Potting Up a Brand New Rosebush!

I am happy to say that I have a new rosebush! This forward little chap is the first of my collection of cuttings to sport a bud. Well! If it's old enough to begin the reproductive cycle already, it is certainly old enough for its own pot!

Starting Young! A Pink Mini Bud on a Young Cutting

Ready to Transplant

Below is the crowd of my cuttings that made it out of the baggies and into yogurt pots to continue their root development journey in an actual pot. At this stage there are no guarantees; already one of these deceptively robust fellows shriveled up and died. Obviously, this time in their lives may be fraught with danger.

Already a Standout Among the Crowd Shown Here on January 4th

However, I think I will have a few successes this year. Below, see how I have assembled my new rosebush, a scrubbed-in-bleach clay pot, and potting soil. It's a gorgeous sunny day and I am in the front yard IN SHORTS! (NOT shown!) It's hard to believe that it's January!

Assembled Equipment

I am pleased to see some solid rooting and a nice root ball holding together.

Plenty of Healthy Roots

A little gravel ( also washed in bleach) went into the pot first,  then a layer of commercial potting soil. The little  gal seems happy to stretch and breathe!

Getting Settled 

A  good outdoor soak of water with a shot of vitamin  B-1 solution, which is formulated for transplanting, and she's ready.  A nice, sunny south window will make a perfect spot for her to grow through the winter. In the early spring, I'll start taking her on day outings to harden her off.

In Her New home

The alabaster Bruce LaFountain sculpture, "Longing for Her Warrior" , though disdainful in general, seems to approve and be willing to share a spot on the antique chest for now.

The Bruce LaFountain Sculpture Approves

It is gratifying to have a brand new rosebush for the garden next spring!

(You May Click to Enlarge the Above Photos)

The Long Road to Spring

Rural School Bus Route Near Three Turkeys Canyon ~ Looking  Toward  Black Mesa

It's a long road to spring here. Rural roads go from being beautifully snow packed in the frozen days to become warming, melting mud bogs.

Road to Sawmill ~ Past Spider Rock, Canyon de Chelly

The cold ebbs and wanes slowly, then comes at us again with ferocious storms from the north or the west, making daily life and travel a painstaking process:

Highway 15 South of Burnside, Arizona, on our way to Flagstaff Arizona, December 31, 2010.  Only 120  Miles to Go!

Having a winter garden project, for me,  is essential. This fall I tried the Ziplock baggie method for rooting roses. I am very pleased with the project so far. (Please see my Propagation Project Page .) I originally had about 30 cuttings in baggies:

Cutting in Baggies

Roots Showing on Cuttings after 4-6 Weeks in Baggies

 It seems that just under half are going to make it; not a fantastic outcome but enough to keep me busy and excited.

Roots!

I'll Have Roses to Plant This Spring!!

I do love living in such a remote, quiet spot on the globe, whatever the inconveniences. With the darkest day of the year behind us now and my new roses growing their little hearts out for me in the living room, I can almost think, as did the beaming, simple Mr. Collins, carving and eating away at Lady Catherine De Bourgh's table, that perhaps, 'life could furnish nothing more'.
(You May Click to Enlarge the Above Photos.)