Thanks, Lyn, I found it:
http://garden.org/thread/view_...
>> "I never put manure or compost in the planting hole. The feeder roots of a rose are in the top 6 to 10 inches. If you put the manure and compost in the bottom of the hole, the rose won't use it because it only has anchor roots down there. With manure deep in the planting hole, you are taking a chance of damaging the roots with "salt burn". "
That's a very good point. I use compost by reflex, to loosen heavy clay, because "heavy clay" is all I've ever grown in. Since I can't make enough compost, I've settled on a bagged product that is composted manure. I'll look for something else to loosen the deeper soil, like bark fines.
>> I always do a perk test on every planting hole because we can get 50 inches of rain in one season. If the hole doesn't drain, at least over night, the chances of having root rot after a very rainy winter are much, much higher.
I agree that in slow-draining soil, you NEED to assure drainage or the planting hole becomes a mud hole and roots drown.
>> I do use manures and compost on top of the planting holes along with mulch.
My friend has warned me that these plants will mostly have to thrive or die on their own, with minimal care from her. Fortunately, she has a mild climate, and the rains are very seldom heavy. More like drizzle 8-9 months each year!
But I can spread compost and mulch when I visit. My main concern is that she won't water them enough during their first few months. My compensation for that was to buy plants int he biggest pots I could find, hoping the roots have almost filled the pots (they look like 2 gallon pots or more).
>> "Grow roots the first year."
That's what I'm hoping has already occurred.
