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 ...
Your garden always looks so full I don't know where you could put anything else! But I know how it is. We gardeners always need just one more plant! Happy fall! Carol
ReplyDeleteWhat a haul. I am green. They all sound marvelous. Tis the season for this kind of planting. Have fun. Michael rocks with his shower liner tip.
ReplyDeleteCarol, my garden is full, especially for trees. These plants will go on my mother's property, where I'm hoping to retire one day and start a whole new garden!
ReplyDeleteNice haul indeed! You will love the 'Carolina Sapphire' ... mine gets more beautiful each day!
ReplyDeleteThe shower curtain is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteNice plants.
We have three vehicles... one is for the really big hauls (pick-up truck) and the other two are never without old blankets as standard equipment for going anywhere... since there is always a nursery and frequently many nurseries!! Congratulations on your new plants! Larry
ReplyDeleteMy goodness Phillip, for someone who only wanted a few plants, that is quite a haul! My favorite garden center hands out sheets of plastic, and I have several in my trunk for plant purchasing. But I sure like the idea of a shower liner. I've just added that to my shopping list!
ReplyDeleteGreat haul!! Envy your sourwood, that is my next tree to acquire and put into my woods.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have an additional property on which to garden and think of as your retirement residence. Hooray for a fabulous haul!
ReplyDeleteYou really did get a great haul! I never thought about a shower liner for the car - smart thinking! I'm definitely going to get one for the trunk of my car!
ReplyDeleteI still have potted stuff to get in the ground. I knew if I went to the sale, I'd be bringing back a truck load. I've got to move some daylilies and iris from a spot that's gotten too shaded so I can plant the hydrangeas.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing Michael got another Pathfinder and not a car instead:) I always carry plastic sheets from our local garden center in the back of my car, but a shower liner sounds like the perfect solution. Happy planting!
ReplyDeleteThe Nyssa is a nice tree with great fall color and a nice natural shape and habit.
ReplyDeleteI see some other favorites on your list too. Good luck with all the new stuff.
I love their sale as you can get plants you don't find in nurseries. I have a lot of potted things that I got in this summer and with the 100 degree temps and potted them and put under my shade tree nursery. I didn't need to add a truck load to the collection.
ReplyDeleteThat's a few plants indeed. lol I think that haul can fill your whole garden. It looks always full.
ReplyDeletepet shops
Great haul! We are yet to see much color and as usual, leaves are falling before the color appears. Sigh... We too keep plastic sheets and old towels in the trunk for such dirty finds. We sold our 18 year old Pontiac with the trunk looking brand new! After many craft faires, plant finds, dirt hauls, etc...
ReplyDeleteWonderful plant choices! I wondered if these were for your retirement property! g
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