Stop and Smell the Roses

It's spring and all of us who have hibernated for the winter are now out and about. Front and backyards are being raked, seeded and weeded. And planted.

Climbing roses are so special and so easy. One planting can be nothing short of a show stopper.

We're not talking about just any climbing rose. We're talking about antique climbing roses. Not the kind you generally find at the nursery or your local Home Depot. Antique roses are roses that have been around for generations that are bred to withstand drought, bugs and other garden challenges. Our favorite place to buy climbers is the Antique Rose Emporium in Texas (http://www.antiqueroseemporium.com/)

Planting and maintaining these beautiful roses are really so easy and the result is nothing short of spectacular. We've had climbing roses grace every sunny spot in every home we've ever owned.

Roses can be ordered either bare root or potted. The potted is super easy. Decide where you want your climber to grow. Give it a space where there's at least 6 hours of sun, good drainage and room to grow UP and OUT. The only thing you'll have to do is make sure you have some plan in mind as to where the growing branches can find a home. A trellis of some sort is your best bet. Make sure you put up enough trellises. Don't buy just one of those measly trellises from your local home improvement store. One small rose plant will completely overwhelm it. Buy at least 3. Screw them into place. A climbing rose will not twine around a trellis on its own. You'll need to tie them to your support system.

Once the trellis system is up, dig your hole, mix in some compost, plant your rose, water and wait. That's the beauty of antique roses. They really are that easy. Rose roots need moisture (not soaking standing water, just moisture) and until they grow deep enough to get their moisture from the deep soil, make sure you water the soil around yours and keep it moist.

Our favorite antique climbing rose is Climbing Pinkie from the Antique Rose Emporium. It's a fast grower and prolific bloomer with a light scent. Just look at this 2 year old specimen from our former cottage in Texas.

posted by wheniwasyourage at 1:08 PM