Out of Hibernation & Bare Root Roses

*Stretchhhhhhh* The deep slumber the ground has been under gives way to the song birds and warming days. We are nowhere beyond winter; but, the hope of spring is upon us as snow quickly melts and flowers begin to attempt emergence from rest well deserved after a season of production. Here we've been going in every other direction due to loss of work time and preparing for some big changes that have occurred during the winter: such as preparing for a possible move because of work and the loss of a dear mentor and friend. God has really been working lately and I'm excited to see each month pass on to new possibilities in my life.

I've thought of the blog often, yet winter does not provide much material that is substantial for anyone's enjoyment. Today that changes! After a beautiful and warm day here in the mountains, following two heavy snow fronts, I needed to get motivated for the season ahead. Last summer I ventured more into plant propagation via cuttings; I rooted many hydrangeas, wigelia, and a few roses and other specimens. Earlier in the winter I covered the small cuttings with pine straw for protection and with hopes of them growing back. While working with the cuttings were easy I had little luck with most of the roses. The past few weeks, between snows, stores have begun to stock bare-root roses. Bare-root roses are a great option because of the price being much cheaper than grown stock. One local discount store has a large selection  priced at 2 for $7 and these are grade 1.5, which is not great, but cheap. One draw back with the cheaper rose grade 1.5 is the chance rose mosaic virus which is said to be common with cheaper stock. It's okay to spend less and see what happens, it's more exciting and challenging that way. Home Depot also has a quite a small, but healthy selection of grade 1 roses for less than $10. I'm willing to chance it and see how the 1.5's grow, you know when you've been nearly plant-less for a few months you'll do anything. So here is the rundown of my attempt to grow bare root roses.

'Tropicana' Hybrid Tea Rose

• 4-6 Feet Tall with Bush Shape
• Coral-Orange Double Tea Blooms
• Introduced in 1960 & Non-Patented
• Super Fragrant

Soak in cool water for 12-24 hours. These have more leaf buds because I brought this inside to protect from the 8+ inches of snow and negative temperature.

A few new roots *yay*

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One Week After Planting

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One month after purchase and many nights covered in blankets.

'Lowell Thomas'

'Tropicana"

Beauty unfurling