All of these roses are ones that are destined to be planted in the garden ... gardens that I have already designed and/or prepped, but that I haven't had the time this year to actually plant. Because of this, these roses are having to spend the winter in their pots, in the greenhouse.
I spent the afternoon yesterday beginning the process of getting the roses into shape. I will tend to each of them, one-by-one, removing the weeds, topping off the potting soil, and trimming them a bit if necessary. It's a testament to the hardiness of roses that these have survived the neglect that they have endured for the past couple of years.
In a small section of the greenhouse, here are some of the roses that will become inventory at the nursery next spring. Roses in these little pots don't take up very much room, thank goodness. Production of nursery stock is not my primary focus this year, the way it has been in years past. Concentrating on the nursery roses, to the detriment of my own roses, has led to some heartbreaking losses in my collection of rare roses.
I have shifted gears this year, to get my own 'house' in order and to make this place the haven for rare roses that I imagine it to be. I hope to spend more time designing and planting gardens, and less time producing roses for the gardens of others. This should open up time and opportunities to teach more, to do programs and garden gatherings, to help others light the fire and become confident in their ability to grow roses.
This is what happened to me years ago. Someone took the time to teach me a little bit, to answer my questions and show me what to do, and this set me on the path that I follow today. 800+ roses later, it's still a wonderful ride ... even though it's a bit disorganized and shabby right now.
As I continue to spend sunny afternoons in the warmth of the greenhouse, sorting out the mess, things should get a little less shabby.
