Skip to main content

Featured

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 ...

Garden videos

Last spring, I made a few videos of the garden.

This is the front garden beginning at the front door and walking around the outside fence along the street -

 

A brief clip of the courtyard area in back -

 

 A longer clip of the back garden -

 

A video of the wall shortly after it was stuccoed but before painting -

 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Love your use of space and how the plants all grow so well together. I am sure y'all enjoy the garden immensely!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is astonishing how the front and back 'yards' are totally transformed into magical garden garden rooms, in only 5 years... Even though I follow your blog, I'm in awe of the transformation. I wish the former owners could see it now...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is funny that you said that because yesterday, as I was taking down the Christmas lights out front, a guy riding a bicycle stopped and said that he used to live here! He wasn't the last owner but the one before the last. We had a great conversation about the house and he gave me some interesting facts about it. He said he loved what we had done with it.

      Delete
  3. It is astonishing how the front and back 'yards' are totally transformed into magical garden garden rooms, in only 5 years... Even though I follow your blog, I'm in awe of the transformation. I wish the former owners could see it now...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow, what a labor of love. Thank you for sharing these videos of your beautiful garden.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You have a truly spectacular garden, Phillip. I saw so many plants I love, some of which I can grow (but not nearly as well) and many that I can't. Thanks for sharing the videos.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I can't get over how established your garden is no longer than you have been here. It is spectacular! So much inspiration. I also enjoyed hearing the birds in the background. I will be looking at the videos again. So much to see.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The rapid growth surprised me too. It is hard to believe it has just been five years but also that five years have passed.

      Delete
  7. You have done so much work on the hardscape as well as the garden. It all looks wonderful! Your roses look magnificent. I love the pergola with the table beneath it and the steps leading up to the rounded arch.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I just love everything in your huge yard, so many beautiful garden rooms/spaces and places to relax and enjoy all the plants, shrubs and trees!
    You have so much variety in color, texture, and form, it all goes so well together with your hardscape. Thanks so much for sharing and giving me lots of inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've been saving this for a time when I needed a respite and this morning decided this was the day after the horrors of the week. Love it all, Phillip, and I knew you would "do good" after seeing your Alabama garden but this is spectacular. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts