High Contrast Bouquets

I love mixing roses, perennials and annuals into big informal bouquets. In Denver I especially loved making arrangements that relied on the rich contrasts between blues, purples and yellows. Here are some pics with 'Persian Yellow' (Rosa foetida) being the yellow rose of choice. I forget which, but one was chosen to be on the cover of 'Colorado Gardener', but we just could not get the data density high enough to look good. Enjoy! John

Breeding Red Roses

'Oklahoma' own root in Tampa

"Fairmount Red" in Denver, photo by Michael Mowry

"Fairmount Red" own root in Tampa, Spring 2010

Today I picked a fat hip of ("Fairmount Red" X 'Oklahoma'). Since both are doing fine for me own root and all-organic in Water Wise Container Gardens even though this is Tampa, I can't but be hopeful about any seedlings that result. I just hope I GET seedlings....the last couple of years I've been cursed by miserable germination rates. IF these seeds sprout, I may see first blooms on seedlings in 2013 since "Fairmount Red" is a once bloomer. I'd love it if the best traits of rich color and intense perfume of both parents end up in a vigorous rose that thrives here. If "Fairmount Red" is what I have long suspected it is, 25% of the seedlings could be repeat bloomers. And because of this parentage, any desirable seedling resulting from this cross could be very cold hardy in snowy winter regions as "Fairmount Red" was totally immune to Denver winters.

Enjoy, John

"Restricted Drainage Container Gardening"

I am still making and using new versions of an early progenitor to my Water Wise Container Gardens.......Restricted Drainage Container Gardens. They are easy and a tightwad's dream.....scavenge large used commercial black plastic tree pots, draw a rolled up used plastic grocery bag, half way, through each and every drainage hole so that half of each extends outside the pot. Set it in place, pile mulch around the base to hide the bags, then fill the pot with the soil/compost mix of your choosing. Soak it DEEPLY by hand, repeat an hour later, apply 2 inches of free chipped tree trimming mulch, then plant, then hand water again. This approach DOES allow the soil to drain, but SLOWLY. The large soil surface allows for good oxygen flow to the roots, especially if you bury a few handfuls of dry dog or cat food then add some red wriggler earthworms. This approach has allowed me to grow Old Roses, broccoli, hot peppers, okra and more despite south Tampa's perennial lack of sufficient rain. I also like to pee in them plus give them kitchen graywater as sources of both water AND nutrients. John

Peek and You Shall Find

A few years back I found this charming metal birdhouse that just needed a minor roof leak repair and some spray paint, plus that large mechanized bird feeder that was pristine while dumpster diving/curbside scavenging. For years I've kept a Universe Wish List on my fridge door of things I want to see happen or for me to acquire....and more often than not, The Alley God, via dumpsters, curbsides and a fortunate life, blesses me with those wishes come true.

John

Training Rambling and Climbing Roses on Rebar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Qt8QavUR8

Roses From Seeds

I've been breeding roses since 1994 and am pleased to have a few, like 'Sarasota Spice' and 'Four Inch Heels' and 'Gold Blush' in limited commerce. I have a fun form of ADDHD and so am surprised at my patience with the process.....months for the hips to form after the hand-pollination, many months or even years of refrigeration before they sprout (I had to wait seven years to see the first bloom on my Hybrid Alba 'Brenda Mowery'), then waiting for the first bloom. It is a THRILL to see that first teensy bud forming on an often TEENSY rose seedlings just 1-2 months old (if it is a repeat-bloomer). Here are some pics of some of my "kids" when they were very young indeed. John

Rebar for Training Climbing and Rambling Roses

'Aviateur Bleriot'

'Aviateur Bleriot'

Video coming soon of rebar being used to train a young plant of 'Francois Juranville'. I buy 10 foot lengths of rebar, stand on a ladder and use a sledgehammer to pound them down three feet into the ground, then use strips of panty hose and speaker wire to train the new growth to the rebar. In a year's time, the rebar can no longer be seen. John