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I’ve ordered my roses for spring planting.  Coming soon to the southeastern corner of my house:

A trio of Tess of the d’Urbervilles bushes, on the corner facing the street, which I’m going to try and train up to balance a tall shrub I’ve got on the opposite corner. These are a dark crimson, and should be a good match for the lone Mr. Lincoln tea rose I inherited in the front bed.

Then wrapping around the south, driveway side of the house, I’m going to put in an Alnwick rose and an Abraham Darby, along with a Claire Austin. The Alnwick is a pure pink, and the Abraham Darby has more of a salmon hue with yellow accents. The Claire Austin is white, which is about the last thing I need up against my plain white stucco, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s indispensable for cutting and arrangement purposes.

Photos are up at the grower’s website, although in no way, shape or form do I guarantee results like those in year 1.

I want to plant a hedge by the sidewalk that runs in front of my house.  It’s a very small front yard with full sun morning through early afternoon and good soil. I’m right on the borderline between USDA zones 6b and 7a.

My ideal hedge shrub would be around 4-5 feet tall, evergreen, and fragrant.  I don’t want to crowd the sidewalk or get too messy (visually or literally). I don’t want to overkill on color just yet (that’s what annuals are for).  I just want a nice frame for the yard that’s robust and pleasant to walk past without being overpowering. I like everything about the tea olive except the size, and everything about the boxwood but the lack of scent.

Suggestions?