Could this be a first?

Some years ago I was lucky enough to convince Klaus from GreenE Roses to graft The Dark Lady on a tall standard rootstock for me. The idea being that The Dark Lady is often laden with huge blooms which arch quite low due to the sheer number of blooms.

In November last year, Klaus advised me that the four plants he grafted have finally taken and I can have my pick!! Here is my choice, potted it in its temporary tub till it settle down:
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Simon, I will upload the rose wheel as soon as Photobucket finishes freezing on me

Here is the plant in the ground (went in late Sept this year) ...
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and here are some close ups ... the bloom size and count does not seem to be compromised :
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The wheel is a hybrid consisting of a purchased wheel but the post is part of the original hills hoist.

I have never before seen a good recycling idea for a Hills Hoist. This one is inspired! The Dark Lady is going to be truly spectacular. Congratulations.

The background doesn't look half bad either. Your new garden will soon be rivalling the old.

Thank you Meryl. I was telling Simon, I just wish I could get the right brackets to make the wheel out of the clothes line as well. But they just don't seem to make them anymore. Still the rest of the line is sitting there waiting to be rebirthed

The DL doesn't get any better than that, Rita! What have you planted at her feet? Something that looks up in adoration I hope!

Rita, ' Dark Lady ' is one of the most fantastic roses I have seen around and should make a great standard, really looks great on your support.

Has anyone tried breeding from ' Dark Lady ' ?

Rita, your new weeper and garden looks very beautiful ! What a great ideal. I have thought for along time now that there isn't enough variety in weepers that you can buy. I will copy your idea in the future, asking to have specialist weepers grafted for me. Dark Laky will definitely be one I will ask for. I remember being amazed at its beauty at Lynette's garden.

Ah Rita The Dark Lady looks gorgeous. You definitely retain your touch with Uncle Dave's babes. Wish I could match it but no matter how hard I try my Austins never approach yours. Congrats.

Larry.

Fantastic Rita.
Nor can I larry.

David, I've planted herbs at her feet (Dill, variegated Marjoram, Italian Parsley) - hope she'll like her companions. BTW your salvia's are attracting so much praise.

Bruce, not sure, but with parents such as Mary Rose & Prospero, I'd imagine that her progeny would be stunning like her. Next you pop over to GreenE, ask to look at their specimen.

Karen, I think it took about four years for Klaus to get successful grafts going for me, but I'm sure a lot of Austins could make successful weepers. Time will tell.

Larry, I recall my being very envious of your Sir Walter Raleigh, which I have never had sucess with and your Jude was to die for.

Tks Carole. Will post photos of this rose as it matures ... I would be so devastated if she doesn't make it due to the tall graft.