Happy New Year, Rosarians! I'm looking forward to a busy and fun year, filled with new friends and lots of roses. True to my word, I've duly neglected my garden this fall, knowing it will be there when the weather warms up and dries out just a bit. This year my garden resolution is to figure out a way to better stay ahead of the nuisance weeds that still permeate the rose beds (red clover and shot-in the- eye weeds, this means you). I've enjoyed dreaming about the new roses we'll plant this year, with no thought of exactly where they'll go. Those nonperformers are at risk of being adopted out. But that's the fun, right? There's something wonderful about an empty hole, which often comes after a too long period of trying to rescue or rehabilitate a weak rose.

Last year I found some excellent cow mulch, free of weeds, dark and perfectly composted, so that's in the plans for this season too. I've been checking out the newest Territorial Seeds catalog to see some of the best veggies for our climate. My favorite 10" filet bean, Fortex, is on the list, as well as fun greens and easy growers. Back in the day, when I used to have a 2500 square foot vegetable garden with hand-dug raised beds every year, I canned everything that wasn't nailed down, including 800 pounds of tomatoes one year. Thankfully, roses don't require canning. OK, pruning, grooming, mulching, etc. I know, but those tasks can be spread out over time. Let's resolve to have a wonderful year in the Portland Rose Society, filled with fun and flowers. I wish you all health, happiness and prosperity this year.