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Winter Rose Care & Pruning

Although major rose pruning is not done until late February into early March, there are a few things I do to get roses settled in for the winter. First, I wait until the first frost has occurred before I do anything. That happened on December 1 this year, a little later than normal. If you do any pruning prior to that, new growth will be encouraged, and it will just be nipped later. I will then do minimal pruning, about 1/3 of the plant or to about waist-high. It does not matter how you make the cuts. More precise pruning will be done in late winter. Giving roses a slight pruning at this time will decrease the damage from strong winter winds. Roses are not deeply rooted, and any long canes can spell trouble. Pick off any remaining leaves, if possible. I know that can be a big job if there are still many leaves left on the plant but you don't want leaves, especially diseased leaves, left to fall and harbor spores for next season. Clean the area around the base of the rose. Rake out ...
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No-mow project completed (well almost)

The second portion of the front lawn is completed except for edging and I will add that later. It is now no longer a lawn and I'm not sure exactly what to call it.



We now have pea gravel pathways and islands of mondo grass (both the dwarf and regular varieties) and a small area of pachysandra.

This photo shows almost the entire area although it is impossible to get it all, even with my wide angle lens.



In case you are coming in late, the main reason behind all this was my inability to get grass to grow (it is very shady). I think I'm pleased with the outcome (Michael says he is). I think the best part about it is less mowing. We now only have a few strips of grassy areas in the lower garden.
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  1. Pam/DiggingAugust 16, 2009 at 10:08 PM

    That area is MUCH more interesting than a swath of lawn, and it really invites you to explore with those wandering paths. It also looks bigger now, don't you think? I love it!

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  2. AnonymousAugust 16, 2009 at 10:38 PM

    I for one think it's a fabulous transformation. You did a great job and you should be proud. Pull up a chair and a cold drink and pat yourself on the back.

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  3. LesAugust 17, 2009 at 3:33 AM

    What a great improvment. I am down to just two strips of grass and they both belong to the city technically.

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  4. CanadianGardenJoyAugust 17, 2009 at 4:28 AM

    Phillip ... it has been a while since I have visited and every time I come .. my heart does a flip .. your gardens are what I would love to have , so I have to live a little through your shoes ?
    Seriously .. this no mow project is going to be wonderful .. I am working (in my head mostly .. when the heat breaks, YES .. we do get heat here !) anyways more landscaping will be done in the Autumn to begin my ideas.
    Our garden(s)are always changing. That is the one constant, a gardener can count on isn't it ?
    Joy : )

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  5. Lisa at GreenbowAugust 17, 2009 at 4:59 AM

    Absolutely great results. It looks so neat and will stay that way without weekly mowing etc. All of those paths make you want to go exploring. I just love it.

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  6. DaveAugust 17, 2009 at 5:03 AM

    Very nice. That mondo grass will fill in and give you a good swath of green without the mowing. It's a good solution!

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  7. How It GrowsAugust 17, 2009 at 5:14 AM

    Looks great - very inviting.

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  8. GingerAugust 17, 2009 at 5:21 AM

    It looks amazing, like the Biltmore or something!

    I put down grass this weekend, after considering something like this, for two reasons: we needed something with roots to help with drainage (hopefully), and our dog wouldn't do well with the gravel. I certainly would prefer to visit your yard, though!!

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  9. AnonymousAugust 17, 2009 at 5:42 AM

    This is my kind of garden. I want to enter and explore.
    I have a shady side that needs to be developed. Good job.

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  10. GailAugust 17, 2009 at 5:47 AM

    I love it Phillip...It is inviting and attractive. You and Pam (Digging) have inspired me to convert the remaining lawn in the front to a stock pond area with mulched paths. gail

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  11. CarolAugust 17, 2009 at 5:48 AM

    Magical! I would call that a garden. Strolling in a whitewash of moonlight would make it enchanting. I look forward to seeing the growth of your plantings fill in. So lovely! Less mowing too... Well Done!

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  12. Nell JeanAugust 17, 2009 at 5:49 AM

    If you want to call it the obvious title, then it is the 'Shade Garden.'

