This pile is about 5'10" at its peak. We have about 34 roses in this area. You can see a few peaking out on the edges.

I am envious of the California rose growers this time of year. You live in rose nirvana.

Henrik

I am surprised you don't have more snow there, and am amazed at the green grass. What is the altitude?

I am in San Diego, Southern California, and some of my roses are already leaving out like crazy. Certainly caring for roses here is a piece of cake in comparison to your zone.

Hope spring gets to you soon!

Christina

I appreciate your comments.

This was the sunniest location in my yard so that is what prompted me to put most of my roses here. It also happened to be a place where the driveway snow could be piled on top of the roses all winter, so it was good for those reasons; it is a location to showcase my hobby for folks who take walks and can enjoy them.

The western U.S. rose gardeners are also fortunate because the lower humidity in most areas results in fewer disease issues. We have challenging issues for roses year around; many gardeners just regard roses as too difficult to grow here, cannot understand how to keep the disease off them, and don't bother with roses.

We have to weekly spray fungicides to keep them looking good. By keeping them relatively disease free they are more vigorous and far more likely to live through the next winter. I had several years of experience before I figured out how to grow them well and keep them alive for the next year.