By now, the garden should be put to bed and the roses well on their way to dormancy to rest until their wake-up call in April. Here in the northeast it seems that the season is ending like much of the rest of the year cloudy, misty, and rainy. We sure have had plenty of water. The roses are slowing down but we havent had real cold weather yet. Its good for working outside, but it looks like Ill be winterizing the roses before they are fully dormant. I just cant wait any longer. Once its done it will be time now to sit by the fire and peruse the catalogs that are sure to come for gifts for gardeners and rose ideas. Additional ideas for new roses are abundant on the internet at sites such as www.helpmefind.com. More than enough fodder to fuel your dreams for the spring.

The holidays are fast approaching and a little searching will uncover many gifts for gardeners. (or yourself) Your local garden center has a wide variety of ideas and I know, at least for me, hat a gift card is always welcome.

While youre looking locally, check out your local rose society. Here is a ready source of lots of rose information. One of the best benefits of a local rose society is the opportunity to talk with other rose growers, usually over coffee an dessert, and learn what works for others and what doesnt. A friend that grows roses is sure to benefit from a membership.

The American Rose Society is offering a four month trial membership that includes two issues of their award winning magazine for $10.00. Details are on their web site www.ars.org and its a gift thats sure to please. The American Rose Society also has a gift store on its web site.

Tools are always high on my list. Pruners or loppers are popular. Some brand names are Felco, Fiskars and Corona. Be sure to look for by-pass pruners that operate like scissors. They dont crush the rose canes like the anvil types do. General garden tools are always welcome and one of my favorites is a garden kneeler. It has handles that help me getting up and down. It is padded for comfort and, when turned upside down, it becomes a seat very handy.