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 ...
Aloha! Is he waiting for a bird? Feed your cat Phillip!
ReplyDeleteOoooooooh! It's Chester! Hey Buddy!--Randy
ReplyDeleteHere, birdie, birdie, come have a drink;) Love the photo.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Very cute! He looks like he has very marmalade-type markings.
ReplyDeleteThey do like high places! gail
ReplyDeleteWe really need another cat.
ReplyDeleteCats always choose such unusual places to rest. He looks interested in something. Maybe a bird?
ReplyDeleteYes, I think it was a bird because just as I was signing off I thought I heard him call "here birdy come take a bath. I will wash your back for you."
ReplyDeleteI've got three cats. Harold, Hector and Horace.
ReplyDeletePerfect! LOL
ReplyDeleteCameron
Love it
ReplyDeleteSo cute!
ReplyDeleteCat bidet?
ReplyDeletePhillip~~ There is nothing like a cat to adorn a garden! In my opinion a garden isn't complete without a garden cat! Yours is a cutie pie. Give him a chin scratch from me.
ReplyDeleteI love his colorations along with his choice of thrones!
ReplyDeleteFrances
No words necessary! Red cats are the smartest.
ReplyDeleteHe's saying, "just let that hummingbird try and sneak past me again!"
ReplyDeleteFor those of us who find cats charming (and I do), that is one cute photo. The contrasting colors are also fab.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteWhat a great image! He looks like he is ready to pounce! Great blog!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to tell you I came here from Jan's blog. I'm glad she won the feeder. I see we know a lot of the same bloggers.
ReplyDeleteI love your kitty perched on the bird bath.