22,152 Garden Web Discussions | Roses
I am dying to try some roses on fort. From what I've read, it's just a much more robust root structure so it can push the scion to new levels. It's also preferred here in the south. There are a few nurseries that sell it, I will be trying to get there this winter. I actually have a fort plant in my yard. It used to be Touch of Class....
How interesting. Ann your posts seem to be sending me on google treks lately!
Here is a link that might be useful: A previous discussion of facination on GW
The same mulching I used in Fl., I now use it up here in N.E. GA. It's a little work in the spring but the results are fantastic. I get my pine needles from Lowes for about $3.50 a bale (then 10% discount for military vet). Oak leaves I get from me and both neighbors. I also use the oak leaves for winter protection in the garden.
I get shredded tree mulch from a local tree-service, they bring me truck-loads for FREE...and free is good! It's cheaper for them than paying at the land-fill....and they bring oak or pine, not junk stuff... I have a huge pile in my drive-way right now, waiting to be hauled off to my beds....sally
If a cane is exceedingly tall, like over 5 or 6 feet and sticks out above the majority of the rest of the plant, you could trim it down to the height of the rest of that bush. That way it won't blow around and possibly break over winter. But wait to do this until after the plant has gone dormant. Otherwise for any hard pruning it's best to do it in the spring.
I like snow, too. we walk the fine line of keeping them cold and not allowing them to freeze to death or rock to death in the drying winds, and to avoid the dreaded freeze/'thaw cycle. Always a gamble.
Snow is good, snow is very good. Wet heavy stuff isn't. Most winters, the ground doesn't freeze hard, or stay frozen for long here, that's why I don't recommend piling with soil. Your roses, your choice.