Skip to main content

Featured

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 ...
Post a Comment
Read more
Labels

Red Wing Blackbirds

First of all, thanks to everyone who left a comment on my previous post. I enjoyed reading each and every one of them.

The Redwing Blackbirds are back at the feeders. I only see them at the feeders at certain times of the year. The beginning of Fall seems to be one of those times. This is probably a migration time for them and they are passing through.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Email Post
Labels:

Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowOctober 1, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    It is that time of year. Redwings are such beautiful blackbirds. I bet you are baking up a storm since it has cooled off. Excuse me while I go bake some muffins. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 1, 2012 at 9:08 PM

    I have a feeder just like that. The Carolina chickadees just love the hid in the holes. Mary

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anne BoykinOctober 2, 2012 at 2:26 AM

    Hi Phillip, I wish they would come to my bird feeder. I grew up in California where there are a lot of them. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Phillip OliverOctober 2, 2012 at 6:38 AM

    Mary, isn't that the greatest feeder? The birds love it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gardening Under The InfluenceOctober 4, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    I use to see Redwings all the time growing up in Wisconsin, but have not seen any since coming to NC many years ago.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts