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 ...
Wow! Great photos making memories to keep, it may never snow like that for the next ten years! I like how the snow piled up on top of things especially on the tree in pix #4 leaving the bottom side clean and bare and the furry burr-y cloak on the statue.
ReplyDeleteTen years? Nope, every couple of years.
DeletePoor little Van!! Hope it warms up quickly!!!
ReplyDeleteHe's back! :)
DeleteI don't know how close to your house you have your hummingbird feeder hung, but if there's an electrical outlet near by, I've heard that if you wrap the feeder in LED Christmas lights that might supply enough heat to keep the syrup from freezing. Or a lot of people just bring it in at night and put it out again in the morning.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good idea and worth trying.. Our feeders are just out on the patio. I am going to start bringing them in for now.
ReplyDeleteYour garden looks pretty with a heavy dusting of snow. Van is a lucky bird having his own chef. :)
ReplyDeleteHoly Moly! Snow brightens up the whole outdoors--nice in grey (almost) winter. That last photo of the statue wearing a snow turban is a fun one.
ReplyDeleteNice pics, Phillip!
ReplyDeleteI particularly the last one with the statue wearing its stone 'hat' :)
Glad you are enjoying the transformation wrought by the snow.
ReplyDeleteOnly cold here. News reports said UNA cheerleaders stuck on icy interstate on way to Kansas City. Hoping we avoid the icy mix this go-round. You guys stay safe!
ReplyDelete