What I really want to know though is if I can use the older roses on the embankment somehow. I was thinking of a mounding effect but thought somebody might come up with a better idea. I would like to add things like lavender or salvia or even sage and whatever else will tone in and go with the roses, so it is not just a sheet of roses but I have no idea really.

It will be a monster of a job I would imagine because it is all gravelly soil on top of rock.

Perhaps I should search the landscaping sites but really want experts with knowledge of rose form to tell me what I can do with them in this situation. I don't even know if it is possible. I'm exploring possibilities shall we say.

Thanks again, Fran

I am being impractical I know. The rest of the yard is going to be hard although flat also and I will have to come up with a design so my husband knows where to plonk the soil for the beds.

It is all a bit daunting but I am determined to give it a go.

I did a bit of research this morning and found that fortuniana stock can grow in gravelly conditions because the roots spread out rather than down. I am aware that roses are grafted onto different rootstock but not the technicalities of it. I shall have to do a fair bit more research I think.

None of the roses I have ever grown would be suitable I don't think for an embankment and perhaps there are none that would do well. I am hoping someone out there might have a suggestion though.

Will certainly check out Lozzas later today when I get a minute. Thanks for your input MM

Fran