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Rose Pruning Again

Late February to early March is the time for the major pruning of roses. Back in December, I did a preliminary pruning , now is the time for the last major pruning before the spring season begins.  First, a comment on hybrid tea roses. This is what most people have in their gardens. I only have a few hybrid tea roses. These are the roses that need the most drastic pruning. Basically, you cut all the canes down to about 1 foot, making the cuts right above an outward-facing bud. The result will be something like this -  Most of my roses fall into the shrub and climbing categories. These roses are pruned differently and not as severe as the hybrid teas. For shrub roses (and many of the David Austin English roses fall into this category), I first take out the older canes completely to the ground. The older canes are easy to spot - they will be thicker and darker in color. After thinning out the older canes, I remove any canes that are damaged, crossing one another and canes that ...

More Japanese Maples

It seems I was a bit premature on my post about Japanese maples a few weeks ago. The "Boskoop Glory" was outrageously beautiful then but now all of its leaves have fallen. In the meantime, the "Bloodgood" that was rather drab next to it, has suddenly intensified.



 
In the back, next to the garage, is one of the most beautifully colored Japanese Maples and I don't know the name of it. It also sits next to a "Bloodgood" variety. The brilliant yellow and orange leaves next to the crimson of the "Bloodgood" is what I'm guessing must be like a religious experience!

The Japanese Maples have never disappointed me with their fall color. You keep thinking that the color isn't going to be spectacular but you just have to be patient. It will come!

Happy Thanksgiving!



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. I thought the same thing Phillip and then surprise it was gorgeous. Your photos make me Autumn happy! Have a delightful holiday. gail

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  2. Phillip,
    They are just gorgeous. The two I planted in the front yard are suppose to get 20 feet. One is 'Atropurpureum' and I'm not sure of the other. Each year they struggle thru the summer and I wonder will they live. This is the third year so they should take off I hope. My 'Virdis' turned orange this year for the very first time!

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  3. On the other coast, we too thought there would be little color this year, but patience is rewarded! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  4. They look beautiful Phillip - both colour and the trunk form of the bloodgood.

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  5. There is really nothing quite like them for that amazingly intense color during autumn...I totally look forward to them every year.

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  6. Phillip, those colors are just lovely! We haven't got a leaf left, well, maybe one or two. Enjoy the beauty around you and Happy Thanksgiving!

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  7. Hi Phillip, Beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  8. Are Japanese maples ever ugly?

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  9. Hi Phillip, I can only echo what you said in your post: Your Japanese maples are spectacular! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
    Christina

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  10. Oh Phillip, they are lovely. You know what a weakness I have for Japanese maples. Alas, all of mine have now lost their leaves. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.~~Dee

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  11. I have several varieties of Japanese Maples. One at the end of the driveway I dug up as a seedling that came up under a large one at my old house. Which I knew the variety. I have 3 young Bloodgood's I purchased on close out this year. One is still full with leaves. I think they are going to be nice when they get established.

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  12. Jap maples live up to their billing as beautiful all season especially during the fall. Your images are da bomb are very much appreciated by me.

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  13. Oh, Phillip, how I would love to have a Japanese maple. I remember them from my previous life up north, but apparently they can't tolerate our heat. I wonder if one would enjoy life as an understory tree in a vacant spot under my oaks in total shade. How I wish...

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  14. Oh my, I'm so jealous of all that color. I do have 'Bloodgood' and count on it being the last one to show some great color. It's looking good now. I remember when you put that gravel down around the maple. I think it looks great now!

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  15. Fabulous!!! My favorite season to garden, not many bugs, sun on my back not beating down on my head, weeds are slower growing.....

    Are you going to be on tour this spring? would love advanced notice so I could make arrangements.

    xoxox

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  16. So so so pretty. Happy Thanksgiving!

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