Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 2016)
Wednesday, June 1, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Miniature roses deserve major attention By Kym Pokorny Correspondent CORVALLIS, Ore. — Small in stature but large on looks, miniature roses can make a major presence in the garden. “They make wonder- ful landscape plants,” said Kathrine Johnson, an Oregon State University Extension Service master gardener since 1998. “They flower big-time all season long.” Often wrapped in foil and sold as gifts, miniature roses grew a reputation as house- plants. In fact, she said, these diminutive plants require six hours of full sun and good air circulation, so indoor living doesn’t agree with them. “Don’t think minia- ture roses are tender,” said Don’t think miniature roses are tender. — Kathrine Johnson Johnson, past president of the Portland Rose Society. “They’re a hardy rose and can live in temperatures as low as 10 degrees. You just mulch them well like any other type of rose.” Though most often falling in the 12 to 24 inch-range, miniature roses grow as small as 6 inches and as tall as 4 feet. Climbers reach up to 5 feet. A better way to recog- nize them is by the tiny flow- ers and proportionately small foliage. The blooms mimic the hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora flowers of standard roses and come in single, semi-double, double and clustered blossoms. The colors are just as vast. “They are literally just a smaller size of your normal roses,” Johnson said. Their size makes minis ideal for containers, a desir- able characteristic for patios and balconies. But the tiny- flowered plants shine in the ground, where they easily take a main role at the front of a flower bed, edging a walk- way or at at the base of taller plants. When it comes to caring for miniature roses, Johnson Let kids explore in the garden photo provided Miniature roses have a major presence in a garden. recommends the following regimen: • Site them in as much sun as possible. Just like standard- size roses, they’ll languish in less than six hours. • Feed approximately every four weeks during the growing season, discontinu- ing about two months before the average first frost date. Use a water-soluble or liquid fertilizer. • Water frequently since their roots don’t grow as 19 deep. • Prune in late February by taking out any dead, diseased or damaged canes. Cut the rest back by half. If you have a lot of plants you can just use hedge shears. • Mulch in winter with leaves or compost. The OSU Extension Service provides a variety of gardening information on its website at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/community/ gardening. CORVALLIS, Ore. — When grubby little hands grip your pant leg as you head for the garden, put them in the soil and they may dig up a lifetime of learning and pleasure. “One of the keys to get- ting kids interested in garden- ing is to get them engaged,” said Joy Jones, Oregon State University Extension Service master gardener coordinator in Tillamook County. “Let them explore what catches their attention, espe- cially small children.” Stimulating a child’s imagination can be as simple as filling a dishpan with dirt, passing them a hand lens and letting them delve into the world that lives underground, she said. If it’s gross, so much the better. “They love that,” she said with a laugh. When teaching kids about gardening, Jones watches them blossom. BANR ENTERPRISES, LLC CONSULT | CONSTRUCT | COMPLETE CLEARING • EARTHWORK • GRADING • UTILITIES • ROCK WALLS ON-SITE SCREENING TO REMOVE ROCK & WOOD DEBRIS RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR We listen. We build what you want on time and on budget. Quality: Start to fi nish. SISTERS 541-549-6977 TUALATIN 503-692-5305 WWW.BANR.NET SCOTT@BANR.NET | CCB: 165122 BANR BANR Enterprises, LLC is a locally owned and operated company with over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. The range of expertise they provide allows customers to come to them with a chal- lenge and know that together they will find a solution. BANR responds promptly to inquiries and gets the job done right — and right on time. That’s why they receive the majority of their work from repeat custom- ers and referrals — clients who know they will receive exceptional service, reliability and product. BANR has built long-term relationships with sub- contractors who are like part of the company. It’s all about the people doing the work — and the people they’re doing the work for. BANR’s owners are native Oregonians who have set down roots in Sisters, which will become their headquarters, giving folks in Sisters a local company that has statewide reach — and hometown values. SPA CLEANING & MAINTENANCE With an artist’s eye and a craftsman’s skill... Tool & Garden Sheds • Custom Decks & Stains Home Repair/Maintenance • Moulding & Trim Work 541-771 • 5778 Serving the Sisters area with integrity, service and quality. 541-410-1023 | www.aquaclearspas.com Licensed, Bonded, Insured • CCB# 177412
