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 ...
That #13 will be in your mind daily. Hopefully you will get used to it. It won't hurt you. Love the photo. It looks like that new lens will be an asset. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo! One of my goals this year is to use my husband's really good camera and lenses. I love taking pics of birds, too. Maybe taking more photos will help with that pesky 13 number. Happy New Year from Arkansas!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Looking through a new lens, of course! :)
ReplyDeleteI had a teacher once tell me her son returned from Vietnam on the 13th (a Friday even), so she never considered it unlucky. I have a sister born on the 13th, too. I hope this year turns out to be one of the best for you! Happy 2013!
ReplyDeleteGreat picture of the Goldfinches! I predict that this year will be your best so far, filled with wonderful plants and special people. Remember, it's just a number. Happy New Year, Phillip!
ReplyDeleteGreat capture of the goldfinches.I have never seen as many as I have this year.I have to fill the feeders everyday(I should,but I don't).Love watching them.
ReplyDeleteIf 13 won you the big money on the Lotto,you would think it was your luck number.....
Great photo, Phillip! From someone born on the 13th. Life is good! Happy New Year to you!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Phillip! Great photo, and what lens did you get?
ReplyDeleteJust think of it as 31 backwards. Happy new year to you regardless of the number.
ReplyDeleteFive golden finches and a hou---ow-ow--ows---finch.
ReplyDeleteFocus on the 20 part!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
hey if it makes you feel any better, this is technically the 14th year of the 2000s, so your unlucky year should have been last year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions everybody! Masha, I got a 105mm macro lens.
ReplyDeleteHappy to find your blog today! Your photos are amazing! Of course I'm following you:)
ReplyDeleteSo that's where all of my charming goldfinches have gone for the winter! I do miss their cheery summer yellow coats around here.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year !
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful posts. I thoroughly enjoy your blog from my little corner of the world in New Zealand, but very seldom comment so I hope I have put that right for the New Year :-)
Great photo! Jeannine
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