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 ...
I hadn't realised blogger is having picture problems. A picture vanished from one of my recent posts so I replaced it. I thought it must have been something to do with the way I'd loaded it. Though come to think of it I have visited one blog today where ALL the photos had gone. Yours, fortunately, is here. That wall looks as if it has an impressively regular curve. Hard work. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI can see your photo Phillip. Most of the pictures left my blog too. That is so annoying.
ReplyDeleteYour wall looks great from here. I know it will be wonderful when you finish. Can't wait to see what color and how high you make it.
I just looked at the photo again. Is that wall serpentine? I sure looks like it. No wonder it is so difficult.
ReplyDeleteLisa, yes it is!
DeleteI can see your wall. I am impressed and amazed you took it on as a DIY project. I'd be hopeless at masonry. What is the tree to the left of the wall? An Acer palmatum? Lovely dainty, graceful!
ReplyDeleteAlso like the rubber duckies in the water.
Yes, it is Acer 'Osakazuki'.
DeleteI can see this one! Keep at it!
ReplyDeleteThe photos from GBBD are visible today (weren’t a few days ago), as is today’s “teaser “photo. Not sure what flaws you see in this major undertaking. The wall looks pretty darn fabulous to me.
ReplyDeleteBack when our patio and retaining wall was going in Andrew and I thought we'd build the wall ourselves. The first trip to Home Depot for supplies and we abandoned that idea and hired professionals (we did put in the patio ourselves). Our wall wouldn't have lasted the first winter I'm afraid (or maybe our marriage wouldn't have lasted the wall construction?). On the other had your wall looks amazing! You (and Michael) should be proud.
ReplyDelete