Now and Then



I don't know what it is about pruning roses, but at this time of the year it's perhaps the singularly most positive outside activity I find myself doing during the depths of winter.
At a time when there really ain't much happening dan le jardin, It feels good to get back outdoors and thoughtfully take steps to shape and rejuvenate things- I get something of a 'lift' as I cut back each branch or stem and with milder temperatures (forecast for fifteen degrees centigrade this weekend) spring doesn't feel far.

Rose 'Golden Showers' which grows against the cattle barn's gable end is definitely a pruning labour of love. I find it almost hard to believe she'll look like this come early Summer.



She who remains nameless, just by the front door, gets cut back hard. Frequently this rose attracts powdery mildew so a merciless chop helps to re-invigorate .



This is the least cared for rose I grow. She never gets watered unless it rains and even then, being under the eaves and thus in a rain shadow, rather less than all around her. She gets one handful of feed at the beginning of spring, not easy to scatter around as she literally grows through a gap in the terrace about ten centimetres in diametre and yet she does this,



which I find remarkable all things considered. Blooms like these, no fuss.

Comments

  1. Oh my goodness! Your roses brightened my dreary day! Carla

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  2. Great to see your now and then photos Rob . What growth roses manage in a few months. It sounds as if it is positively warming up in your neck of the woods. Some how methinks that I will not be pruning roses here this weekend :) 'She Who Remains Nameless' is a beauty. Is she scented ?

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  3. Wow! Is Golden Showers really all one rose? I have a couple of climbers I'd like to see get that big; they're supposed to be screening off the view of the neighbors.

    I wish I knew what Nameless is- she's beautiful. I'm assuming that Nameless is nameless because you just don't know...

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  4. So gorgeous! I love the barn too...all so pretty:) I've one beautiful rose bush left of about 12, over the years I've lost too many to my lack of care. Yours are just beautiful!

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  5. Isn't it amazing how each stem, branch, & cane tells you EXACTLY where it needs pruning?

    A delightful conversation amongst you & your rose.

    Very personal.

    Add that up in years, this 1 tiny aspect of gardening, and no wonder we adore our gardens.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  6. Oh My!! Can you hear my exclamations of joy! How gorgeous! How nice for you that spring is not far. It is very far away from where I sit. Your roses and photographs and your home!!! are all stunning. Lovely post Rob!

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  7. Rob, your roses are magnificent.

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  8. Just beautiful roses! I love the shots of how it looks at different times- inspiring.

    Happy almost spring!

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  9. Your beautiful "Golden Showers" is just picture perfect when in flower.
    It's the perfect rose for growing on the wall

    "All Things French"

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  10. They are such beauties Rob, and given their return don't need that much care.

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  11. Ha I pruned our roses here in the UK yesterday, I thought I was a bit late but.... Love the difference of the two photos between summer and winter. Diane

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  12. Pruning... very therapeutical:-)

    I'm looking out my windows at the profuse snowing, while pondering on your whereabouts.... It's not THAT far, but still it seems like another continent in winteritme:-)

    Have a nice weekend, greetings from Stockholm and Hillevi.

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  13. The colour of your photos are so uplifting for me while I sit indoors looking at the snow. The yellow rose is magnificent.

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  14. Beautiful. We are heading to France this year I cannot wait!! Your blog is making me more excited to visit!!

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  15. Mmm, they all look lovely Rob!
    If it ever stops raining here I might get some work done in the garden! :)

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  16. Work that pays with abundant rewards. The roses are so beautiful (and it also helps to have gorgeous French stone buildings, too)!

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  17. Do I love this post! Indeed I do, Rob. The second shot of sunburst yellow feeds my winter soul. Thank you.

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  18. I can't imagine a more perfect garden than the one of your photos here. I think I can smell the roses!

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  19. These photos have me anxious for spring to arrive! I got my few rose bushes pruned last month - just in time for the rain.

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  20. Such a beauty, that last rose of yours! It is amazing where things will come up, and even more amazing how they do better than the ones we tend to!

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  21. Can you believe something can be so beautiful and make you just smile. ROSES, nothing else like em!

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  22. Your roses are just fabulous! Love the before and after photos. I've awarded you the Stylish Blogger Award - you can visit Garden Sense to learn more, if you'd like. If you'd rather not participate, no problem. But I hope more people will discover your great blog!

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  23. I've just discovered that you were a new follower of my blog : thank you ! I've done the same thing, your garden is really beautiful.

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  24. très belles photos
    mp
    le jardin boultois.

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  25. I admire and covet your beautiful roses!

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  26. I have so much respect for the rose that somehow struggles through a crack, doesn't get much food, but somehow explodes in glorious, heart-stopping blooms.

    Give her more food, a good talking to, and give her some respect! She deserves it!

    All joys,

    Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

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