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 ...
Most of the blackbirds in our area are already on territory. The females are beginning to come in too. I got to be out in the garden most of the afternoon yesterday as it got up to 64 despite the 23mph wind gusting up to 36mph. The wind has been horrid this winter and spring doesn't seem to be much different. Best of luck with your tour preparations. I know they will be delighted with your garden no matter if you get it allfixed up to your expectations.
ReplyDeleteYour garden will be beautiful! Enjoy the excitement and don't wear yourself out.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the electric mower worked on the monkey grass! I bought an electric mower last summer and have been concerned that it wouldn't be tough enough.
ReplyDeleteHi Phillip, how exciting that you are particapting in a garden tour event. Your garden is certainly worth seeing! Actually judging about your photos I think your garden would be ready for a garden tour right now, but I understand that as an owner you probably see it differently ;-). Hope you are keeping it fun to get the garden ready and not killing yourself!
ReplyDeleteChristina
As always, your garden will be gorgeous! I love it every time I see it. Can't wait to see it again!
ReplyDeleteSo...green... there. I need to move South Phillip. Good luck and I'll look forward to hearing more as the garden tour gets closer.
ReplyDeleteHi Philip,
ReplyDeleteAs others have said, take it easy - you already have a star garden! Is your monkey grass liriope or mondo grass? I have some kind of liriope, but it doesn't spread. I'd love to mow it, but my mower may not cut as high as yours. It looks great after mowing! Best to you, Shenandoah
It's so awesome that your garden is going to be featured on a tour! I know it will look perfect. I'm a new reader to your blog and I've been so impressed by your beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Don't wear yourself out Phillip! I'm thinking of how much things are going to change in just 5 weeks! The trees are flowering and greening up around here already! Good luck! Still planning to make the trip!
ReplyDeleteFrom the pictures that I have seen of your garden, everyone on your tour will be in for a treat. I would love to see it in person! Looking forward to seeing your garden through the seasons.
ReplyDeleteHoly moly, Philip, that's a lot of blackbirds! Mondo grass is a thug here and I keep a close eye on my neighbors' plantings to make sure they don't migrate!
ReplyDeleteI can understand - I would be all upset if I thought people were coming to tour my garden in 5 weeks. We are staring to see green here in south Texas but it still looks pretty sad right now. Really ready to get to digging in the dirt! Post pictures please when you get everything like you want it. Gardens are never finished! Carol
ReplyDeleteI have got about 8 weeks before my garden tour, but I have not been resting up. Major pruning and planting taking place.
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