We have acres of ornamental gardens and uncounted numbers of roses on display. There are nonetheless, outstanding roses that continually attract the attention of visitors and earn my admiration.

In consideration of the climate (a warm, coastal zone 5) and my predispositions, rugosas are an obvious integral part of our gardens. A stand out in this group is 'Polareis' (we think known originally as 'Ritausma'). This is a large and very vigorous shrub growing to six to seven feet' by as much wide with dense mounding growth and very thorny canes. The blossoms are however, the outstanding feature of this variety: clusters of semi-double white blossoms with petal tips tinged a most alluring pink. 'Polareis' also repeats well with several flushes in a season.

Among the heritage roses, the gallica 'Alika' is an impressive specimen. This is also a large rose, forming a dense thicket to seven feet or more with always healthy matte foliage. 'Alika' blooms once but, when in full bloom is covered with bright crimson semi-double blossoms. Few roses can match this display. A particularly handsome show of orange hips follows in the fall.

A little known rambler which always garners much acclaim in our gardens is 'Ghislaine de Feligonde' which is perfectly hardy for our zone. This rose is a repeat bloomer. The clusters of deep apricot buds open to doubled apricot blossoms that pale to cream and are displayed against glossy, bright lime-green foliage. The picture is captivating and never fails to add to 'Ghislaine's' ranks of followers.

My favorite, and the most noticed climber at North Creek is 'Lillian Gibson.' However, because this rose is once blooming (although, over a longer period than any other non repeat rose I know of), 'Lillian' has sadly been dropped from production by wholesale U.S. growers. In my opinion, there is no better true climber for a cold region. Deep red nearly thornless canes can reach ten feet or more carrying lovely, semi-double, salmon-pink blossoms born against healthy bright green foliage to an impressive effect.

A smaller rose that is always asked about here is the 'Orleans Rose,' an early polyantha and still one of the best. 'Orleans' is hardy, vigorous and very floriferous. While I'm writing this in mid October, this rose remains covered with panicles of cheery, bright pink flowers and is still a stand out.

One last favorite for sentimental reasons as much as for garden worthiness is an outstanding blanda hybrid. Its identity had been unknown to us until recently when Paul Olsen helped us by re-identifying this rose as Hansen's 'Zitkala.' It's also a large specimen with arching, deep red, completely thornless canes. The early summer display of double velvety red blossoms weighing down the canes is boisterous and beautiful.

These are a few of the many wonderful roses in our gardens here in Mid Coast Maine and ones I would recommend with absolutely no reservations.