I noticed 'The Fairy' rose for sale in a catalog the other day. ( It is a very compact plant). I don't have it, but I have one that has quarter-sized pink roses just like it does. We lived for a long time in a house that was probably built in the 1920's. One day I noticed a little 5-inch piece of rose foliage growing out from under the bricks in the foundation. I dug it out and put it somewhere more favorable out of curiosity. It turned out to be an heirloom rose popular in the early 20th century. (I've forgotten the type of rose, but I think someone told me its name.) That thing took off and covered about a 30 foot stretch of my chain link fence, and it would cover itself with big clusters of those adorable little pink roses in May. It doesn't re-bloom. Unfortunately, in addition to being wildly invasive it was terribly susceptible to powdery mildew. Every spring I claim to be getting rid of it. I guess I should take the Round-up to it, but every year I'll take pity on it and let one or two canes grow to blooming size so I can see those sweet little blossoms. You have to admire something that persistent. No telling how long that little piece of DNA had hung on under those bricks. It only blooms on old wood. I promise to behave better in the future. I know I've been completely off subject, but I have truly enjoyed the conversations the last few days. Thank you for putting up with me. Elin Johnson
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