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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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Some progress

 

The pathway project stumbles on. It has been a slow go due to rain and my bum shoulder. I finally decided to see a chiropractor (my first time) and he said that it was almost dislocated. I have no idea how I did it. I've been for several visits and I think (and hoping) that it is getting better. He said that it would take a while. In the mean time, I've been trying to do things left-handed and, with the retaining wall project, only using a hand truck and moving a few at a time. It isn't that big of a project but I had hoped to be finished by now. Actually, due to rain, I've only averaged one or two days per week.

In hindsight, I should not have removed all of the grass, just the area next to the edge. The majority of the grass could have remained until I get ready to put down the new sod. Needless to say, it is a muddy mess.

I took Michael and Lisa's advice and turned the stones on their sides. It is taller than I envisioned it but I refused to start over and dig deeper. Actually, once the soil is replenished next to the rocks, it will still be lower than the middle of the border. At least, that is what I'm telling myself!

 




 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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Comments

  1. sweetbayDecember 29, 2020 at 4:54 AM

    I feel you on the mud and the rain. We got 6 1/2 inches in mid November from a tropical storm and the rain keeps coming as it will in winter in the Southeast.

    Your garden is so different from the one in Alabama! I like your use of all of the varied small evergreens.

    Have you tried a cortisone shot for your shoulder?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverDecember 29, 2020 at 7:14 AM

      I always tell myself that rain is better than drought. Cortisone has not been mentioned yet. Another appointment today.

      Delete
  2. Angie (Dash & Bloom)December 29, 2020 at 8:15 AM

    Oh that is going to look beautiful. And I personally like the height. It really anchors the area beautifully. Here is hoping for less rain and also that the doc can help with your shoulder.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lisa at GreenbowDecember 29, 2020 at 9:49 AM

    Your little short wall is looking good despite the muck. Sounds like you really did in your shoulder. You better baby that shoulder so you don't have any permanent damage. It sounds painful. I am sure scraping up the turf didn't help your shoulder. Take it easy...

    ReplyDelete
  4. GRACE PETERSONDecember 29, 2020 at 10:53 AM

    This is going to look really nice when it's done. It already looks nice with so many cool plants! I'm sorry about your shoulder. Hopefully you will be back to 100% soon. Please post photos when your project is finished.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kris PetersonDecember 29, 2020 at 11:41 AM

    I think you've done a LOT, especially given the rain, mud and shoulder considerations. My body no longer blithely accepts the stresses and strains of my garden projects either.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Gardener on Sherlock StreetDecember 29, 2020 at 3:54 PM

    Getting it done!

    ReplyDelete
  7. chavlinessDecember 30, 2020 at 9:05 AM

    The retaining wall looks good so far. I'm certain you'll be happy with the results.
    From personal experience, shoulder injuries are slow to recover. To maintain it in good health for the long run, physical therapy is helpful. Hang in there.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jane / MulchMaidDecember 30, 2020 at 9:45 AM

    It looks good, Philip! Speaking as one who just broke their collarbone, be very kind to your shoulder. It could be so much worse, and as mentioned above, you don’t want to do something that will affect it long-term. Winter is a fine time to go light on the sloppy outdoors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverDecember 30, 2020 at 10:18 PM

      Thanks Jane, I appreciate all the advice I can get!

      Delete

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