climbing shell plants

Gardening Tip:

Raising roses is like raising children – it’s a 365 days a year job! But just like children, there is a deep sense of satisfaction when you’ve cared for and nurtured them just right, and they blossom and flourish right before your very eyes. Follow this basic guide to four-season rose care, and you’ll be proud to show off your “children” in the garden! SPRING You should begin spring by preparing to bring your beauties out of hibernation. Remove winter protection as soon as danger of frost has passed. To protect them from pests and disease during the growing season, spray them with a lime-sulphur solution while they are still in the dormant stage. When growth buds begin to swell, prune to remove all dead wood, cutting the stems at a 45º angle. If a cane is green on the outside but brown on the inside, it’s dead wood and must be cut off. Prune stems and canes down to wood that is light green and cream colored in the center. Then trim weak canes growing in the center of the bush and cut all the strong canes to uniform height. Water thoroughly, soaking the ground 8-10” deep with a slow stream of water. Fertilize only after new growth is at least 6” long and the first buds appear. Treat your roses with a balanced dose of granular fertilizer at the beginning of the season. The most common rose mix is 15-15-15. Evenly sprinkle fertilizer in a circle around the base of the plant. Work it into the soil with a trowel or garden fork and water well. Mulch before the first blooming period to keep the soil cool and conserve moisture. Apply 2-3” around the base without touching the canes.


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