Old Blush X Oklahoma) and two of (Duchesse de Brabant X Oklahoma).

"Shirley's Pink" is responding beautifully to a 50% pruning with a feeding of Mill's Magic Rose Food, minor elements, dolomite and Epsom Salt about six weeks ago.

Just for fun today I pollinated the old Tea rose 'Mrs. B. R. Cant' with the early 20th century Hybrid Tea 'Peace'. I really hope I get a hip!