Columbus Park of Roses volunteers will “spring into action” on Saturday, March 19th to prune thousands of rose plants. Park volunteers and members of the public are invited to help Columbus Recreation and Parks Department staff with this annual chore. People will gather in the volunteer office (in south end of shelter house) at 8:30 a.m. and light refreshments will be available. Everyone is advised to dress according to the weather, since work will continue unless it is raining. A last minute weather call will be made by 7:30 am on Saturday. Participants can call 614-592-4492 after that time if the weather is uncertain.

This 3 hour event marks the beginning of the active volunteer year that continues through mid-September and concludes with the fall cutback in late November. Weekly volunteer groups will start working in April. For more information on volunteering, click here.

Many people have questions about when, how and why to prune roses. It’s simple, once you understand some key concepts.

When: You need to know what type of rose you will be pruning before you start. Prune shrub, hybrid tea and most other modern roses for the first time in the spring (in central Ohio, late March or early April). These roses bloom on new wood, produced in the current growing season. DO NOT prune climbing roses in the spring- you will prune the flowers off, because climbers produce buds on last season’s (old) wood. Wait until the plant has bloomed the first time before pruning back for shape and thinning out crossing canes. If you know from experience (or the rose’s name) that your climber is a repeat bloomer, try training the canes in lateral rather than vertical positions- more new side shoots will develop in this position That’s where the the new buds will appear.

How: There are many good visual references on the details of pruning different roses. This University of Illinois tip sheet has good general information. David Austin English roses are a wonderful combination of the colors and scents of the old heritage roses, with the repeat blooms and hardiness of modern roses.

Why: This blog lists the benefits of careful rose pruning and why certain steps are important.

Even if you are not able to come to the spring pruning this Saturday,when you walk through the park and see staff gardeners or volunteers working, please feel free to ask questions. Whether about pruning, or growing or different varieties, we are always happy to share information with our visitors.