Neptune: Prolific rose breeder Tom Carruth is also responsible for this luscious new lavender Hybrid Tea (the man's a veritable rose machine!). I'm so enchanted with its exquisite color, huge flower size, and powerfully sweet fragrance that I've already reserved a prime spot for it next to my darkest purple Iris ensatas. According to my reliable internet gossip sources, Neptune would probably have a better chance of achieving its perfect rave-worthy exhibition form in coastal areas of California than it will down here in Blast Furnace, Louisiana. But that doesn't bother me since I'm not an exhibitor. I really like what I'm hearing about its disease resistance and vitality. And when it comes to that glorious color, well, you all know my motto: "Resistance Is Futile." Dr. Leda's top ten picks for 2005