Aw, it sounds to me like you're too in love to part ways with her, and she is very lovely. Does that rose smell as good as it looks?

I have a totally unrelated question for you. I am in the process of buying my first apartment, and we ended up with a deck off the kitchen. I really wanted outdoor space in part so I could grow some little tomatoes and a lot of basil in pots, but the deck does not get a ton of direct sun, I don't think. It faces....(doing math)...North-East. Would those plants be a total waste?

I know, Kate - five more buds opened and they are so beautiful! Eden has a very slight apple/tea scent - not swoony; which is good, because we like to have lunch on the porch under her - and nothing is more confusing than dining with a crazily fragrant plant nearby.
Now as for your balcony - as long as you don't live too far North, you'll be fine. Shade is actually welcome for most plants - it helps moderate soaring summer temperatures, and it keeps produce from scalding. Studies have shown that tomatoes grown in partly shaded environments are of a better quality, even though the vines aren't as productive. So as long as you're okay with a smaller amount of awesome tomatoes rather than a bumper crop of so-so ones, I say plant away. Be sure to include the wonderful variety 'Sungold', an orange cherry tomato that is the yummiest! And basil - I've grown basil in total shade... granted, I'm in SoCal, ind it's hot here, so the shade is actually preferred for leafy crops. Give it a try, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

For a non-David Austin, Eden is pretty great. I thought it was continuous though. (?)

If not, I probably wouldn't keep it in a featured spot but perhaps move it to a nook where you'll make a point of visiting it when it's blooming, preferably with a glass of Pinot and a Jorge Amado novel.

If you're thinking replacement, and you like the old world rose look (and a psychotic number of petals), I recommend 'Sombreuil.' It can be pinkish, not like Eden of course, but it's not as yellowy as this picture indicates:

http://www.roseinfo.com/sombreuil.html

But it's a good performer, disease-free and early to bloom too. Disregard anything that says it's mannerly. In SoCal sun and heat, it should be abundant. With all the old "Euroses" (tm me), I add 1-3 feet to their predicted growth.

Oh yeah, secondarily, you can under/interplant lightweight vines that will climb up the Eden canes and fill in for her when she's pooped. Maybe annual morning glory or black-eyed Susan vine? Most like sun, though, and your spot would be shady.

I know, I know...friends don't let friends buy annuals, but maybe this is an exception. For foliage color instead maybe sweet potato vine?

It's a perennial, but is clematis too obvious and "common?"

I have Eden also, and it's not a great bloomer, but those blooms are gorgeous. Mine has no fragrance....but the blooms are gorgeous!

My Altissimo looks like it will give me a beautiful flush in June. It's against a fence, far from the kitchen window, but a great shot of color from a distance.

I'd say my best climber in terms of rebloom is probably Penny Lane.

Susa - 'Somreuil' is breathtaking. I'm going to have to find a place for her. You know, I was thinking about sending Passiflora 'Coral Seas' up through Eden ... what do you think? I know it's a huge it of pink, and it might be more than a little clashy, but I get all thrilled over the idea. And I love the idea of Ipomea batatas 'Blackie' with all that pink - that's a bold design, my friend! Just the way I like it!

Hi sserrackd - we're twins, we both have Eden and Altissimo, and my Altissimo is also tucked away where I get a far away hit of scarlet from my kitchen window. I'd never heard of Penny Lane so I looked her up - what a beauty! I love quilled petals, they seem so classic and French to me. I wonder why your Eden has no scent - mine is very subtle, but it's there. Go out and pick one, then stick your nose way in the center and take a long whiff. Then brush the petals against your nose - I'll bet you pick up a fresh tea-like scent. If you don't, write back - I need to get to the bottom of this!

Oooh, thanks for the reassurance! This will be in Boston, so I hope that's not too far north. Sungold's are the reason I want to plant my own, actually--my mom in Oregon plants them every summer and we eat bucketloads through September. Sliced in half and dressed with a simple vinaigrette....Yum!

I will be sure to post pics on my blog once I have some plantings going. Right now at our NH rental we have pansies out front and I have a little transplanted fern growing about 6 inches a week in a jar.

Ooh, one more question! (This is so helpful, thank you...) Should I think about starting the tomatoes and basil now, in pots to take to Boston in June? Will mid-June be too late or could I use seedlings and still be ok? It's still in the 40s here at night so I'm afraid I wouldn't have much luck planting now?

Sadly, I had to pull out a Passion flower vine because it threatened to take over. It even breached the garage roof. This was an 'Incense' - maybe it's more vigorous than other varieties. Amazing flowers, and a butterfly magnet, but it needed more maintenance than we were capable of, so it ended up being an eyesore. (How much of my life do I want to spend dealing with thatch?)

Katef-by the way, your blog is fantastic ... inspirational, even!
Tomatoes need warm weather to set fruit, so waiting until temps get steadily into the upper 60's,lower 70's is a good idea - but there are varieties like the famous 'Early Girl' that were hybridized for those tomato lovers who just can't wait. As long as all chance of frost is gone, you can plant your Sungolds and get them growing, but just don't count on fruit until you are wearing shorts and a tank top.

Suasoria, that is my fear- that I throw caution to the wind and plant a monster. But from what I know and have observed of Passiflora 'Coral Seas', it doesn't seem to be as rampant. I'm going to replace the P. vitifolia that froze on my back fence, so maybe I'll wait on the 'Coral Seas' ... but I am so wanting to see Eden, Ipomea 'Blackie', and 'Coral Seas' all tangled up together!

Thank you, Germi--for the advice and the compliment! I'll get some seedlings going soon.

I, too, used to have an Eden rose (almost identical to yours!), and was it ever beautiful! It's the only thing I left behind when I moved from L.A. to Chicago in the spring of 1998, and still think about it from time to time, believe it or not.

Ms. Soler, I am glad to read your blog as often as I remember to.... I live in Filderstadt, Germany, so often it feels frightfully far away (and almost on the other side of the world) -- but it makes me think fondly of my days in L.A. It reads like an old friend: lively, funny, charming, smart as all get out, good to have. Thanks for the memories!

Oldfriend, your comment went straight to my heart! Thank you so much for giving me such a burst of happiness today - I am a lucky woman to have such a great group of readers/ collaborators/partners in crime.
I'm over the moon!

Oldfriend 22219 - are you who I think you are? LIL?