Greetings sweet_pea - I am pretty new to this forum! - I have been growing miniature roses and other roses for a while, BUT just from reading the posts there are far more knowledgeable people than I. Also, some people tend their roses more carefully than I do, I just do what I think more or less as basic care. Soooooooo: 1) Don't be intimidated by what seems to be complicated rose care. I may be wrong, but I am going to guess that the roses you inherited are probably some basic hybrid teas or climbers that the "average" homeowner plants, and maybe fertilized every now and again (that's what I inherited from a previous owner). Although possibly you inherited some real gems if the former owner was a gardener, and it really is worth bringing neglected bushes back most of the time. You won't really know until they get a little care and flower, unless you can identify the bushes - did the previous owners leave any plant markers behind? 2) There are various opinions on pruning and when, but I follow what seems to be standard advice - this time of year don't prune at all unless you are taking off dead growth. Also, your climber/rambler is handled differently than a bush! Pruning encourages new growth, which is soft, so leave that until spring. In the spring, when the buds swell, is when you shape the bush. Here is a link on spring pruning for "bush" roses: http://www.rosemania.com/Basic_Pruning.htm Some folks living in high wind areas will shorten really long canes if they are whipping around in the winter wind. For climbers, here is a link on pruning: http://www.rosebuddies.com/prun_climb.html. I am not sure what to do with a rambler (if that is what you have) My best guess though, is whatever "climber" you have, if the plant is doing well and you are in doubt about pruning - don't! Also don't fertilize until spring, as again you want the bushes to go dormant and get a rest, and not produce new growth. But always cut off dead canes, they are not going to come back after all (: 2) Winterizing - for me, I just follow what seems to be standard advice - AFTER the first hard freeze I mulch 4 inches thick. The point is to maintain the ground temperature Some people don't winter protect at all, others in severe areas use rose cones and other kinds of protection. In the spring, you can cut back winter-killed canes to healthy wood. In any event, it sounds like your bushes have been living through everything up to now. 3) Fertilizer - well, there are all kinds, but if you Miracle_gro in spring, again after the first flowers or flush, and once more mid-summer, you can get by. I never fertilize after September. That's the most basic care - roses are heavy feeders and appreciate dressings of compost, fish meal, banana peels dug into the ground, fish heads in the ground, mushroom compost, coffee grounds, through the growing season - you may fall in love with roses as we all do, and the more care you give, the more they respond. A lot of the folks here have really interesting fertilizers and you can learn a lot. 4) I've read a lot and there are books that contradict one another, but for beginners I think the Ortho (as in the pesticide) book on roses that you can get in most bookstores and at Home Depot is a good start - easy to read and completely illustrated, and not too expensive - of course, if you search the Net there are lots of articles to sort through. My best quick advice - there will be more for you to do in spring and summer starting with the spring pruning, and come back to the forum often!

Very nice looking tree. Lycheesonline has some good info on lychee pruning. They mention pruning is crucial to the next year's blooming/fruiting. I would cut several good inches back on each branch to a point where the branch is very sturdy. Believe me, once you do this, the tree will go crazy with all kinds of new growth. Also a good opportunity to shape the plant to your liking. I am a firm believer in harsh pruning. My 2 cents.

Plums don't need as much pruning as apples, pear etc. and they don't need to be made into a vase shape. They manage pretty well with just keeping them tidy ie removing crossing and damaged branches. I don't know about the US but over here stone fruit (plums, cherries etc) are pruned when in growth, not when dormant, because this reduces the risk of silver leaf disease. But maybe you don't have that problem. This link pretty much covers it although the information about diseases is regionally focused.

Hi Karen, I remember you from my other post regarding the roots sticking out of the bottom of my pot :) I've had this plant for about 5 years now, it's never been as full and lush as when I first bought it, just losing leaves and the vine getting more bare every year. It only recently started having good growing seasons and even blooming for me in the past couple years, due to better lighting in a new apt and more humidity since I leave the window open most days weather allows (I do have a pebble tray but unsure how much it actually helps). The middle #2 stem is what made me think to prune it. Since the vine itself is pretty bare between the other two actively growing stems, I thought pruning the dead/weak stem would help revitalize overall growth or help to stimulate growth on the main vine itself, but this is all speculation on my part. As you said I've been happy leaving it be thus far, especially since it is blooming and I realize what a blessing that is alone! I will take the advice on this thread and try posting to other forums as well. I'm also in nyc so if you want to try finding one to try again, I purchased mine at a shop (albeit it was 5 years ago) on 28th street between avenues 6 and 7 in manhattan. That whole block is all plant shops (faux and real) and when I used to work in the area I visited often to see what was new. Maybe they still have some stephs for you :)