First of all, David, a very belated thank you for the info on the wood ash. I am sorry I didn't notice it until today; somehow I stopped receiving notifications from this thread.
Swooning at the photos of all the gorgeous roses!
My Mme Alfred Carričre has finally settled in and is gearing up for an ample second flush of flower, Mme Pierre Oger did well: 6 blooms in her first year! Lady Emma is good but not (yet) brilliant and Pierre de Ronsard has, shall we call it 'further room for improvement' (I don't want to discourage him!). I will go find the photos and post some.
Personally, I find that names of rose varieties (and of plants in general, also irises, hemerocallis, tulips etc) do evoke strong reactions from me. I've often admired the pink rose 'Sexy Rexy' but just cannot bring myself to buy it with that name. I am obviously very impressionable!