Rose Reader

yet rarely receives the necessary equal attention. With garden roses, pruning is best by means of shearing and shaping, as the rose is essentially molded to fit the size and scale of the surround- ing plants in the garden. For shrub or bush roses in a mixed border, as hedges, or simply as specimens, shap- ing the rose is all the pruning that is necessary save for occasional removal of the dead or damaged canes. Use shears and cut the shrub rose back, shaping it in a form that conforms to its use or placement in the garden. The desired effect is achieved by re- ducing the size of the rose relative to the other plants so the proper scale of the rose in the garden is maintained. For repeat blooming roses, this form of pruning always increases the amount of bloom and encour- ages new growth. This can be done not only in early spring before the onset of new growth, but late in the spring after the first bloom and then again in the early fall. Roses grown in colder regions-zone 4, 5 and 6- may find that spring pruning is all that is needed due to the shorter growing season. If you wish to enjoy the color and texture of rose hips (the fruit of the rose) then avoid shearing your roses after their bloom in spring and sum- mer. Roses reward the gardener with another bloom typically 4-6 weeks after pruning. For cascading roses, thin to empha- size the natural grace and beauty of the arching branches. Do not shear or cut back the same way you would do upright shrubs as it destroys the graceful habit of these roses. Training Climbers Climbing roses need some form of support whether they are placed against a wall, fence, or trellis. In fact, as beautiful and inspirational as

A several inch layer of mulch ap- plied 2-3 times a year insures fewer weeds, contributes to less water and heat stress, makes for a richer, more fertile soil and healthier plants. We use coarse bark on our beds, but pine needles, leaf mulch or any weed free organic material will do the job.

Rose Care Preparing Rose Beds These roses can perform even in poor conditions, but will be their lovely best if planted in a favorable site with rich, well drained soil.The best place to locate a garden with roses is in an open area that receives at least six hours of direct sun daily and allows good air movement. Soil preparation will make a great difference in the health and long term vigor of your roses. Adding a quantity of compost to the bed be- fore planting will both enrich a sandy soil and break up a heavy clay soil to allow proper drainage. Mulching & Watering We sincerely believe mulch is the key to happiness- at least in the garden!

Rose varieties that have survived for many years are usually drought toler- ant, but your plants will look much better in your garden if they get a good soaking every 7-10 days.This is much better than a frequent light wa- tering which encourages the roots to grow near the surface where they are more vulnerable. Deep watering will encourage your roses to hold their foliage and bloom better in the sum- mer months. A soaker hose or drip irrigation works especially well to minimize water loss through evapo- ration and to keep the rose leaves dry. Pruning Roses Pruning, shaping and thinning estab- lished roses is equally as important as planning, planting and cultivating,

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