ROBIN HOOD

Do you ever get sucked in by advertisements pushing something that looks soooo good? Well I used to, then after I was roundly burned a couple of times, I got a bit cynical. Being even a little cynical is so against my nature. I truly want to believe the best in everyone, trust all, and feel if you scratch a creep deep enough, there is a sweet soul lurking. I really want to trust the written word. Naivety, thy name is Patti.


Until you come to those ads that tout--- get amazing back relief instantly-- have buns of steel in six weeks-- walk with out pain the same day with just these magnets-- this tree will grow to 30 feet the first year-- and the ever present, easy to clean sandwich maker. Just about all this stuff is $19.95 plus shipping and handling. That is when my cynical side blossoms.




For years I kept seeing this ad for Robin Hood Roses in fliers usually in the Sunday paper.


"Robin Hood Rose (also called Mediterranean Musk Rose) has delicate, fragrant, long-lasting blooms that grow in colorful clusters. Each cluster has 20-25 perfectly formed carmine-red roses. Plant blooms up to 6 months a year. Has dense, deep green foliage and graceful growing habits. Reaches 4-6' at maturity. Thrives in poor soil, hot dry summers and sub-zero climates. Prefers full or partial sun. This blooming living fence costs less to own and maintain than a wooden or chain link fence."


It sounds perfect. It survives poor soil, heat, cold and still blooms like a banshee?? My kind of plant. Still, my burned fingers kept the check book closed and I passed it by, time after time. Then I discovered Dave's Garden. This is a site that offers a wealth of plant information. It lets you hear from people in your zone about growth habits, positives, negatives, and best of all, the site screens the on line nurseries. Only those that are trustworthy are listed in his Garden Watchdog. Dave also will send you a weekly news letter via e-mail that is as good as most gardening magazines. Free sign up.


I checked his info on the Robin Hood Rose and was surprised that it was actually a real plant with really good reviews. Dave gave several trusted dealers to order from and I bit the bullet.


Of course they came bare root which always gives me pause. But I planted as instructed and with in one year it was impressive but after two years , I am thrilled with this lovely plant. I got 3 plants and now have a lovely living fence 15 feet long and 3' tall. People actually stop and ask what it is. A great people meeter and I am planing to get a bunch more.


I have taken a ton of pictures and none seem to show what I see. Sorry, but this is the best I can do. A recent hail storm damaged it a little but it is bouncing back.




This is a no care plant. Since established , I do not water except in the driest times, never fertilize, and do not dead head and it blooms all summer. I know, I am a bad mother but Robin seems to thrive on inattention at which I am expert in providing. Imagine what it would look like with a little care.



Now that my faith in advertisements is returning , I am beginning to think maybe I CAN have buns of steel in 6 weeks to go with my rock hard abs and that 30 foot tree. Now, where did I put my checkbook??