How Deep? How High?

When it comes to planting roses, just because you dig a big hole, doesn't mean you put the rose at the bottom of it.

In mild climate the best height to plant a rose is with the bud union above ground. In cold climates roses are planted with the bud union below ground level so the soil helps protect the union from freezing. But that is not necessary in California. It is better to plant the rose higher so the bud union is exposed to sunlight - some think this encourages basal breaks. A definite advantage to planting with the bud union above ground level is it makes it much easier to determine whether new growth is coming from the bud union (basal canes) or below from rootstalk (suckers.)

When determining proper height to plant, remember due to settling of soil the rose will end up lower. Also after the addition of mulch the rose will be covered up more. With that in mind, I generally try to plant so the bud union is 1 - 2 inches above the soil level. The exact determination is dependent on the length of the shaft or trunk (the area between the roots and the bud union.)

-BRH

400+ volunteers prune 4,000 roses in 90 minutes

Wow what a successful Annual Pruning event in America's Best Rose Garden! Over 400 volunteers pruned 4,000 rosebushes in 90 minutes. All ages and abilities snipped and clipped. Our quick and easy method of "Pruning for Maximum Display" meant volunteers without previous experience could participate, and help get the job done.

Click here to watch the 3 minute video of highlights.

Thanks to all who participated. And thank you to our generous sponsors. The first 300 volunteers received a free bare root rose courtesy of Star Roses, over 200 Chinook books (value $20) were given to volunteers, and other prizes included (drumroll please, or should I say airhorn?) numerous pairs of San Jose Sharks hockey tickets plus parking passes (chomp! chomp!) and products from Dr. Earth organics.

Thank you San Jose Sharks, City of San Jose, Star Roses, Chinook Book, Summer Winds Nursery and Dr. Earth for your generosity.

And thank you to all our fabulous volunteers!

It's the Big Event - Annual Pruning plus prizes

Sharpen your shears and come on down to America's Best Rose Garden. It's the Annual Pruning of the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden on Sat., Jan 7th at 9 a.m.

Our Master Volunteers will demonstrate our quick and easy method of "Pruning for Maximum Display." This nontraditional or should I say "cutting edge" method makes fast work of pruning and produces big bushes with loads of blooms.

The first 200 volunteers will receive a FREE rosebush courtesy of Star Roses, and a Chinook book chock full of coupons and discounts courtesy of Summer Wind Nurseries. And there's more! Volunteers will be entered to win products from Dr. Earth and San Jose Sharks hockey tickets. Chomp! Chomp!

Bring shears and gloves if have them, some provided. All ages and abilities welcome. No advance registration is required, check-in at the registration table upon arrival. Must be present to win.

Annual Pruning of the Municipal Rose Garden
Sat., Jan. 7th from 9:00 am - 12noon
Located corner of Naglee & Dana Avenue, San Jose
Free parking

The forecast is for perfect pruning weather!

For more info www.FriendsSJRoseGarden.org