    It's very pretty and inviting for strolling.

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  13. Roses and LilacsAugust 17, 2009 at 5:54 AM

    It's really looking nice, those winding paths invite the eye and the imagination to follow. You have a wonderful talent for design.
    Marnie

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  14. RandyAugust 17, 2009 at 6:08 AM

    Phillip, I think it looks absolutely fantastic! Great job.--Randy

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  15. Sweet Home and Garden CarolinaAugust 17, 2009 at 7:18 AM

    What they said, plus, what a great improvement over high-maintenance grass.

    I'm down to a small patch in my front garden and have plans to take it out this Fall.

    Fantastic job, Phillip.

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  16. LayaneeAugust 17, 2009 at 8:20 AM

    A very satisfactory conversion of lawn to garden I would say. How is the back holding up?

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  17. Catherine@AGardenerinProgressAugust 17, 2009 at 9:08 AM

    It looks so great! I love the feel it gives to the area. Definitely worth all the hard work!
    BTW I found the hummingbird feeder you had in your giveaway, I'm glad you mentioned where you bought it because I found one there. I saw the exact same one in a nursery for double the price. Now if I can get as good a picture as you did!

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  18. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)August 17, 2009 at 11:17 AM

    Phillip it looks excellent.

    You must be pleased!!!

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  19. yolanaAugust 17, 2009 at 11:49 AM

    Did you end up edging the paths?

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  20. sweetbayAugust 17, 2009 at 11:55 AM

    Call it beautiful!

    That area looks wonderful.

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  21. C. C.August 17, 2009 at 1:59 PM

    Beautiful. I'd call it a park. That's what it reminds me of. I want to stroll thru it.

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  22. Southern AspirationsAugust 17, 2009 at 5:45 PM

    It is absolutely amazing. You continue to amaze and inspire me. I love how you've styled it as well.

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  23. F CameronAugust 17, 2009 at 5:52 PM

    The results look great! I think you'll be so glad you did this. Not only is the design great, but the lower maintenance gives you more time to ENJOY that amazing garden of yours!

    Cheers,
    Cameron

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  24. SusanAugust 18, 2009 at 5:38 AM

    It looks great, and it lightened up an area that could be dark due to the trees. Now you can sit back and enjoy it!

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  25. Monica the Garden FaerieAugust 18, 2009 at 6:36 AM

    I think your front garden (that's what I'd call it) is great. What's that bright pink solitary blossom in the first photo?

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  26. A.August 18, 2009 at 7:14 AM

    Amazing job! I love it!

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  27. Dee/reddirtramblingsAugust 18, 2009 at 7:26 AM

    Phillip, I call it verdant, esthetically pleasing. I call it beautiful. Great job. Lots of work, but wonderful result. Congrats.~~Dee

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  28. Phillip OliverAugust 18, 2009 at 8:59 PM

    Monica, that is a crape myrtle.

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  29. Benjamin VogtAugust 19, 2009 at 5:27 PM

    I would say it looks wonderful and inviting, but the two lions don't appear inviting--not to me anyway. More like: "You wanna walk this way, punk? I don't think so." Maybe that's the point, to follow the lovely side paths you've made here. :)

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  30. AnonymousAugust 19, 2009 at 10:43 PM

    your lawn must be producing lots of oxygen for you and oxygen would produce healthy life for you.


    MARIA

    Cash Online Get Easy cash at your door step

    ReplyDelete
  31. Deborah at Kilbourne GroveAugust 24, 2009 at 3:51 PM

    Just found your blog and this is (almost)the first post I read. And what a way to start. I'm all for less grass(equals less mowing) and you have done an amazing job. I love all your mysterious paths, so enticing to discover what lies down them. I am planning to take out some grass this spring and lay down a pea gravel path. What are you planning on edging yours with?
    Love the lions!

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  32. Phillip OliverAugust 25, 2009 at 6:29 AM

    Hi Deborah, I do plan to install edging. I'm just not sure what kind I will be using. I will update when I do!

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