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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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Blazing November

Japanese Maple "Boskoop Glory"

Before we left for Florida last week, there was practically no fall color. I kept apologizing to a garden group from Huntsville because color-wise, there wasn't much to see. I guess you just have to be patient. Like last year, the color comes in November. I don't think this has always been the case but perhaps it is a result of the changing climate. When it happens though, it seems to occur overnight. 
"Boskoop Glory", the Japanese Maple at our front door. Notice on the opposite side how "Bloodgood" pales in comparison. It makes you wonder why "Bloodgood" is so preferred in nurseries?
Another famous Japanese Maple is "Sango Kaku". The bark turns red in the winter and is spectacular in all seasons.
This maple is in our neighbor's yard. Not sure what kind it is. It is massive and the color is usually prettier than this.
The maples are not the only tree with beautiful color this time of year. This is a Star Magnolia.
Trees are not the only colorful plant - there are also shrubs with beautiful color. This is Fothergilla.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Angel's Trumpet

Looking up - dogwood in the foreground, sugar maple behind it and crape myrtle on the far left.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. AnonymousNovember 6, 2012 at 6:06 PM

    The dogwoods have been so full of berries this year, that they are just brilliant. Wonder if that is a winter prediction?

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  2. Deborah Younglao, Silk PainterNovember 6, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Our colors are really taking their time here in NC. But you're right it does seem to happen overnight!

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  3. Lisa at GreenbowNovember 7, 2012 at 3:45 AM

    My goodness, you do have lots of color in your garden now. Simply beautiful. Do you have to bring in your Angel's Trumpet? I always think of them as a tropical tree.

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  4. CarolNovember 7, 2012 at 4:57 AM

    Everything looks lovely and fallish in your part of the world. I love this time of the year and love all the fall colors! Carol

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  5. RandyNovember 7, 2012 at 5:49 AM

    Just beautiful Phillip! I need to get me "Sango Kaku"!

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  6. cwandersNovember 7, 2012 at 7:34 AM

    Your garden is so beautiful. Always enjoy seeing pictures of your garden during the different seasons.

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  7. C. C.November 7, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    I have fallen in love with 'Sango Kaku' and now have 4 in my garden, but they've got a long way to go before they'll be as full and beautiful as yours. Love 'Boskoop' - wish I had one!

    My garden is so bedraggled and leaf filled now, and with our giant oaks there are millions more (it seems) to come. Ready for spring!

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  8. GailNovember 8, 2012 at 5:57 AM

    How very lovely the fall color is in your garden Phillip. Our best color is also in November. I have a 'Glowing Embers' Japanese Maple from University of Georgia's breeding program. It's stunning in the fall~Way better color than 'Bloodgood' and much more sun hardy.

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  9. aquablueroseNovember 8, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    Beautiful to see such Gorgeous Fall Colors, Phillip!!!

    So Very Beautiful as always!!

    gerri XXXX

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  10. outlawgardenerNovember 9, 2012 at 6:09 AM

    Beautiful foliage Phillip! Frost is predicted here tonight so I just ripped my last brugmansia out of the ground, cut it back and threw it in the basement for winter. Keep warm!

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  11. UnknownNovember 12, 2012 at 11:54 AM

    Thanks for the great photos of phall! I was inspired by yours and went out to find some more color hanging on to our "hidden" japanese maples and took some pics. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  12. UnknownNovember 14, 2012 at 11:56 AM

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  13. UnknownNovember 14, 2012 at 12:19 PM

    Love looking at these autumn pictures. Its so refreshing to eyes watching the colorful leaves as the season readies for winter. I can say your blog is an inspiration.

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  14. AnonymousNovember 17, 2012 at 1:49 PM

    That 'Boskoop' maple is stunning - will have to see if it's available here. 'Bloodgood' pales by comparison.

    I too have a 'Glowing Embers' in my garden. It's my first fall with it and I loved the color so I can't wait for it to get larger.

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