A Noob's first post in Gardening Group...

[ZeitGuy]

We just moved into a cute little 1944 Cape Cod in the South Sound a year ago, and the garden was an overgrown jungle, ostensibly to resemble the lush English variety. My wife and I have whacked away at (thinning, not clearing) three rhododendrons, a pin oak (I think. Will post a photo later), a Pacific red cedar and various other trees to bring some light in. We have also inherited about 60 varieties of roses that I know jack about. No experience whatsoever with them, but they are pretty, and we wish to keep them around.

Any clues on how and when to prune? What wood to remove, what to leave? Is it okay to cut back now, or do I have to wait for the first early spring growth. Also, they were riddled with black spot this year, but we hate using pesticides.

Any help would be appreciated.

[XemaSab]

1. Welcome to DU and the Gardening Forum!

I am not a rose expert by any means, but this is my two cents.

Black spot is a systemic fungus that lives in the canes. Eventually it can kill the plant, but many plants are fine for a long time with black spot.

My understanding of black spot is that good air flow around the plants, keeping plants from touching, and not overhead watering roses helps prevent spread. Removal of infected canes is suggested.

I usually prune roses in January. I have completely whacked roses before and they came back fine, but if you have a LOT of roses you might want to get a book. I've also had good luck moving roses in Midwinter, so if they're not where you want them, you can often just pop them out and shuffle them around, but you'll have to cut off a lot of the top if you want to do that.

(I checked out your profile and laughed, by the way.)

Good luck!

[ZeitGuy]

3. Many thanks, and it's a pleasure to meet you.

I'll be checking in regularly. Right now, I'm off to plant a small Colorado blue spruce in my front yard.

[bvar22]

2. Hi, and welcome to the Gardening Group.

This group has been good therapy, especially during The Primaries. :scared:
I always knew I had a refuge of online sanity when GDP became too overwhelming.

I'm not from your part of the country, so I cannot offer any guidance, though several regulars are from your area, and they will probably be popping up soon. This group moves pretty slow, especially this time of the year, so check back in regularly for responses.

We also grow roses, but are far from knowlegable about them. We have planted the usual hybrids that can be found at the local outlets. They grow well here even when neglected, and provide beautiful flowers for most of the year. I don't think I've ever posted pix of our roses or other ornamentals. Our main focus is Fruits & Veggies, and most of our postings have concerned them.

Congratulations on the new digs, sounds beautiful.
I always love photos even though I'm on a slow Dial-Up, so please post 'em when you have 'em.

Bob & Kirsty
Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas
:hi:

[ZeitGuy]

4. Cheers, and greetings from the Pacific Northwest.

Only been through Arkansas one time in my life: to spend Thanksgiving with an Army buddy of mine whose family lived in Clarendon. That was in interesting trip, I can assure you.

Thanks for the reply. I'm sure we'll run into each other soon.

[Blue Gardener]

5. Check with your county extension office

They should have all kinds of information specific to your area. Might as well take advantage of a resource that is provided with your tax dollars!

[bluethruandthru]

6. Hi Zeit; Prune in late winter.

Pruning now would stimulate new growth that would be killed when it freezes. I'm originally from Western Washington and remember lots of freezing!
That being said, you can remove dead canes anytime. Blackspot thrives in humid climates so it may be tough to get rid of in your area. Be sure to clean up all the debris under the bushes. The blackspot will continue to spread from the fallen leaves.
After battling blackspot for years on many kinds of roses, I finally gave up and got rid of all my roses. However, once I found out about Knockout Roses and saw how well they did in my area, I got 8 of them and they are unbelievable! I've had them for a year and no sign of blackspot or any diseases. They are still blooming like crazy and look fabulous!
:hi:

[hippywife]

7. Don't know anything about roses

or even grow flowers, but wanted to welcome you to the Gardening Group. Lots of good folks, advice, and inspiration to be had here. :hi: