I had the distinct pleasure of purchasing 2 hard-to-find roses, (5-gallon Renae) and personally meeting, Ms. Burling Leong, of Burlington Nurseries, today, in Visalia, California. In addition to doing mail-order business, Burling will sell retail, by appointment, which I did via email.

For anyone in driving distance to Visalia,California, it's well worth the drive to not only purchase hard-to-find roses, but to also personally meet Burling. Her passion and knowledge of all things roses, AND BEYOND in gardening, is fantastic. Burling had the time this afternoon to show us around her nursery, showed us how to bud a rose, and then gave it to me! What a gracious lady.

Burling is also working on replacing Hearst Castle's rose gardens with period-correct roses and tree roses. Burling shared some new developments there, including the ability to stroll through their gardens after a pre-planned tour, and enjoy their roses and other plants. I look forward to visiting Hearst Castle, and finding her rose contributions when they are in bloom. Ms. Marguerite, Fresno, California