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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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New Fence Completed

 


Wow, that was fast! In just one day and a half, Luis and a helper completed the new fence and gate and I couldn't be happier. It is quite a change from the previous fence -



The next big job will be staining it to match the other wood structures in the garden ('Mahogany Flame' is our go-to color). That will have to wait until things dry out later in the spring.

I haven't looked closely yet at the plants surrounding the fence but I think the workers were pretty careful and everything looks to be intact. The huge Armandii clematis is still there, lying on the ground. I'm going to try and get it back on the fence this weekend if weather permits.

I also love the gate. I showed Luis a photo of ones that I liked and he took it from there. He is very creative and always comes up with good ideas.


From the back (inside the garden), it also looks fantastic -




Now to decide what to grow over the gate. I moved an ornamental kiwi vine and I will probably put it on one side. Of course, I would love to add a rose but the space for it is limited (it would be planted right inside the junipers). Decisions, decisions!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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  1. Kris PetersonJanuary 30, 2021 at 6:44 PM

    It looks fabulous, Phillip!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Karin / Southern MeadowsJanuary 31, 2021 at 4:33 AM

    It looks amazing! The plants and fence will complement one another so well!

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  3. Barbara H.January 31, 2021 at 9:45 AM

    Tough problems to have! It looks amazing - such an improvement, Phillip.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lisa at GreenbowJanuary 31, 2021 at 12:18 PM

    WOW is right. When you decide to do something...Voila. It totally transforms this area. The gate is the bomb. And what fun decisions to have to make now.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gardener on Sherlock StreetJanuary 31, 2021 at 2:52 PM

    That will look great for years!

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  6. RobinLJanuary 31, 2021 at 5:03 PM

    Excellent work, and what an improvement over chain link! Can’t wait to see how you “decorate” it with plants.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Endah MurniyatiFebruary 1, 2021 at 12:45 AM

    Lovely! Wooden materials make everything look so natural.

    ReplyDelete
  8. chavlinessFebruary 1, 2021 at 9:38 AM

    Were the outside photos taken from the street? From a neighbor's yard? I couldn't quite make it out... Either way, the fence is beautiful. You certainly found a Master carpenter with great talent for woodwork.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverFebruary 1, 2021 at 9:51 AM

      The first three are taken from the driveway. The fence divides the driveway from our back garden. The last three photos were taken on the garden. I hope that makes sense!

      Delete
  9. Hoover BooFebruary 1, 2021 at 4:23 PM

    Yes, wow, what a transformation! Congrats on a really successful improvement you can enjoy for years to come.

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  10. Casa MariposaFebruary 1, 2021 at 4:56 PM

    I love it! It's beautiful and perfect for your garden.

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2021 at 12:28 PM

    The gate is so in keeping with the style of the fence and still echoes the gates you liked (a real design coup)
    rickii

    ReplyDelete

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