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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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Finding an Old Postcard in a Gardening Book


I was browsing through an old book called "Azaleas and Camellias" by H. Harold Hume, copyright 1938, and out popped an old postcard. 

It appears that it was not mailed so perhaps it arrived in a separate envelope. 

The card is addressed to be "Mrs. C.G. Davidson" of Kosse, Texas although I'm not quite sure as it looks like there is an "S" in front of "Koss". In looking on Google Maps, I see a "Koss, Texas" located between Houston and Dallas. I do not find a "Klosse" Texas.

The note reads:

"Dear Ms. Carrie, I rec'd your letter and was sure glad to hear from you. I thought I'd get to come last week but couldn't. If I can get a buggy and we are all well, I'll come to see you next Saturday May 26. I have 10 chickens, 2 hens setting. My gardens not much good, beans look very well, worms eating up my cabbage. Well I hope to see you soon. Tell the kids hello. Your friend, Rebecca."

I love finding things like this!


 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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Comments

  1. Kris PetersonDecember 12, 2021 at 3:58 PM

    That's fun! Given the reference to a "buggy" I have to wonder how old that postcard is!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip OliverDecember 12, 2021 at 4:15 PM

      I would love to know too. Unfortunately I could not find a date on it.

      Delete

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