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Rose Pruning Again

Late February to early March is the time for the major pruning of roses. Back in December, I did a preliminary pruning , now is the time for the last major pruning before the spring season begins.  First, a comment on hybrid tea roses. This is what most people have in their gardens. I only have a few hybrid tea roses. These are the roses that need the most drastic pruning. Basically, you cut all the canes down to about 1 foot, making the cuts right above an outward-facing bud. The result will be something like this -  Most of my roses fall into the shrub and climbing categories. These roses are pruned differently and not as severe as the hybrid teas. For shrub roses (and many of the David Austin English roses fall into this category), I first take out the older canes completely to the ground. The older canes are easy to spot - they will be thicker and darker in color. After thinning out the older canes, I remove any canes that are damaged, crossing one another and canes that ...
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Visiting Shari & John's Garden Again


It was in the fall of 2020 that I last saw Shari McDonald and John Hembroff's garden. I can't believe that was 2 1/2 years ago but, as they say, time flies when you're having fun (actually these days I think time flies no matter what mood you're in).

Shari said they had some damage during the winter. A tree fell in the front garden and while it didn't do a lot of damage, it did open up more space.




I absolutely love this garden and every time I see it, I feel the need to go home and start ripping everything out in our overstuffed garden and start over. It is so well designed and tranquil, truly a place to retreat from the noise and bustle of everyday life.

I ask myself how I would adjust to a shade garden. I know I would miss flowers, especially roses, but I also know that I prefer shade over sun.  

After entering, you are surrounded by plants and huge rocks. After walking a short distance down a flagstone pathway, you turn around and look back to this view -



To the right is a large Koi pond and waterfall -









Going around to the back garden reveals more treasures. This is a small garden but Shari has found room for a large amount of choice plants.


Hydrangea aspera

I forgot to ask Shari but I'm pretty sure the large variegated rhododendron is Rhododendron ponitcum 'Variegatum'. It has a beautiful purple bloom. The smaller rhododendron at the foot is 'Ebony Pearl' -




Back around to the front - this was taken along the side of the garden by the street - 


One more closer look at that inviting entrance -


Thanks again Shari and John - your garden is a treasure!


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. AnonymousMay 31, 2023 at 7:50 AM

    I went back to see the first post, from fall of 2020. I couldn't pick which season shows this magnificent garden best: it is spectacular in both, and I also love shade gardens.
    Photo 7 is a tapestry in green. I love it.
    Chavli

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  2. Kris PetersonMay 31, 2023 at 10:21 AM

    It's a beautiful and very serene garden. I could almost feel my blood pressure falling.

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  3. tz_gardenJune 3, 2023 at 8:15 AM

    What a beautiful garden, if I walked by that entrance I would want to peek inside!

    ReplyDelete

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