I began the planting area on the walkway from my patio with three Pink Meidiland roses. I did not know much about them at the time except that they were shrub roses which meant carefree to me. They grew well the first year, beautiful deep peachy pink flowers with branches that looked like they would like to weave if they could.
The following year only two plants returned. Not overly concerned and thankful that I had two left, I headed back to the nursery to replace one Pink Meidiland only to be informed that they were no longer available from the supplier. I headed to the internet and to my amazement, there was only one nursery that had it listed. At the same time I decided to order some Rainbow Knockouts and the one Pink Meidiland. I was informed by return email that this nursery no longer had this Pink Meidiland - same story supplier no longer growing this rose!
I was so upset that nobody had this great rose, I emailed back to Garden Valley Ranch in California and told my sad story, but to no avail. I did receive my Rainbow Knockout bareroot roses, and all of them are thriving to this day. But what I didn't tell you is that as I opened the box, wrapped in newspaper, was a fourth bareroot rose. As I unwrapped it out popped a little note saying, "Pink Meidiland, it's all yours." I really think the owner of the nursery dug it up from his garden!
It is very difficult to find but I did notice on this California website that there are still some available. http://www.gardenvalley.com/ I can't imagine why they have virtually taken it off the market being as carefree as it is, no blackspot, wonderful rosehips in the fall and shiny leaves.
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8 comments:
Dear Eileen, What a lovely story and one with a very happy ending. I imagine you were absolutely thrilled at the kindness and generosity of the rose grower. I very much hope that all three are now doing well for you.
The Meidiland roses are wonderful, Eileen. We have a great rose division at Gethsemane and if I'm not mistaken they have them.
I'm a bigger fan of the Knockouts which have an amazingly long bloom time and no black spot.
How sweet of the nursery owner to take a personal interest in your quest for the pink Meidiland.
Edith, yes he was very personal and even sent me a followup note that he didn't understand what happened either because there are many other Meidiland colors still on the market.
Eileen
Carolyn, I love the Knockouts also. The Meidland is not as compact as the Knockouts, but where I have them they look wonderful.
Let me know if your nursery does carry the Pink Meidland. Thanks so much.
Eileen
Eileen, thanks for sharing this story I am currently looking up more pictures on Google of the Meidiland rose.
Carolyn, I am also finding some great things about the Knockouts as I have never really had much information on them. Thanks for sharing that in your comment.
Check out Rainbow Knockout. It is covered with flowers for three seasons. I have every Knockout, and Rainbow is the only one still blooming into November.
Eileen
A stunning photo, Eileen. My daughter-in-law swears by knockouts and twisting my arm. I'm still into my 'carefree' roses that make my heart sing. But ... I'm not too old to learn :)
Joey, I have some Carefree roses also, I love them all!
Eileen
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