Now that the jet stream from the frigid north has visited the rose gardens of most of the country, the sickness known as "winter blahs" has set in, and rosarians clamor for something to occupy their time. Have patience, for Spring is not far ahead. Even in the dead of winter, there is no need for the rosarian to panic and resort to the life of a couch potato. In the rose world there is much to be done in winter if success is to be found come Spring.
Seizing upon the opportunity to become active in the cold days of winter ensures that roses in May will be of blue ribbon quality, and the grueling life of the rosarian will seem as a picnic. Let us review for a moment some of the things that spell success to the rosarian who plans for the future.
First. is the soil (the home of the rose bush) at its best as to fertility and pH? If not, winter is the ideal time to have soil samples tested. Never wait until canes start budding to perform this chore because it takes considerable time to adjust pH in soil. A Consulting Rosarian can provide source of sampling experts.
Second. Be sure that winter protection is in place and has not eroded due to heavy rains. Winterizing methods have been covered in recent articles, but a Consulting Rosarian can answer questions on this subject.
Third. Build a compost pile. Winter months are ideal for accumulating organic material used in composting. Several books on the subject of composting are available. Contact the American Rose Society or a Consulting Rosarian for expert advice on the subject.
Fourth. Be alert to new rose varieties being introduced. Study the various rose catalogs and place orders immediately with the rose companies. In reviewing the catalogs, don't rely solely on pretty pictures. Pay attention to what is written about the rose as to disease resistance, flowering ability, petal count, fragrance, etc. Inquire of Consulting Rosarians as to the record of performance of the respective variety. Most rosarians tend to wait and examine the bushes at local nurseries before purchase. This is an acceptable practice; however, thousands of bushes make their way to the rose grower via catalog purchasing. Waiting may result in your favorite variety being sold out. If you do order from a rose catalog, acquaint yourself with the steps employed in bare root planting. Most shippers provide this information along with the order.
Fifth. Examine rose equipment for wear and tear. Clean and sterilizer pruning shears and other equipment used in pruning. Oil shovels and metal tools that may experience rust. Check the condition of respirators and goggles. Be sure and replace filters and damaged equipment. Sprayers require maintenance if these are expected to perform in the growing season. Winter is the time to perform these tasks.
Sixth. Check on spray chemicals that are being held over. Be sure that these are not outdated as to shelf life. Dispose of old chemicals that are no longer effective. This should be done with care within the legal requirements of disposal. Be sure and store chemicals in an area that prohibits freezing.
Seventh. Carefully examine plants in the beds that are being carried over through winter months. If plant is diseased severely or is very weak in substance, dispose of it and plan for a new bush to be planted in its place. Be sure and remove all soil surrounding the old bush, thereby giving the new plant a healthy home to begin its growth cycle. To continue with weak plants is a waste of money and time.
Eighth. Utilize idle hours by reading some of the many books and articles on rose culture. The American Rose Magazine and Annual contains numerous helpful articles on rose growing. Local book stores have published works on roses, and local public libraries have books available for the reading public, free of charge. Visit web sites if a computer is available. The ARS and others, such as District Director Robbie Tucker's web site, www.rosemania.com, are valuable sources of information. Remember, the informed rosarian is most likely to visit the show table with award-winning roses.
Nine. Count your blessings and stop and realize that as, a rose grower, you are providing the public with God's most beautiful floral creation.
Ted W. Mills
ARS Consulting Rosarian and Judge