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cookiebakr · Posted: Sat May 19, 2007 6:27 pm Post subject:

I can prove that...years ago my brother and I were having a watermellon seed spitting contest and the seeds fell in the garden. At the end of the summer we had a few small watermellon growing in the garden. They came in too late in the season to be good though.

Sheryle
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Frank · Garde Manger Chef Joined: 03 Dec 2006 Posts: 43

Hey Kitchensqueen...maybe you can help me.
It sounds like you know alot about roses. We have a rose bush...let me give you the history before I go any further:
My wife's mother passed away last spring and someone sent the family a rose bush. My sister-in-law planted it in their yard, but they they've since moved to Texas. Before they moved (in February), they dug up the rose bush, put it in a bucket and brought it to my house.
It started to bud in the garage so they tolds us as soon as the last frost was past, we needed to plant it in our yard. We did this. We used Miracle Grow soil especially for flowering plants and kept it watered. Problem is, it looked like it was starting to die. I've been using Miracle Grow Rose food and now it looks to be making a rebound. It looks healthier and stronger.
What can I do to keep this rose bush growing stronger and bigger so it takes firm root and survives. Obviously it has great meaning to us all and we want to save it.
Please give me any thoughts you have.
Thanks.
Frank
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auntiEM · Garde Manger Chef Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 52

This is perhaps on the patio rather than off the patio but if you want some herbs growing for easy access, purchase a large terra cotta pot, add good potting soil that drains well, and plant 5 or so herbs. In a small amount of space you have herbs ready to pick and use daily in cooking adventures.

I know you are more of a caker than cooker; that is okay. You don't have to cook with them. Just have them present to sniff on your patio. Thyme and curry absolutley fill the senses with pleasure. Parsley and chives are both good for snipping and using for garnish, if nothing else. Sage is great to dry and have ready to use for the holiday turkey and dressing. Basil is great to use in a great tomato salad with a spash of olive oil.

The possibilites are endless and it is so much fun to grow fresh herbs. People are impressed when you walk out the back door, snip some herbs, and toss up a fresh side dish or salad. You can have a great time cooking and impressing your friends with your culinary talents. Smile

Enjoy
Emily

kitchensqueen · Chef Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 186 Location: Chicago

Frank, it sounds like your rose was just suffering from transplant shock since it has started to rebound. Do you know what type of rose it is? In most types of roses, old canes will die off and this is a natural part of the rose's life cycle. How does it look now? If the canes are looking green and strong (not brittle, brown or spots from disease) you are headed in the right direction.
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Frank · Garde Manger Chef Joined: 03 Dec 2006 Posts: 43

I'm not sure what type of rose it is.
I really hope it was just transplant shock. The canes were starting to turn brown, but now they're turning more green starting from the bottom up. The tops are still brown, though.
Should I be pruning now or wait until fall? I'm hearing all kinds of different advice on the subject, and of course, it all conflicts.
Thanks for the help and advice so far, please keep it coming.
Frank
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kitchensqueen · Chef Joined: 01 May 2007 Posts: 186 Location: Chicago

Definitely sounds like transplant shock if it's still greening up. You will want to prune in the fall, but variety will determine whether you prune old canes over a few years ago or old canes just a year old. If you can post a photo, I could try to help you identify it. I'll also look through my book collection (my gardening reference book collection is huge) and see if I can recommend a good rose care book to you.

Does it have flower buds yet?
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Frank · Garde Manger Chef Joined: 03 Dec 2006 Posts: 43

It had flower buds, but they all fell off after transplant. There is a new one sprouting today.
I'll try and post a picture.
Thanks for all your help.
Frank
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grammie · Commis Chef Joined: 02 May 2007 Posts: 24

Kitchenqueen... great suggestions. I'm am officially the worst gardener in the world. My neighbor on the other hand is the best so I get him to come over and give me some tips when he's not busy.