I can't wait to see my roses from Regan and Rosemania! The Brecks rose orders I received last year were excellent. Normally I take pictures of every order, but the Brecks orders were a late sale deal, (4 or 5 roses for $10!), and I was in a hurry to get them into pots. My 5 gallon pots weren't big enough for some, and I had to bump up to big Rubbermaid tubs. They were not as huge as Palatine plants (but nothing is..) but they were nicer than what I got from Austin or Edmunds or Wayside. Most likely they came from the same source as Wayside, but I believe they had better care in the cooler and during the packing and shipping process. Brecks' regular prices are so ridiculous that I never look at their ads. I've been burnt too many times by all the phony nurseries in that Gardens Alive chain, but some people on garden web posted pics of what they were getting, and I had to jump in.
So far, the Palatine roses I planted last fall are still alive. The green and growing potted roses from the California auction that I planted in late fall don't look so good. Two of them were trimmed by rabbits, but the part below ground is green still. One that looks pretty brown is Hi Ho. This is my 3rd time trying to grow that rose. I knew I was taking a chance planting them that late, and actually the weather has cooperated, so it's my fault this time if it doesn't pull through.
What do you all think about me adding mulch this late in the season? IF I pile it high on the canes, will it delay growth, or will it more likely just cause canker or other issues? Can I really stop mother nature with mulch? We have had too too many late freezes over the years for me to believe any of the new growth will survive. Our last frost date is normally April 11. Last freeze date is usually around end of March.
