Alkalinity does not discourage blackspot in roses. It WILL encourage chlorosis. Roses generally prefer a soil pH that is acidic, NOT alkaline. Comparing the correction of a misstatement to the Thought Police is unfair. Evoking that emotional response, however, could serve the purpose of making people think twice before pointing out those errors. I just find the "logic" provided to be so....illogical. Soil should be alkaline because citrus fruits cause mold and your cabbage proves it because of baking soda? Good lord, if we haven't talked enough on here about throwing cake ingredients all over our foliage. If Kate or I came here & said that insecticides increase healthy bee populations on our blooms, IN OUR BACKYARD, would everyone nod or would someone's head explode? Made me laugh, indeed. Back to the question in the original post-- I've never heard of or done root pruning, but then I don't have any roses growing in pots. I know there are quite a few folks here who DO successfully grow roses in containers. I know that mini's would be quite lovely in pots and it is possible to find some that have scent. Hopefully a couple of the folks that containter-grow their roses will chime in soon. I know the 2 biggest questions are usually: Which rose are you trying to grow in a container(answered), and What size is your container?

From one Sharon to another. You mean you bought your first of MANY cannas. Now your hooked girl. LOL

Welcome to the world of cannas. I hope others might make recommendations for their source but you need to delay any purchase until late winter/early spring (your area). In your area you will need to provide freeze protection for cannas. They are not to be treated as perennials in zone 5. If your aunt lives in your area she might provide necessary information (assuming she was growing cannas). If you have questions; do a search for winter storage. Beware of purchasing cheap cannas anywhere due to virus disease issues. You might be quite surprised how many rhizomes you will have by the end of the growing season. If you are successful at overwintering your rootstock you could have at least 5 times the number of viable divisions next spring as you started with. I am not trying to throw a wet blanket over your enthusiasm but simply uttering a word of caution. From your photo, your cannas appear to be healthy and I simply want you to enjoy your canna experience. The above comments may be well known to you but after seeing the photos on your blog I noticed that most plants were perennials. Congratulations on your first home; and a great start (lots of work)! Kent

Thanks everyone.....Yes Jan its not Photobucket, its GardenWeb some problems so its back to the old way..... Bev your Canna's come up really well in my garden....................Thanks TG it is very rewarding and that is a nice pink blush to it, so delicate looking ........Cheers....MM.