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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 ...

The Wet, Wet Garden


After worrying about the rain deficit (we were below normal for April), Mother Nature generously rewarded us with an abundance of rain this past week. I am not going to complain although I do wish it would skip my off-days.

Today (Saturday) is an especially wet day. I ventured out briefly and took a few shots. The plants grow so fast from the rain.









Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. Wow, it is so lush and colorful. Stunning!

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  2. Glad you got much-needed rain, but I do hate when it hits on Saturday! That’s work day, for sure.

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  3. I'm envious, Phillip! Your garden looks lush. Our rainy season is effectively over, although there's a slight chance of rain tonight but the forecast is 0.01/inch :(

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  4. Oh so lovely. Still waiting and hoping on a few things here. Yours look grand. Cheers, Phillip.

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  5. Your garden looks so lush for all that rain Philip. I understand the disappointment of not being able to get outside comfortably to do work in the garden.

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  6. Wow, Phillip! Your garden is beautiful, I agree with all the others calling it lush. Magic rain and all your work. I love the pic with the grass path, how gorgeous.

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