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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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White Christmas

A cold and snowy Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I guess you know you are getting old when you like it but you don't want out in it.


We don't have to go anywhere so we are happy inside.

A Northern Flicker has been visiting the suet feeder for the past month or so. He is so beautiful!

And the hummingbird is a faithful resident. It seems so weird seeing them with snow on the ground. We have been bringing the feeder inside at night to keep it from freezing.


This year's Buche de Noel was made by Michael. My work schedule was pretty full last week so he pitched in and did the honors. This thing is heavenly. The frosting and cake has Kahlua in it. I posted the recipe a few years ago. Sadly, we lost the little Cardinal bird that we always decorated it with - we think it was lost in the move. And we have nothing with red berries in the garden. I will have to remedy that. Michael had some tiny little birds from his craft supplies and came up with nice decorations. Merry Christmas everyone!





Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowDecember 25, 2017 at 3:50 PM

    Your yule log looks so pretty. New decorations to begin a new tradition. Blessings and Merry Christmas to you and Michael.

    ReplyDelete
  2. http://whatsitgarden.blogspot.comDecember 25, 2017 at 6:40 PM

    That Buche looks gorgeous and delicious ! We had a little treacherous walk today , it was nice to be out for a bit of air... and so quiet out . Merry Christmas !

    ReplyDelete
  3. AaronDecember 25, 2017 at 8:52 PM

    This post is awesome.

    The Flicker is beautiful, but the hummer looks kinda sad in the snow. I'm sure he/she is happy that at least there is some warm, unfrozen sugar water to drink!

    Merry (white) Christmas! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. organicgardendreamsDecember 25, 2017 at 9:36 PM

    Dear Phillip, your snowed in garden looks so pretty! I do feel sorry for the hummingbird, though. Will it have a chance to survive?
    That Buche de Noel is something else! I might have to try your recipe. I love the cake decoration. Very unique and charming!
    Can't believe that Christmas is almost over. Hope you guys savor the last moments. Merry Christmas to you and your partner!
    Warm regards,
    Christina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverDecember 25, 2017 at 9:42 PM

      Christina, the Anna’s hummingbird does indeed survive the winter here. How they do it - I don’t know.. They were here last winter and it was an unusually harsh one.

      Delete
  5. outlawgardenerDecember 26, 2017 at 9:02 AM

    Merry Christmas to you both! Your garden looks beautiful frosted with snow. Speaking of frosting, the Buche de Noel looks divine!

    ReplyDelete
  6. sweetbayDecember 26, 2017 at 9:40 PM

    The Buche de Noel looks heavenly! Gorgeous picture of the flicker.

    ReplyDelete
  7. SallysmomDecember 29, 2017 at 4:37 AM

    Love your pics of the Log. Sorry I just have to call it that. My grandson loves this & has always since he was old enough to say it has asked for a log cake at Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  8. KMGDecember 29, 2017 at 1:48 PM

    Beautiful pics Phillip. What kind of camera are you using?

    ReplyDelete

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