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Subject: Re: New gardener needs rose help
From: fireraven9@aol.com (Fireraven9)
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 00 09:00:07
Message-ID: <MOD$000617.1751@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$000607.23600@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



>Now I'm beginning to rejuvenate the yard to the best of my
>ability, and I have these sad rose bushes that are producing luscious
>blossoms, but have become very leggy and covered with black spot. I've been
>doing some reading about roses, and I'm wondering if it's ok to cut them way
>back at this time of the year, to try to re-shape the growth and get ride of
>the blighted sections. I'm posting to this group, as opposed to a rose
>newsgroup, because I'm really not interested in doing anything
>non-eco-friendly, like using poisons or herbicides.
>
>Thanks for any advice you may have.
>
>Katie

Cutting back to a third of the total height (in shrub roses) and removing old
and dead canes totally is a good start. This is often done in spring so the new
growth starts out right. The mildew you see on the leaves is made worse by the
lack of air circulation and the pruning will help with that. Give em coffee
grounds as a top dressing after pruning ... helps get good flowers and new
growth. Sounds like you have the right idea.

Blessings of the Midsummer Season!
Lee Corbin Fireraven9@aol.com
7200 feet Zone 5 & Sunset Z 2
5+ Acres of Forest & Meadow
Central New Mexico Mountains
Ponderosa,Pinion,Juniper,Oak!
TaigaSemiArid**90DaySeason
SoilPH-6.8to7-clay,sand,loam&
limestonewith2to3'freezedepth