An old classic
Posted by botanicalann
A funny thing happened while watching VICTORY GARDEN the other day. On this, my old PBS favorite, I got the idea of growing roses in barrels. The very episode from which I had gotten the idea was repeated. The episode had ICEBERG roses in old whiskey barrels lining a long driveway. I had wondered for a long time what to do on either side of my driveway. This was just the thing for a (semi )dramatic entrance to our home! I have had the roses here for many years now. Not all nurseries carry barrels, so a search may be in order. If you use a ceramic pot, you could have a problem as they do not last as long because of the weather. You would also need a very, very , very large pot!
As far as soil, I used packaged potting mix and compost. The good husband drilled several holes in the bottom of each barrel , placed them just so, and we planted them up. This makes for a very good drainage situation which means much water is needed.
Roses need a lot of watering anyway, in order to bloom. They are also heavy feeders. Later on, after the success with the ICEBERGS, I did THE FAIRY rose in another location. I guess the barrel protects them in the winter. They have always made it through. This is a great project and there are many roses that could work well. I think I could even call it an experiment. After all, isn’t all gardening just that?!
1 Comment
November 6, 2008 at 11:41 am
We often have request for the large oak barrels that you have in your garden. Stay tuned for Spring 2009, as Sugar Creek will stock a few. They make great planters as they are large enough to successfully over-winter shrubs and perennials. they are also safe to leave outdoors without the worry of cracking.